Columbia River Gorge is a canyon that winds between Washington and Oregon. The entire area stretches 80 miles and is teeming with hiking trails and natural sites. Waterfalls cascade from numerous points of the gorge— Multnomah, Latourell and Wahkeena Falls, to name a few. There are several hotels in the gorge that serve as a superb “home base” for a hiking trip in the iconic gorge, from luxurious accommodations to rustic retreats. These are not only top-rated but also offer scenic spots to stay.
The Lyle Hotel
At The Lyle Hotel, you’ll find quilts draped over the beds, wallpaper that takes guests back a century, and antique furniture envelopes various walls. An artisan menu of dishes featuring crab, braised wine pot roast, langostino pasta and a variation of other tasty combinations are available at the restaurant, and the wine selection would impress any connoisseur. Bathrooms are sometimes shared here, but the combination of ambient dining and European style makes it a win.
Columbia River Gorge Hotel & Spa
Located in Hood River, Oregon, Columbia River Gorge Hotel & Spa sits amongst seven lush acres of gardens, touting itself as a “manor-like boutique hotel.” This is evident in its traditional exterior and antique furnishings that meld with pops of color and amenities like chef-prepared cuisine and a lovely on-site spa. A small strip of trees is the only thing separating you from the Hood River, which can be seen from facing room windows, making it one of the most opulent spa hotels on the list.
Columbia Cliffs Villa Hotel
Looking for a romantic retreat? Columbia Cliffs Villa Hotel offers many homelike comforts and offers a stunning position on a cliff, so guests have a crisp view of the river that flows on the gorge floor. Snuggle by the fireplace in a cozy provided robe, or step onto a Juliette balcony to take in the natural wonders of the area—rooms feature sleep number beds as well. Guests note that rainbows are unusually abundant along the river, so that’s sure to add to the magic.
Inn of the White Salmon
Simple. Cozy. Cute. The Inn of the White Salmon is the hotel for the minimalist family looking for a little haven. Some rooms feature regular beds, along with bunk bed nooks, which allow a family of four to comfortably vacation in the Columbia River Gorge. A lovely garden, along with a lounging patio, is the perfect addition to the eco-friendly establishment. A generous amount of restaurants are nearby for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Historic Balch Hotel
The impressive brick structure of the Historic Balch Hotel holds on to its original charm via period decor and methods to bring out the historic character. What the Balch Hotel presents is an authentic stay infused with local artwork and antiques, complete with charming claw foot tubs. The stay as a whole is so enriching, right down to the home-cooked breakfast and freshly baked goodies, that it should definitely not be overlooked.
Westcliff Lodge
Straightforward and welcoming, the Westcliff Lodge is a family-run establishment, and you can feel the love and care that goes into the place. Everything is adorable, the staff is praised by guests, and the beds are heavenly after a day on the trails. Want to completely dive into the area’s nature scene? Try out a glamping site, which is basically a tent on a wooden platform with real beds! So it takes the things we hate about camping away and delivers just the good.
Hood River Hotel
Established in 1912, Hood River Hotel is the oldest place to lodge in Hood River, so it’s rich with charm and stories from the past. Rooms are precious with old-school touches and rustic finishes, yet they still remain a bit polished. While located downtown near plenty of shopping and eating hot spots, you’ll most definitely want to hit up the on-site restaurant Broder Øst, which serves up unique Scandinavian dishes and one heck of a brunch.
Skamania Lodge
Located in Stevenson, Washington, the lodge atmosphere is ever present, with wood-burning fireplaces warming the air and rustic accents meshing perfectly with the luxurious nature of Skamania. The outdoor hot tub camouflages with surrounding rock and foliage, making for a magical place to wind down after a day of hiking. There are many ways to experience the gorge area near the lodge, and zip lining might be one of the best ways to take in the views. But you can also hit the golf courses, ride horses, go rafting or simply stay on site and enjoy the surrounding environment. Cabin-style treehouses are one of your lodging options that provides a deeper nature experience in upscale digs.
Sakura Ridge
Surrounded by natural landscape, Mount Hood sits picturesquely in the distance of this down-to-earth bed and breakfast. Cherry and pear trees dot the hills, and noisy traffic is absent from the environment. However, downtown is not far away, keeping Sakura Ridge convenient yet still disconnected. The hosts are wonderful and make it seem as if you’re simply staying at a friend’s house. Breakfast incorporates the onsite produce, and it’s a truly authentic experience.
