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"Gateway to the Gorge" is Access to Adventure

By
Industry Observer with Nature As Neighbors

Our recent trip to Carson, WA (to preview a log cabin - more on that another time) turned into a delightful adventure of sights, sounds and regional foods. About an hour's drive from Camas, Carson is due East on Highway 14 through Washougal, WA, "Gateway to the Gorge". Driving along towering bluffs, breath-taking views of the massive Gorge illustrate how the mighty Columbia River forged this region.  We pass Cape Horn Nature Trail, one of our favorite hikes - uphill through a pristine rain forest that loops into Nancy Russell Overlook, one of most impressive panoramic views of the area. Next up is the massive Bonneville Dam, roaring from the powerful current, and the nearby Hot Springs Resort & Spa, offering a quieter retreat.

Along the road is a seasonal native fish market, where we buy freshly-caught King salmon, pulled from the Columbia that morning, and filleted on the spot.  Complemented with local produce from the farmer's market - our dinner menu is complete!

Native Fish Market

Just before Carson is the town of Stevenson, noted for its annual music and arts festival, and its four-star resort, the Skamania Lodge. The unique Cascadian-style lodge features sweeping river views, a three-story stone fireplace in the lounge, a choice of first class dining, or causal outdoor pub. Complete with its 18-hole golf course, 900-foot zip line, and easy-to-moderate hiking trails, it is a fun, friendly destination.

In the family of Columbia Gorge towns, Carson is the quiet sibling, set back from the edge of Gorge in more secluded surroundings. Yet it offers one of the most popular destinations in the region - Carson Hot Springs.  Known for its rustic charm and quiet ambiance, the hotel features an authentic mineral water bathhouse that was founded in the early 1900s. Cap your day of hiking, biking, or golfing in the area with the traditional practice of "taking the water" by relaxing in the steaming bath, surrounded by natural beauty.

Then it's home again, savoring our experience, and serving grilled salmon for dinner. The original objective of previewing a home for a client turned into a reminder of the wonderful opportunities for adventure we have here in the Pacific Northwest.

If you want to learn more about living near the "Gateway to the Gorge", call us.

Posted by


Debb Janes  Bernie Stea
Brokers/REALTORS®
Call or Text 360-608-4900

We help buyers and sellers in Camas, Washougal, Brush Prairie/Hockinson, Salmon Creek, Felida, and other Vancouver, Washington Areas. 


We bring our passion for nature and beautiful environments to Real Estate. Multigenerational and family estates, country land and homes, and small farmsteads are our speciality.


We agree with our clients, "The true luxury of rural living is having elbowroom for the soul.

 

Comments (17)

Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Debb & Bernie - I have done that drive, and bought fresh-caught salmon along the way. The scenery is magnificant and the fish was awesome. I'd love to spend more time exploring.

Aug 25, 2016 03:48 AM
Debb Janes

Come visit!

Aug 25, 2016 03:50 AM
Bruce Walter
Keller Williams Realty Lafayette/West Lafayette, Indiana - West Lafayette, IN

Debb, thanks for those links to see pictures of the awesome Columbia River.  What an amazing trip you had and tax deductible to boot, since you were previewing that cabin, right?  You live in such a beautiful area, Debb!  Well worth dealing with those hard to reach lock boxes when showing homes!

Aug 25, 2016 03:53 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Debb and Bernie,

Nothing like fresh caught salmon, and the hot springs sound delightful.  We need to make a trip your way and explore the scenery...Recently we had fresh Alaskan King Salmon and we were both swooning.  A

Aug 25, 2016 03:56 AM
Debb Janes

You'll remember the Skamania Lodge with Mac - we'll have to go back there again!

Aug 25, 2016 08:53 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

We all know the gorge if you live in the Pacific NW Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD. You live the life! 

Aug 25, 2016 04:32 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - Your day trip sounds wonderful. have made a couple of trips to Washington. It was a contender for retirement.  I personally like Salmon caught in Washington more than Alaska. 

Aug 25, 2016 04:57 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

I agree, sounds like a really nice trip...thank you for sharing!

Aug 26, 2016 12:16 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much for sharing your experience and your photographs. Chef Dolores would love to have those salmon fillets!

Aug 26, 2016 03:53 AM
Debb Janes

They were superb, Roy. Moist and mild. 

Aug 26, 2016 06:13 AM
Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

Debb, Not only do you have real estate, video and radio talent you are an excellent writer. Your post is very well written and makes a reader feel like they are right there enjoying this great trip with you folks. 

Aug 26, 2016 06:42 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Debb --- I wholeheartedly agree with Robert Bob Gilbert ---- your writing style always draws me in and makes me feel as if I was along for the drive.   Thanks for the virtual adventure.  Looking forward to hearing more about that log cabin too.

Aug 26, 2016 07:05 AM
Amanda S. Davidson
Amanda Davidson Real Estate Group Brokered By Real - Alexandria, VA
Alexandria Virginia Homes For Sale

Debb, what a fantastic day trip. You always make me want to come visit. Such a wonderful area you live in. There is nothing quite like fresh caught salmon, I'd love to be able to drive an hour and pick some up. So fun! Have a great weekend. 

Aug 26, 2016 07:10 AM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Debb

Looks like to had a great experience at The Gorge, Washington State.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Aug 26, 2016 01:34 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

What a wonderful way to spend a day Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD!

Aug 26, 2016 02:04 PM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Yum, grilled salmon sound delish and so does your day's adventure. You were working and enjoying the area too. That is the way it should be.

Aug 27, 2016 12:58 PM
Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

Debb and Bernie, after reading your very well written post, I feel like I've been on a day's adventure. Absolutely love the setting of Skamania Lodge. Thank you for sharing your experience and the links.

Aug 29, 2016 02:48 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Wow what an awesome trip and I could see sashimi as well as some grilled king salmon for main course:)) you guys have too much fun, not jealous just living through your adventures, Endre

Aug 29, 2016 03:26 PM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Oh, Debb, this is heaven. You took me back to the likes of "hippie days", when I discovered Carson Hot Springs through a naturopath that I had "doctoring me" oh-so-long-ago, back in 1981, I believe! Gosh, it is such a treasure.

And then, the jaw-dropping wonders of Skamania Lodge!!!!!!!! Many many MANY treasured memories of that place--I could go on and on. Didn't they offer horseback riding in the past? Or are my memories getting mixed? Heck, it doesn't matter. What I DO recall are the stupendous buffets that they offer. Only topped by the views! What a life. You captured the essence of those magical places so perfectly. I want to go back!!!!

 

Sep 01, 2016 09:59 AM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate

I know the 80's weren't hippie days, but this guy was. And going sans clothing was quite the usual event back then. Don't know if that still is allowed. Free love and all of that, were still ALIVE at Carson Hot Springs!

Sep 01, 2016 10:01 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Debb - I really enjoyed reading your story! You're such an interesting woman with a zest for life and great adventures. But I have to ask... what about Mac?

Sep 03, 2016 02:56 PM