photo by Dr. Peter Regan
24 RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS BERRY PICKING In late August or early September, family huckleberry picking is popular at numerous places throughout the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. BIKING The City of North Bonneville has more than 12 miles of relatively flat paved biking trails that wind throughout town. www.nbtrails.net Strawberry Island in North Bonneville is a local favorite for family mountain biking. There are also several mountain bike trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. For a list of favorite rides: www.fs.fed.us/gpnf.
BIRD WATCHING Skamania County is home to a vast number of birds and waterfowl. For a birding map or more information, stop by the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce. BOAT TOURS Experience the natural and scenic wonders of the Columbia River Gorge aboard a luxurious riverboat, an old-fashioned sternwheeler,
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or a high-speed catamaran jet boat. Scenic rides, dinner cruises, thrill rides, and interpretive tours are all available from the Willamette River in Portland to the Columbia River in Skamania County. www.portlandspirit.com CAMPING Skamania County is camping country, with campgrounds to satisfy all levels of wilderness experience. Visit the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website to learn about available campgrounds. www.fs.fed.us/gpnf FISHING Skamania County provides a limitless number of fishing opportunities for the experienced to the beginning angler. The vast Columbia River, mountain streams, wilderness lakes, reservoirs and ponds make Skamania County a year-round fishermen’s paradise. GOLF Take advantage of golfing among some of the most beautiful scenery in the Pacific Northwest. Skamania Lodge has a challenging 18-hole, par-70 golf course that is beautifully tucked into the resort's 175 wooded acres. HIKING There are numerous trailheads in the area for hikers of all abilities. Waterfalls are abundant in the Pacific Northwest and the Pacific Crest Trail runs through Skamania County. See pages 36-39 for featured popular hiking trails. JET SKIING Jet skiing has become quite popular at East Point in Stevenson. This newly remodeled family friendly day use area features picnic grounds, boat dock and restroom facilities. KAYAKING For flat water kayaking try the Columbia River on a calm day. Greenleaf Reservoir, Rock Creek Pond and Ashes Lake are great spots for those looking for touring opportunities. KITEBOARDING One of the most interesting spectator sports since chariot races. Stevenson is home to one of the most popular kiteboarding sites
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
in the Gorge. Watch the kiteboarders launch 20, 30, 40 feet into the air at Stevenson's Kite Beach on the east end of town. Kiteboarding lessons are available on the Stevenson waterfront. MUSHROOMING From morells to chanterelles, Skamania County has a bunch. Be sure to take an experienced mushroomer with you when you go picking. PARAGLIDING Somewhere in the sky above Skamania County you might see someone flying in a paraglider. You need to really keep an eye out if you want to be a paraglide watcher, as they tend to flock to out of the way places like Silver Star Mountain (as shown in the above photograph). This little observed sport has many local enthusiasts that take every opportunity to enjoy the gift of foot-launched gliding flight. Keep your eyes skyward and you might see them overhead! www.cascadeparaglidingclub.org