Kiteboard, windsurf, listen to bluegrass and toast the day with a local craft brew on the banks of the scenic Columbia River Gorge in this historic city.
Outdoor recreation enthusiasts, wine aficionados and music lovers flock to waterfront Stevenson, Washington, on the northern bank of the Columbia River. Find land and water adventure in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, close to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount St. Helens.
Visit the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum to learn about the Ice Age floods that carved the 80-mile (130-kilometer) gorge. Check out the diesel train and Native American long house, which reveal the region’s natural history and industry. The Stevenson Community Library contains a wealth of travel information, maps and historical information.
Stop at Teo Park for a picnic, Bob’s Beach for kite flying or Pebble Beach for kayaking. If you’re not a watersports expert, but want to see others in action, take a picnic to East Point Beach, where you can watch impressive kiteboarders take on the whitecaps.
Venture outside the city to drive, walk or bike across the striking Bridge of Gods, the toll bridge linking Washington and Oregon over the mighty Columbia River. Head to Bonneville Lock and Dam, one of several lock systems and impressive engineering feats along the waterway.
Explore Stevenson’s natural attractions, including hiking at Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Dog Mountain, Fall Creek Falls and more. The unique monolith for which nearby Beacon Rock State Park is named offers one of the area’s most popular trails. The rock is the core of an extinct volcano. Hike to the top in about 1 hour for impressive river and gorge views.
Back in town, with your appetite stimulated from all that outdoor activity, dine heartily at Stevenson’s award-winning brewpub, fine restaurants and other casual eating spots. Accompany a meal of local farm-to-table fare with wine from the region’s newest appellation or a nationally recognized craft beer.
Travel to Stevenson in under an hour from Portland, Oregon, or Vancouver, Washington, or about 4 hours from Seattle.
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