Last weekend, we packed up and headed out for the quick and scenic 45-minute drive to the Gorge on the Washington side. Our final destination: Skamania Lodge. We have been daydreaming about staying at the lodge ever since we attended a friend’s wedding back in the old days before kids. Now, we’ve been hearing tales about how family-friendly it is and what a special treat it is to visit during the holiday season. Guess what? It’s true!
1. The View
With snow capped mountains and breathtaking views of the Columbia River, Skamania Lodge is the perfect setting for a holiday winter wonderland. The lodge, nestled on 175 wooded acres in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, will dazzle the youngest of visitors with its majestic ways.
2. Outdoor Heated Hot Tub
What’s not to like? A family-friendly outdoor escape that will keep parents and kids equally relaxed, warm and happy. If you get tired of soaking outdoors, you can head inside to the large heated swimming pool and jacuzzis.
3. S’more Kits
One of the best inventions ever! These cute kits ($7 each) are assembled at Skamania Lodge and come with enough graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate for two large servings. Kids will have a blast getting bundled up and roasting them outside in the fire pit. If it’s raining don’t fret, kiddos can roast them in the grand fireplace. Either way, it’s a win-win.
4. Elf Story Time
Around 7:30pm, children of all ages will descend into the grand room, many in matching jammies, to hear Elf Story Time (weekends at 8pm). Sitting cross-legged on the floor, near the giant and twinkling Christmas tree, kids drink hot cocoa and listen to winter-themed stories, while parents sit near-by and sip wine. It’s a lovely way to wind-down the day and get ready for bed.
5. Breakfast With Santa
Spend the morning having breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Well, they don’t actually eat, but they will come to your table, talk and pose for photos. Remember to gorge on an endless supply of maple smoked bacon and waffles. Don’t leave without sharing your wish list and getting a professional photo taken with Santa.
6. Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Always fun for the kids! Grownups and kids alike will love this special, indoor, holiday scavenger hunt. Go at your own pace, there’s a prize for every hunter.
7. Gingerbread House Building
We’ve never been able to fully master the art of gingerbread house making, but with the culinary staff on hand to help guests, we created a masterpiece. $30 for houses and $20 for cookies, reservations are required. Call 509.427.7700
8. Outdoor Hikes
With an endless supply of trails in the vicinity and over 4 miles of trails on the property, Skamania Lodge, has you covered for hiking. Visit the information desk in the lobby and learn about the different level of hikes nearby. We opted for the lake loop, an easy 1.75 loop around the golf course lake complete with little bridges and walkways and wildlife sightings to keep things interesting. For the reluctant hiker, ask for the outdoor scavenger hunt list.
9. Holiday Movies
After dinner, join other families for a festive holiday movie and fresh popcorn in the theater room. We enjoyed watching Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer.
10. Sled Dog Program
Sit by the fire, drink cocoa and meet members of the Cascade Sled Dog Club (dogs too)! Have fun learning about the life of these loyal and hardworking pups and their owners.
For more information on Skamania Lodge and the holiday events listed, please visit skamania.com
