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Welcome to Skamania Lodge
History of Skamania Lodge
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The lodge was built in 1993 and was a true public-private partnership involving four primary parties: The Columbia River Gorge Commission, The USDA Forest Service, Skamania County, and Grayco Resources, Inc.
The lodge was designed to be reminiscent of the great lodges of the early 1900s, which had charm and appeal and contained all modern guest conveniences. Thus, the design of the four-story Cascadian style lodge, with high-pitched roofs, interesting uses of timbers, wood paneling, and native stone came to fruition. Black wrought iron was used for artistic highlights and comfortable furnishings remind you of days gone by.
Some of the large timber columns in the Gorge Room are 100 years old. They came from a Bumble Bee Foods cannery in Astoria, Oregon that was being dismantled. The architects and designers wanted large timber that looked rustic. They extend above the Gorge Room (Great Room) into the Hood River Suite, which is on the fourth floor. The Gorge Room floor is Southern Longleaf Pine, recycled from a 150-200 year-old building in Georgia. A hardwood suitable for heavy use, it was selected because it provided wide boards instead of the typical residentialwidth wood flooring.
The lobby floor is Montana slate. This particular slate was chosen for the color, which compliments the rock of the fireplace. The lobby and Gorge Room surround an 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.
Art descriptions and information are highlighted in the “Art of Discovery” brochure, available at the front desk.
Original local artwork, ceramics, and petroglyph rubbings depicting Native American history of the Columbia River Gorge handsomely decorate the lodge as well.
