About Skamania County, WA

Yep, It's Another Football Blog! Hood River Tsunami Wins Big Today!

What an incredible way to spend a lovely, fall Saturday morning... watching youth football. Our 11 year old son, Ben, plays on the Hood River Tsunami (5th and 6th grade), youth tackle football team. Their team won big today, 30 to 0, against Stevenson in Stevenson, which puts the boys in the running to win the entire league this season. These team has worked so hard for so many weeks we are so proud of them all.

The Tsunami season continues next Saturday in Lyle, Washington, when they play White Salmon at 10:30.

Ben is number 57, the last blue player on the left below and he's an outside linebacker.

Fall ushers in some of the best hiking of the year in the Columbia River Gorge. Cooler temperatures and clear days make the climbs more enjoyable, while changing leaves make the views even more spectacular. The Columbia River Gorge is so endlessly beautiful, it has been given the unique distinction as a National Scenic Area.

The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area encompasses 292,000 acres. The gorge is an 80 mile canyon carved out of the Cascade Range by the Columbia River. It separates two states, southern Washington and northern Oregon, and is filled with rugged cliffs, waterfalls, rock pillars and smaller canyons.

The Columbia River Gorge is truly a natural treasure and nirvana for hikers and climbers. In fact, this year, to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the National Scenic Act, Friends of the Gorge has issued a challenge.

Gorge-goers are encouraged to hike 25 trails between now and October 31st. Those that complete the 25 Trails, 25 Years goal will be entered into a raffle drawing for prizes, including a two night stay at Skamania Lodge.

However, you'll need to become a member of Friends to be eligible for the prizes. It might be worth your while to sign up too - as you'll get a stainless steel commemorative water bottle for hiking just one trail. The basic membership fee is $35.

The Columbia River Gorge offers some of the best trails you're likely to find. In Springtime, hikers are rewarded with meadows of colorful wildflowers. However, in this hiker's opinion, fall ushers in some of the best hiking of the year in the Columbia River Gorge.

Bridge Of The Gods Kiteboarding Festival This Weekend!

Once again, the Columbia River Gorge will live up to its reputation as the premier kiteboarding destination in the United States. In case you don’t know, kiteboarding is a sport where the athlete stands on a specialized “board” and hangs onto the rigging going to a huge kite. The geological construction of the Columbia River Gorge offers an uncommon, windy location that not only moves the athlete, but can lift him far off the water where he can perform tricks.

From all over the US, kiteboarders will be competing August 19 - 21 in the nation's longest running amateur kiteboarding contest. The Festival has the reputation as being the place to compete to move from amateur to professional status. Contestants will compete in the categories of Men's Open, Women's Open, Master's and Junior's. There will also be a stand up paddle board competition, photography and videography competitions. In addition to the stunning kiteboarding, vendors will offer food, drinks and additional race day activities.

The town of Stevenson,Washingon will play host to the competition and provides a stunning back drop to this extreme sport. For more information, please contact the Festival’s website.

Looking for a great summer concert that’s close to home? Skamamia Lodge in Stephenson, Washington is currently hosting it’s 2011 Summer Concert series. Concerts are held every Friday evening at the lodge’s Columbia River Gorge Amphitheater.

Skamania, the Chinook Indian word for “fast water, is an elegant, but decidedly rustic northwest-style lodge. The setting is idyllic with unobstructed views of the Columbia River and nearby mountains. You can spread out a blanket on the lawn and soak up the views as Skamania Lodge Summer Concert Series makes beautiful music.

The Crazy 8’s, Linda Hornbuckle and Bobby Torres are just some of the acts scheduled to perform this summer. And should you decide to spend the night, here’s good news. Skamania Lodge is offering special summer discounts on their rooms until Labor Day.

If you arrive early, you can hike nearby trails, try your skills at wind-surfing in nearby Hood River, or play a round of golf. The lodge’s 18 hole, par-70 golf course includes a driving range, practice bunker and putting and chipping greens.

Don’t worry about going hungry either. Skamania Lodge offers fine dining in the Cascade Room, or more casual fare in the River Rock. Both dining options include an extensive wine list or northwest brews to please your palate and quench your thirst.

But, back to the music. Concerts start at 7 in the evening and food and wine are available inside the venue. There’s no outside food or alcohol permitted. You can purchase tickets for the concerts online through Tickets Oregon.

The Lodge is located about 30 minutes from Camas, so it’s a perfect for a day trip, or weekend destination. Remember, if you’re looking for a great summer concert that’s close to home - consider Skamania Lodge. Skamania Lodge Summer Concert Series makes beautiful music.

Meet The Honey Man!

This is one cool guy... friendly, a real local "character". Last weekend, Mel was photographing a client's land and spent some time taking scenery photos, too. That's when he met Daryl, the Honey Man. He sets up shop from the back of his car on the Washington side of The Bridge of the Gods, near Stevenson, WA. He has 1,200 colonies of bees from which he makes pure, specialty honey. He mentioned a new combination of blackberry and poison oak variety - interesting. Can't wait to try that one - I think? A lot of his business is return customers which only speaks to how truly wonderful his product is. Many visitors to the area take his honey home, then contact him for more which he mails out. Stop by and see Daryl for some great honey. He is usually on the Washington side of the Bridge of the Gods most days during the spring, summer and early fall. Call him at 541-490-4935 to try some awesome fresh honey.