Tasting Tour

#1 |From your home for the night, head off to Walking Man Brewing to experience the first micro-brewery in the Columbia River Gorge. Their brewpub has been rated amongst the best in Washington State and their brews have garnered many awards including a World Beer Cup Gold Medal for their flagship, Walking Man IPA. As a pioneer of independent craft beer of the region, Walking Man began brewing in 1999 and opened the pub in 2000. They have maintained a commitment to traditional brewing practices; each batch is lovingly stirred by hand, utilizing open-top fermentation to preserve the integrity of the craft. Enjoy their spectacular dog-friendly beer garden or cozy up inside with a pint. Loyal fans, beer enthusiasts, Columbia Gorge travelers and friends gather here to enjoy the beauty of the region, delicious brews, pub fare and artisan pizza.

Did we mention the beer? With ten rotating taps pouring, you’re sure to find one to satisfy your thirst. Their tap list includes time-honored classics including Homo Erectus Imperial IPA, Pale Strider Pale Ale and Cherry Stout as well as rotating fresh new recipes for each season. They also offer regional wines, hard cider, NA beer and more.

If your visit to Skamania County falls during the summer months, Walking Man offers live music every Thursday evening from 6-8pm on their outdoor patio stage. They also host a variety of events from fall to spring, including their Anniversary Celebration on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day. The brewpub is open year-round: Wednesday & Thursday 3-9pm and Friday through Sunday 12-9pm.

#2 | Wake up to the sun rising over the Columbia River and find yourself in paradise, Washington style. The day is perfect for Columbia River Gorge wine tasting so fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Big River Grill. Walk the two blocks to the bright orange house and sit out on the deck, enjoying the river view again while planning the day’s activities.

#3 | Begin and end your wine tasting sojourn in Skamania County, east of Stevenson. First stop is AniChe Cellars in Underwood, just 20 minutes down State Route 14. AniChe Cellars is a small family winery located in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. The all-female winemaking team creates wines honoring the European tradition of blends, with a Washington State sense of terroir and style. The winery offers expansive views of the Columbia River Gorge and incredible wine, each named after a literary character. Flights feature food pairings to complement their balanced and food-friendly wines. Dogs and kids are welcome.

#4 | Drive back down Cook-Underwood Road to State Route 14 and continue east, traveling over the White Salmon River to Bingen and White Salmon. Pick up lunch to go at Nativ Cafe in White Salmon and head to the Chamberlain Lake Rest Stop just past Lyle for a picnic lunch with views that never end. Open up one of the bottles you purchased at AniChe to enhance your lunch made of locally sourced products. (Remember to thank your designated driver who is keeping everyone safe on this outing.)

#5 | Just a few miles further east on State Route 14, you will approach the small town of Lyle. Turn left and head up Old Highway 8 to Domaine Pouillon, a winery rooted in the winemaking traditions of the Rhone Valley. They produce wines driven by climate, cuisine, and a passion for all things French. You are invited to sample their award-winning wines, stroll through the Demeter-certified vineyard and play a round of disc golf. Treat yourself to an old-world winery experience with Alexis and Julia.

The Columbia Gorge AVA includes 90 plus vineyards, over 45 grape varieties at more than 40 wineries covering 1,300 acres in two states! Which means that you can’t begin to taste all that wine in one day. To plan your next wine tasting adventure in the Gorge, visit gorgewine.com.

#6 | Return to Stevenson and head back to the waterfront because whiskey is next on the list! But after an afternoon of wine tasting, a brisk walk and fresh air might be necessary. Enjoy the beauty of Stevenson’s Teo Park and follow the path that leads along the Columbia River’s northern shore. Just a few steps from Teo Park, you will find signs directing you to Skunk Brothers Spirits where their Prohibition-style tasting room, complete with a peephole in the door, creates a memorable experience. Crafted right here in Stevenson, you will have a variety of spirits to choose from … Apple Pie Brandy, Blueberry Cinnamon Cordial, Smoke Jumper Bourbon and more!

#7 | By now, it is time for dinner, and you probably don’t feel like (or shouldn’t be) driving. Another short walk on the waterfront will take you to Clark & Lewie’s Travelers Rest Saloon and Grill. One of the few riverside dining options on the north shore of the Columbia River, Clark & Lewie’s offers up a patio with an al fresco ambiance like no other. Watch the colors of the mountains on the Oregon side of the river change as the sun sets, and you savor the Pacific Northwest cuisine served up here.

This day is now a wrap and what a day you have had! Sink into the comfy beds at Wilder & Pine Riverside Cabins and nod off remembering that delicious red wine from AniChe Cellars.

#8 | Start your day with a fresh beverage and a new perspective! To shake off yesterday’s pleasures, take a leisurely walk from downtown Stevenson. Follow the path around the county fairgrounds, stroll along Rock Cove, and make your way to Skamania Lodge for breakfast. At the Cascade Dining Room, savor their Smoked Steelhead Hash while soaking in a stunning new view of the river.

#9 | Back to downtown Stevenson where a little retail therapy seems like a good way to spend the morning. Bloomsbury of Kanaka Creek Farms with flowers, plants, apparel, cards and unique gift items is sister shop to Out On A Limb next door, with items for home and her! Just up the road, you’ll find Bigfoot Coffee Roasters, where your ‘squatching’ urges are met with an array of Sasquatch memorabilia. But the real star is the coffee—freshly roasted on-site daily. You’re in for a treat with a truly exceptional cup of coffee, crafted with care and attention to detail.

#10 | Backwoods Brewing features a team of local family and friends, with their success grounded in the camaraderie of the Backwoods family. They seamlessly blend work and play, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere.

Situated where the Gifford Pinchot National Forest meets the Carson Valley, Backwoods Brewing crafts exceptional beers using the finest ingredients from the Northwest. Founded by the Waters family in July 2012, the brewery began with Jim Waters teaching his sons the art of homebrewing. After returning from college with a dream to establish a brewery in their hometown, the Waters family made that vision a reality. Starting with a small one-barrel system, they upgraded to a 7-barrel system and eventually to a 20-barrel system to meet growing demand. Their craft beers are now enjoyed throughout the Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Visitors should not miss the chance to try the renowned pizza at the original pub in Carson, or enjoy the garlic parmesan tater tots and smoked salmon nachos at the Oregon locations in Portland and Hillsboro. And, of course, sampling a pint or two is highly recommended.

Well, it is time to leave Skamania County and head home. We hope that you will return to eat, drink and explore more in the near future!