Skamania Lodge opens new pavilion with ‘Gorge-ous’ views

The new open-air Riverview Pavilion at Skamania Lodge just opened to corporate gatherings, weddings and groups in mid-May, but the 2,500-square-foot space is already booked solid on weekends through the fall. "This is a beautiful new offering for groups and particularly weddings," said Skamania Lodge General Manager Ken Daugherty. "We're thrilled to provide yet another option for all occasions to guests from all over." Built from sturdy Wisconsin maple trees, the $1.5 million pavilion sits to the east of the lodge, in an ideal spot that manages to offer a window into the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area without blocking diners' views inside the lodge's upscale Cascade Dining Room. The pavilion, which can accommodate between 150 and 200 people depending on the seating arrangements, is meant to be utilized year-round, and comes equipped with warm, cafe lighting; two indoor fireplaces; restrooms; two outdoor firepits overlooking the Columbia River; the capacity for live music, a screen to block Gorge winds that doubles as a projection screen; and catering services. Skamania Lodge, a Benchmark Resorts and Hotels property located about 27 miles east of Washougal in Stevenson, has long been known as a picturesque wedding venue -- Oregon Bride magazine named Skamania Lodge "Best Sunset Wedding Destination" and "Best All Inclusive Wedding Venue" -- and already offered several venues for weddings and group events, including two ballrooms, two lawns, an amphitheater and an indoor hall with connecting terrace before the new pavilion opened in May. But the Riverview Pavilion, with its adjoining Cascade lawn positioned between the lodge and the Gorge, is a perfect option for anyone who wants an outdoor wedding or group event but doesn't want to worry about the weather forecast. The cost of renting the new pavilion ranges from $2,000 to $4,800 depending on the day of the week, season and scope of the event. The cost of food and beverages would add to the cost and are required, as no outside catering is allowed at the pavilion. The pavilion is available for breakfast, lunch, dinners, weddings, special occasion events and other group events. The Riverview Pavilion menu has several options for lunch and dinner, with price-per-person costs ranging from $55 for the "Fired Up Power Bowl" option that includes a chef-attended grill, gluten-free grains and greens and a raw fruit bar to $140 for the "Jacobsen Experience," which offers a Green Goddess salad, chef-attended grill with options ranging from chili-rubbed tri tip to house-smoked pork fennel sausage, skillet sides and a variety of desserts, including salted caramel chocolate crostata and a fig and anise goat cheesecake with pistachio crust. For more information about the lodge, visit skamania.com. To book the Riverview Pavilion, call 800-376-9116. Community events also planned for Riverview Pavilion Skamania Lodge staff plan to utilize the Riverview Pavilion for community events throughout the year. On July 4, the lodge hosted an Independence Day celebration with a barbecue and live music at the pavilion, and is already planning to throw the lodge's first Skamania Fall Fest at the pavilion from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7. The Fall Fest, for ages 21 and older, will feature musician Tony Smiley, games on the nearby Cascade lawn, barbecue and a variety of beer, wine and spirits from Columbia River Gorge breweries, wineries and distilleries. The $20 ticket for that event gets visitors access to the festival, a 2019 Fall Fest pint or stemless wine glass and four drink tokens. For more information about Fall Fest, visit skaman ia.com/things_to_do_in_washi ngton_state/fall_fest/. Non-guests also can enjoy beautiful Gorge location Although Skamania Lodge guests have the luxury of utilizing the 259 guest rooms, those who don't intend to spend the night at the hotel also can enjoy the natural beauty of the Stevenson resort on the golf course, at the spa, on nearby hiking trails or at the adventure park. The 18-hole, par-70 golf course rolls through 100 of the resort's 175 acres and includes a driving range, practice bunker, and chipping and putting greens, as well as a full-service golf shop, cart rentals and golf pros. If golf is relaxing enough, the lodge's Waterleaf Spa offers a variety of massage, facials and body treatments -- and offers access to an indoor swimming pool, hot tubs -- including an outdoor tub overlooking the Columbia River -- and dry saunas. Skamania Lodge also offers three free, public walking/hiking trails, including a new fitness trail with stations for increasing the intensity of your workout, around the lodge's 175-acre property. And for those who desire a few more thrills, the Skamania Lodge Adventures has everything from axe throwing to zip lining. The adventure park includes seven zip lines ranging from 100 to 900 feet in length, three sky bridges, an aerial park and a new axe throwing station. For more information, visit skamania.com and click on the "Things to Do" tab.

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