Sharon Sparlin: SKAMANIA LODGE

The year was 1986. Congress had passed the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act. Their focus was to protect natural, scenic and cultural resources of the Columbia River Gorge. Their mission statement called for the building of a lodge and meeting center in the state of Washington. This led to the vision, design and construction of Skamania Lodge.

Construction began July 16, 1991 with doors opening February 26, 1993. A true hidden gem located in the scenic state of Washington overlooking the Columbia River. At 1,243 feet in length, the Columbia is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest and the second largest river in North America.

A quick 45 minute drive from Portland Oregon will bring you to Skamania Lodge. Located just 2 minutes from the Bridge of the Gods, Skamania is a mountainous resort covering a massive 175 acres overlooking the scenic Columbia River Gorge. The surrounding area is famously known for it's large number of waterfalls and extensive hiking trails.

Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia River

Modeled after some of the great lodges of the early 1900’s, Skamania is a four-story Cascadian style lodge that incorporates high-pitched roofs, wood paneling and native stone, enhanced with black wrought iron for a dramatic artistic flare.

The lodge design called for the use of large rustic looking timbers leading them to incorporate 100 year old timber columns rescued from the BumbleBee Cannery in Astoria, Oregon as it was being dismantled.

The Gorge Room floor is constructed of Southern Longleaf Pine, recycled from a 150-200 year old building in Georgia. The lobby floor is Montana slate, chosen for the color, which accents the rock of the 85 foot tall fireplace.

This fireplace was made with andesite rock, excavated from an abandoned quarry a few miles from the site. The estimated weight of this fireplace is 500,000 pounds.