Spring in the Columbia River Gorge

My husband and I stayed at Skamania Lodge. While the lodge itself provides plenty of activities to keep you busy, don't underestimate what the entire region has to offer.

For the History Buff

• Be sure the check out the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. It's on the Washington side of the Gorge in Stevenson. This will give you an idea of the native history as well as the geological history of the region. The natural forces that created this natural space are truly mind-blowing.

• Bonneville Dam was a project built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the 1930's as part of the New Deal. You can take a tour of the power facility and watch the fish passing through the fish ladder.

For the Outdoor Lover

• There are too many trails to count in the Columbia River Gorge, and there are trails for all different levels of hikers. My family has enjoyed the short hike up to the top of Multnomah Falls, as well as many of the other waterfall hikes. For the more advanced hiker, there are the Mount Defiance Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.

• Windsurfing is what the Gorge is famous for. Even if it isn't something you want to try, be sure to check out the bright-colored sails of the surfers on the water.

For the Wine Connoisseur

• There are more than 15 wineries in the Gorge. You can take wine tours on both the Oregon and the Washington side of the river.

Skamania Lodge

• Any type of golf you can think of is available at the lodge. Disk golf, fling golf, traditional golf and a putting course. I'm not a golfer, but I thought fling golf was a great way for me to join my husband on the course. Instead of using clubs to hit the ball (which I am terrible at) I used a fling stick and could fling the ball down the fairway. This provided a lot of laughs for us.

• They have zip lining and a high ropes course, which were ok. I would have appreciated more of a nature-immersive experience away from the lodge, parking lots and so many people.

• A lot of families took advantage of the indoor pool, and many of the adults enjoyed the outdoor hot tub.

• I did not use the spa during my visit, but it seemed very busy. I take that as a good sign.

Cascade Dining Room at the Skamania Lodge: Friday and Saturday nights they feature prime rib.

Multnomah Falls Lodge Restaurant: They are known for their Sunday Brunch, a decade old tradition at this restaurant.

Riverside Restaurant in Hood River: This is a gem, "hidden" inside of a Best Western Hotel, it was a nice surprise to find such good food.