Skamania County is home to some of the world’s best hikes! Nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, the area has plenty of beauty, viewpoints, wildflowers, mountain vistas and more!
Here are three of our favorite hikes located in Skamania County!
Dog Mountain
Dog Mountain permits went on sale March 1st!
Stunning views and springtime wildflower blooms have made Dog Mountain an iconic hike in the Columbia River Gorge. It is also a pretty strenuous hike, encompassing 6.8 miles of trail and 2,828 feet in elevation gain, so be prepared with good hiking shoes and plenty of water before heading up. This unique hike winds through heavy forest to meadows, past the site of a former fire lookout and culminates with an extraordinary view at the top!
The views along the trail and from the top are some of the best in the Gorge. On a clear day you can encounter breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood to the south and Mt. St. Helens to the northwest.
Because of its popularity, the busy months (April 23 – June 12) require a permit which went on sale March 1st. Note: A permit is also required on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2022.
The even better news? There is a free shuttle to and from Dog Mountain from the Skamania County fairgrounds each weekend! Hop on the free shuttle and head to Dog Mountain!
Falls Creek Falls
Falls Creek Falls opened on April 1st! Another popular Skamania County hike due to its beautiful three tiered waterfall, this hike is family-friendly, considered easy and is only a 3.4 mile loop!
Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Falls Creek Falls, gently starts along a creek, winds through an old growth forest and ends at a breathtaking multi-tiered waterfall. Only gaining 750 feet in elevation, the close up view of the waterfall at the end is unforgettable! Dogs can be off leash and there are no permits required.
Pack a lunch, the kids and your dog and head out to explore Falls Creek Falls!
Beacon Rock
Beacon Rock is open year round! Once an ancient volcano, Beacon Rock is not only an easy 1.5 mile hike, but it provides a fun glimpse into the geological history of the Columbia River Gorge! At the end of the last ice age, floods swept through the Gorge and eroded the sides away. All that remains today is the basalt core. The top of the rock is 845 feet above the river and the trail consists of safety rails all the way to the top.
The famous rock is located inside the Beacon Rock State Park, which is comprised of 4,650 acres, including camping sites and 9,500 feet of shoreline along the Columbia.
Ready to come out and hike? Stevenson, Washington is the perfect basecamp for all of your hiking and Gorge adventures! With world-class kiteboarding, award-winning breweries and exquisite local fare, there are endless things to do once you arrive in Stevenson! And that’s just in town 🙂 Staying in the Gorge HQ means you’re only minutes from hikes, wineries, waterfalls, scenic drives, fishing, golfing and SO MUCH MORE! Book your trip now!
