Bonneville Hot Springs in North Bonneville (Washougal, Goldendale: credit card, house, to buy)

[j_k_k]

We're going there this week and I'm interested in others' impressions. I like hot tub loafing and relaxing, don't have much use for a bunch of spa treatments or pampering (wife is another story). Wife and I want to climb Beacon Rock and see the old site of Fort Cascades. We're generally familiar with the region's better known attractions (Hood River sailboarding, Goldendale Observatory, Maryhill, Bridge of the Gods) but if there's any place really cool nearby to go see (as if the Gorge itself isn't stunning enough) we'd be interested in ideas.

Heck, I was a kid when North Bonneville was completely relocated. Never actually stopped there since in all these years, just viewed it from the highway.

[StealthRabbit]

The spa and hot tub is good at Bonneville and hugely popular with eastern Europeans from Portland area. I use it for 'Day use' during the off season. It is set back off the road and not a 'view' property like Skamania Lodge (which I go to enjoy the view / library / fireplace). Often go go to both places the same day. Have heard the lunch menu is good at Bonneville HS, but I do Stevenson eateries for supper. (The Fish House on the water front was decent last I tried, ~ 5 yrs ago)

Walking Man Brewery is supposedly one of the best in PNW (along the tracks across street from fire / ambulance station) I like the Salmon Chowder at Big River Grill, others like the mex food (which you probably have better in tri-cities)

The setting of the outdoor hot tubs is desirable at Skamania Lodge, but they don't have 'hot springs' (which is something I frequent.) Enjoy relaxing in the multi story lobbies of each (Bonneville and Skamania). There are many private 'public' areas to enjoy at Bonneville. It is great when they are having winter concerts in the lower lobby.

If you are into more vistas, consider the new Cape Horn Trail Cape Horn Loop Hike (that is where I live). For the shorter version of the hike, you can park and hike north from the upper crossing of SR 14 and see the view, then return, and get in your car and drive down the Cape Horn Landing Road. The whole loop is nice too.

If it is really hot (predicted) Do some waterfall hikes on the OR side, just go across to Cascade Locks and west on I-84 till you get to Historic Highway (Bonneville Dam exit), then on west toward Multnomah Falls (Horsetail Falls is a nice short hike). The Gardens at the Bonneville Hatchery (OR Side) are very nice, and there shouldbe a couple 7' sturgeon there.

Bring your credit card, as the Pendleton Store in Washougal, WA is having a pretty big sale. (bigger than usual as some of their factory store storage is being demolished)

Also bring a cooler and take home a few Steelhead, the NA's are selling them just east of Bonneville Dam. I usually pay $3/# or nearby.

[j_k_k]

Most helpful reply, SR; will print and take it along. Wish I could rep you again. It helps that I'm familiar with the Native fish trade, having lived some years not far from there and gone to school with kids who are probably the ones catching the fish now. I'd definitely drop some cash on some salmon smoked in the local style, just like my mom used to buy from them. Are they Yakamas?

[j_k_k]

Thought I would follow up. We didn't get around to trading with the Indians but we did try the salmon chowder at Big River. I liked Walking Man IPA enough to have it two different nights.

The hike up Beacon Rock was a bit arduous but enjoyable and well worthwhile. The one up to Hardie Falls didn't do much for us; I mean, it was a pleasant hike for its own sake, but if there was something stunning at the top we must have missed it. Liked the resort overall, especially having a hot tub to climb into after a long hike and shower, and will remember it well. Thanks again for helping us figure our way around.