Blog
Check out our blog to discover adventure ideas during your getaway to our Stevenson cabins!
SOAK UP SUMMER
Photo credit: Gorge Paddling Center
Combine a serene getaway with fun summer activities. Nearby Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, boating and outdoor dining make Wind Mountain Ranch in the Columbia River Gorge, the perfect summer vacation destination.
Here are some top summer picks to help plan your stay:
Just 27 minutes away, the Gorge Paddling Center offers an evening tour to watch the sunset on the water surrounded with stunning views. You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards in Hood River at Hood Rivers Sup and Kayak.
Come enjoy the local Stevenson, WA farmers market on Saturdays from 10am-2pm, Mid June - Mid October.
View our hiking page for the best hikes in the area with awe-inspiring views.
Located only 7 minutes from Wind Mountain Ranch you can golf with incredible views. Elk Ridge Golf Course is the perfect place for all golfers, with its beautiful views and challenging but attainable 18 hole layout.
The 16th Annual Kiteboard 4 Cancer will be held July 8-10th. Located just 20 minutes from wind mountain ranch you can join in fundraising and competing to benefit the lives of young adults who have been affected by cancer.
With the Drano Lake boat launch 10 minutes down the road and the Wind River Boat Launch just 4 minutes from our cabins, wind mountain ranch is the perfect place for a boating getaway!
Riverside restaurant in Hood River offers amazing views which is a perfect way to unwind.
OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN HOOD RIVER
Located Just 27 minutes away from Wind Mountain Ranch is Hood River. While you're out and about or just need something to satisfy your taste buds, choose one of our personal favorite restaurants.
Boda's Kitchen is a gourmet delicatessen and market offering take-out and limited outdoor seating. From wild-caught salmon to the ripest cherries and pears, there is little reason to look elsewhere for tasty food. They are known for their chicken, sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts.
Modern taproom featuring housemade craft beers & light bites, plus apparel, gifts & growlers. pFriem provides you with an option of indoor or outdoor dining along with Beer To-Go, burgers, salads, and lots more for any occasion.
Solstice Pizza is the place to go for pizza night! Not only do they bake pizza, but they also make delicious salads, starters, cocktails to-go, and of course the desert. They also give you the option of a wood fire pizza.
In the mood for a sushi night? Sushi Okalani has you covered! It's a laid-back venue serving sushi & Japanese dishes, plus Pan-Pacific plates & diverse sakes.
Looking for a fancy dinner? Come to Celilo! They have many many farm-inspired PNW options that your taste buds will love!
BOUTIQUE SHOPPING IN HOOD RIVER, OR
Photo credit: Plenty
Enjoy a relaxing nature getaway and do some shopping on the same trip. There are plenty of small boutiques and shops worth exploring in Hood River, OR.
The Darling Boutique, Whimsical assortment of handmade, vintage, and retro merchandise
Plenty, A premium retail destination with chic & sustainable women’s apparel, accessories and shoes
Doug’s Hood River, One of the most complete snow, skate and lifestyle stores in the PNW
G Willikers Toy Shoppe, Your friendly big little toy shoppe on the corner
VISIT US DURING THE FALL TO EXPERIENCE GORGE-OUS COLORS
5 Best Hikes for Autumn Color in the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge comes alive with autumn colors during September, October and into early November. The top hiking trails to take during this season is the Latourell Falls Loop, Klickitat Trail, Cape Horn Loop, Hamilton Mountain, and Dry Creek Falls.
Be sure to hike the private 1.5 miles of trail at Wind Mountain Ranch to take in the Autumn forest during your stay. A trailmap is provided in your cabin.
Hood River Fruit Loop
The 35-mile Hood River County Fruit Loop, set among 14,000 acres of bountiful orchards, is perfect for fall leaf-peeping. Not only do the apple and pear orchards and grape vineyards turn beautiful fall colors, but visitors can make stops at farm stands and u-pick farms along the way for apples, pears, pumpkins, chestnuts, and other fall produce. There are also many activities you and your family can enjoy such as Wine Tours, Orchards, Waterfalls, and the Hood River Valley Tour with Gray Line.
Autumn Viewpoints
Mill Creek Road
Follow along Mill Creek Road via car or bike to pass by stunning cherry orchards, vineyards, farmland, and old schoolhouses basking in the autumn sunshine. Take a break for a vineyard tour of The Pines 1852 winery along the way.
Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls
This 4-mile round trip hike to Punchbowl Falls takes you through forests of ferns. Keep your eyes peeled on the creek to your right to spot the spawning salmon that return here every fall.
Jansrud Viewpoint
Pull over to Jansrud Viewpoint in Sandy to see the changing colors of the entire Sandy River Valley.
COLUMBIA GORGE STERNWHEELER CRUISES
May through October, this authentic sternwheeler takes visitors on a laid-back cruise around the river, under the Bridge of the Gods, past the Native American salmon fishermen, and back to the dock. You can take a sightseeing tour, a brunch cruise, a dinner cruise, or join in on a specialty cruise.
Although the romantic days of the sternwheelers are now past, you can experience a taste of history aboard the Sternwheeler “Columbia Gorge,” an authentic replica of a triple-decker paddle wheeler in size and construction. The Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler was built in Hood River, Oregon by Nichols Boat Works and was launched in 1983. The Sternwheeler’s historic-looking interior and exterior along with its historic setting in the scenic Columbia Gorge makes it a wonderful experience for tourists and history enthusiasts.
Board from Marine Park at Cascade Locks, in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Enjoy riverboat cruises on our authentic triple-deck paddle wheeler, providing 360 degrees of breathtaking vistas. Watch Native American tribes fish from their legendary platforms as they have for centuries.
Experience the history of the Columbia River Gorge and learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition on a cruise aboard the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler. See the sights and listen to live captain's narration of Oregon's rich history. Sit back, relax and go with the river's flow.
CRUISE OPTIONS
-Gorgeous Brunch
-Sightseeing cruises
-Landmarks of the Gorge
-Gorgeous Dinner
DOGS NEED A VACATION TOO
They are some of your best friends, so why not bring your dogs along with you to Wind Mountain Ranch? With 68 private acres and lots of green spaces, dogs can run leash-free. Bring them on a hike either on our 1.5 miles of private trails or up Wind Mountain. Cabins 1 thru 3 are dog-friendly allowing you to bring 1-2 dogs per cabin. A pet fee of $40 per stay applies for 1 dog and $60 for 2 dogs.
Bring your dog along while you dine. Here are some dog-friendly restaurants in the area.
Stevenson, WA
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By the Bridge of the Gods
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Award-winning beer
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We brew old school, stirring every batch by hand.
Hood River, OR
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Spectacular scenery
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Majestic Hood river landscape
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Quality and classic dishes
Doppio Coffee, food, and Lounge
Hood River, OR
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Stylish coffeehouse with specialty drinks, pastries & gourmet sandwiches, plus an outdoor patio.
Hood River, OR
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Donuts made fresh daily
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Kid and Dog friendly
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Outdoor patio and fire pit and S’mores
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Local beer, wine, and house-infused cocktails
BEST HIKES NEAR WIND MOUNTAIN RANCH
PRIVATE TRAILS AT WIND MOUNTAIN RANCH
Hike the 1.5 miles of private marked trails on the ranch’s property. A hiking map is available in your cabin booklet.
Pass/Permit not required
WIND MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Hike Wind Mountain with a trail from the ranch connecting to this popular short but steep hike with beautiful views at the top.
DISTANCE: 2.4mi (from trailhead)
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,148 feet
Pass/Permit not required
DOG MOUNTAIN TRAIL
A short four mile drive away from the ranch is Dog Mountain Trail, known to be a strenuous hike leading to commanding vistas over the Columbia River Gorge.
DISTANCE: 6 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 2,825 feet
Permit required on Saturdays, Sundays and memorial day April 24 - June 13, 2021
$5 Parking fee
America the Beautiful Access Passes accepted here
HAMILTON MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Hamilton Mountain Trail – A popular hike with a waterfall part of the way up. This hike is known to be moderately difficult with great views and a few different route options.
DISTANCE: 6.4 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 2,060 feet
Discover Pass required.