Things to Do in the Columbia River Gorge
LOCAL GUIDE
The Columbia River Gorge and Stevenson, Washington, offer a diverse range of activities for visitors to explore. You can embark on breathtaking hikes to iconic waterfalls like Multnomah Falls, windsurf on the mighty Columbia River, or indulge in wine tasting at local vineyards. Additionally, Stevenson's charming downtown area invites you to savor delicious cuisine and immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere of this picturesque riverside town.

Wine Tasting
One of the most well kept secrets is the wineries of the Columbia River Gorge. From Hood River to the Dalles and White Salmon and Stevenson you could spend your whole time raising a glass! If you want to stay close, just around the bend from us is Hawkins Cellars and AniChe Cellars. For more you can check out Gorge Wines.

Hiking
At the foothills of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and many other wonderful gorgeous hikes for all levels you will get some of the best views the PNW has to offer! Check out Dog Mountain, the historical Beacon Rock trail, Fall Creek Falls and so many more!

Walking Man Brewery
Walking Man Brewing in the Columbia River Gorge Award Winning Craft Brewery and Brewpub. Menu includes pizza, burgers and pub fare....and the best part, its basically right across the street.

Zipline & Aerial Park
Get the best view from the trees from zip lines range from 100 feet to over 900 feet in length. Featuring 7 zip lines, 3 sky bridges, an auto-belay and some light trail walking, there is plenty of adventure to be had with Skamania Lodge Adventures.

Martin's Gorge Tours
THE RETURN ARTBLISS HOTEL PARTNER
For a guided way to see the Gorge, our friends at Martin's Gorge Tours have been leading small-group adventures through the region since 2008. Especially perfect for our guests are their waterfall & wildflower tours, wine tours, and brewery & cider tours, each a great way to spend an afternoon soaking up the best of the Gorge. They also offer guided hikes and scenic drives for the more adventurous.
Best of all, Martin's Gorge Tours provides shuttle service with pickup directly from The Return Artbliss Hotel, so there's no need to worry about trailhead fees, parking permits, or getting everyone into the same car. As an Artbliss partner, they're our go-to recommendation for guests who want to experience the best of the Columbia River Gorge without having to plan the logistics themselves.
More Resources
Local attractions
Please contact us for local tours, sailing cruises and other attractions Columbia River Gorge has to offer.
(727) 353-9680
Downtown Stevenson
All within a short walk, coffee shops, restaurants and so many
Riverfront
Columbia River access is just a short walk
from your cottage.
More Activites
From golfing, to snowshoeing and adventure watersports you can find more resources on the Skamania Count Visitor guide.





Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Return Artbliss Hotel a good base for exploring the Columbia River Gorge?
Yes. Our location in Stevenson, Washington, lets you combine waterfall outings and scenic drives with time in a walkable riverside town. Downtown restaurants and riverfront access are within walking distance, while trips farther afield can take you to attractions on both sides of the river. Stay in one place, choose a different direction each day, and leave time to enjoy your cabin. Read our guide to exploring the Gorge from Stevenson for more planning ideas.
What can we do during a weekend in Stevenson?
Spend your first afternoon exploring downtown, finding a place for dinner, and settling into your cabin. Set aside the following day for waterfalls, a hike, or a scenic outing, then keep your final morning open for breakfast and a walk by the water. You can make the weekend adventurous or take it slowly without filling every hour. Our Stevenson weekend getaway guide can help you choose a mix that suits your trip.
Can we visit Multnomah Falls on a day trip from the hotel?
Yes. Multnomah Falls can be the centerpiece of an Oregon-side day trip. You can visit the main viewing area or allow more time for hiking, depending on your interests. Start early and leave room in your schedule for traffic and parking rather than committing to several tightly timed stops. Check current access and permit requirements before departing. Our one-day waterfall itinerary offers ideas for combining the falls with other sights.
How close is the Columbia River to my cabin?
Riverfront access is a short walk from the hotel, making it easy to include time by the water without planning a full-day excursion. Pair a waterfront stroll with coffee, lunch, or an afternoon exploring downtown Stevenson. If you want to get out on the water, plan that separately around suitable conditions, equipment, and your experience level. Our Stevenson kayaking guide is a starting point for researching paddling options.
Is Hood River worth a day trip during our stay?
Hood River is worth considering if you enjoy browsing shops, trying restaurants, and exploring another Gorge community. Spend an afternoon downtown and around the waterfront, or give yourself longer if you want to add an activity. It can provide a change of pace between hiking and waterfall days while letting you return to the same cabin each evening. Browse our Hood River activities guide to see what interests you.
What are some romantic activities near The Return Artbliss Hotel?
Plan a scenic outing together, enjoy dinner in Stevenson, and leave time for an unhurried evening back at your cabin. A waterfall visit, a walk by the river, or an afternoon exploring a neighboring town can give the day a focus without making it feel overplanned. Choose one main experience and let the rest unfold at your own pace. Our Stevenson weekend guide offers inspiration for a getaway that balances exploring with relaxing.
What can families do in Stevenson and the surrounding area?
Families can combine local walks and sightseeing with a larger excursion suited to everyone's ages and interests. Build the day around one main activity, allowing time for meals, breaks, and a return to your cabin. When choosing a trail, consider elevation, footing, and exposure as well as distance. Our family activities in Stevenson guide can help you find ideas for your group.
What can we do near my cabin without driving?
Walk into downtown Stevenson for coffee, browse local shops, or enjoy a meal without organizing a full excursion. Riverfront access is also a short walk away, making time by the water an easy addition to your day. Walking Man Brewing is another nearby option for a casual meal and a local beer. For a slower morning or an afternoon between adventures, our Stevenson weekend guide offers more ideas close to your cabin.
How can we plan a road trip from Portland through Oregon and Washington?
Make the journey part of your stay by exploring Oregon’s waterfall corridor on the way to Stevenson, then saving Washington’s trails and small towns for the following day. This gives you time to enjoy both sides of the Gorge without trying to fit everything into one afternoon.
Start with waterfalls on the Oregon side
Leave Portland in the morning and choose two or three waterfalls that match how much walking you want to do. Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Multnomah Falls, and Horsetail Falls offer different settings along the historic highway corridor. You don’t need to visit all four: a shorter list leaves more time to enjoy the forest, take photographs, and pause for lunch.
Multnomah Falls is a natural centerpiece for a first visit, while Horsetail Falls works well for a shorter sightseeing break. Check current road access, parking requirements, and trail conditions before setting out. Our waterfall itinerary can help you choose your stops.
Cross to Stevenson and settle into your cabin
Continue to Cascade Locks and cross the toll Bridge of the Gods into Washington, then head east toward Stevenson. This brings you from Oregon’s waterfall corridor to your overnight base without needing to continue to Hood River on arrival day.
Once you reach the hotel, slow the pace. Walk downtown for dinner, spend time by the river, or settle into your cabin for the evening. The appeal of staying here is having tomorrow to explore, rather than finishing your drive back to Portland after a full day outdoors.
Choose a Washington adventure or an afternoon in Hood River
The following morning, choose between a nearby outdoor excursion and exploring farther east. Beacon Rock State Park offers a hiking option on the Washington side, with elevated views for those comfortable with its climbing trail. Give yourself time to enjoy the outing rather than adding another full itinerary afterward.
Alternatively, dedicate the day to Hood River. Explore downtown, find somewhere for lunch, and spend time around the waterfront before returning to Stevenson. Our Hood River guide can help you choose activities around your interests.
For a two-night stay, pick one of these outings. With another night, you can enjoy both—and still leave room for a quiet morning at your cabin.

