Stevenson Archives - Emerging Horizons

Relax in a Skamania Lodge Wheelchair-Accessible Cabin

Candy B. Harrington cabin, Columbia, lodge, luxury, retreat, River, Skamania, Stevenson, Washington, wheelchair September 25, 2025

Located on the quieter northern side of the Columbia River, Skamania Lodge has long been a top choice for a relaxing nature getaway. But make no mistake, you’re not exactly roughing it at this upscale mountain lodge. That said, even with the luxurious touches and attentive service, you’re still connected to the outdoors in just about any space on the property.

Skamania Lodge has also been proactive about wheelchair access. Not only do they offer some beautiful accessible lodge rooms, but they also have a secluded wheelchair-accessible treehouse (emerginghorizons.com/sleep-in-a-wheelchair-accessible-treehouse-at-skamania-lodge/). The former is great for family visits, while the latter is excellent for a romantic getaway. The newest addition to the Treehouse Village is a collection of luxury cabins, including a nice wheelchair-accessible unit. So, pack your bags, leave the big city behind you and relax in a Skamania Lodge wheelchair-accessible cabin.

Skamania Lodge Wheelchair-Accessible Cabin

There’s level access to the lobby at this outdoor-themed lodge, with plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair to the front desk. From there, it’s a short drive to the gated treehouse section of the property, where the wheelchair-accessible cabin is located. Cabin 744 (also known as Horsetail Falls) includes a private parking space in front, with plenty of room for an adapted van. And if you happen to drive an EV, there’s also a charging station there.

There’s barrier-free access to the spacious front porch, and a comfy Adirondack chair in front. Access features in this one-bedroom cabin include wide doorways, lever handles, good pathway access and laminate floors for easy rolling.

The great room includes a stone gas fireplace, a king size sofa bed, a dining table with four chairs and a compact kitchen. The kitchen features a roll-under sink, and a lowered microwave and refrigerator. The whole cabin exudes a woodsy ambiance, with high ceilings, wood beams and natural wood accents.

A large barn door leads into the bedroom, which is furnished with two 22-inch high open-frame queen-sized beds, with wheelchair access in the middle and the right side (as you face them). Other furnishings include a nightstand, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. And to make you feel welcome, there’s a stuffed mini-Sasquatch on the bed.

There’s excellent access in the cavernous bathroom, which includes barn door access and features a full five-foot turning radius. It’s outfitted with a roll-in shower with a fold-down shower seat, grab bars and a hand-held showerhead (as well as a traditional showerhead). It also includes a roll-under sink and a toilet with grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated).

(click thumbnail to see full size image)

: Living Area in cabin 744 at Skamania Lodge

: Living Area and Kitchen in cabin 744 at Skamania Lodge

: Bedroom in cabin 744 at Skamania Lodge

: Bathroom in cabin 744 at Skamania Lodge

Enjoy the Outdoors!

But the good access doesn’t end on the inside of the Skamania Lodge cabin — it continues out on the private deck. There’s level access out to the deck from both the great room and the bedroom, and it’s a beautiful place to relax as it borders the forest. Furnishings include a table and four chairs, and a sofa. And there’s plenty of room for a wheelchair-user to roll around and enjoy it all.

Photo by Candy B. Harrington — Smores on the Deck

There’s also a propane fire pit on the deck, which offers some light and warmth on those chilly nights. And the folks at Skamania Lodge thought of everything, as they included a s’mores kit, so you can enjoy a tasty treat around the fire. The deck is also a great place to have your morning cup of coffee, and enjoy the songs of the local avian residents. Truly this cabin has all the bells and whistle for access — including remote control blinds and drapes — and the secluded space to relax with that special someone. It’s really the best of both worlds.

While You’re in the Area

Mount Hood Infinity Loop – Columbia River Highway Waterfall Corridor – Schreiner Farms

There’s no shortage of fun accessible activities to do while you’re in the area. Skamania Lodge makes a great home base for a Mount Hood Infinity Loop road trip (emerginghorizons.com/drive-the-scenic-mount-hood-infinity-loop/), or a short jaunt along the Columbia River Highway Waterfall Corridor (emerginghorizons.com/explore-the-historic-columbia-river-highway-waterfall-corridor/).

If you’d like to take a hike, there are three accessible trails located nearby (emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-columbia-river-hikes/). Sam’s Walker Trail is about 15 minutes west of the lodge, while the Catherine Creek Universal Trail and the Balfour Klickitat Loop are about 40 minutes in the other direction. Pack along a picnic lunch and make it a day excursion.

The Columbia Gorge Museum (www.columbiagorgemuseum.org), is also worth a stop, and it’s just up the street from Skamania Lodge. This family friendly museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts that chronicle the history and culture of the Columbia River Gorge. There’s excellent access throughout the museum, and the building itself is a work of art. Exhibits about history of the gorge line the first floor, while the unique Don Brown Rosary Collection occupies a substantial chunk of the upper gallery. This unusual exhibit includes nearly 4,000 rosaries, and it was the catalyst for the formation of the Skamania Historical Society in 1926. It’s a fitting — if not somewhat eerie — way to top off a Columbia Gorge Museum visit.

Finally, be sure and save some time for a quick side trip to Schreiner Farms (emerginghorizons.com/schreiner-farms/) on your way to or from Skamania Lodge. There’s no charge to drive through this family farm, which houses everything from antelope and camels to bison, giraffes and even zebras. It’s located about 45 minutes west of the lodge in Lyle, and it’s a fun road trip diversion. You never know what you’ll see.

Lodging

Sleep in a Wheelchair-Accessible Treehouse at Skamania Lodge

Candy B. Harrington Columbia River, highway, lodge, retreat, romantic, Skamania, Stevenson, treehouse, Washington February 3, 2024

Angels Rest Wheelchair-Accessible Treehouse Suite at Skamania Lodge, Oregon

Although Skamania Lodge (https://www.skamania.com/) is just a 45-minute drive from Portland, it’s a world away from the trappings of urban life. Surrounded by towering evergreens, the 175-acre property offers upscale amenities in the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Of course the standard lodge rooms and suites at Skamania Lodge are beyond comfortable; however if you want to raise the meter on the exclusivity index, then check-in to their new wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite. Located in an private corner of the property, this luxurious tree-level suite offers comfortable furnishings, first-rate-amenities and more than a few little extras. And even though most treehouses aren’t doable for people with mobility issues, this wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite at Skamania Lodge is an excellent lodging choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

A Wheelchair-Accessible Treehouse

Inside the Angels Rest wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite

There are Lots of Windows in the Angels Rest wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite

The new treehouse suites are located in a quiet corner of the lodge property that’s reserved for treehouse guests. There’s plenty of room to deploy a ramp in the parking space reserved for the Angels Rest (701) wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite. From there a 300-foot paved pathway leads up to the treehouse. There’s a slight incline to the path near the end, but it’s doable for most power wheelchair and scooter-users. Golf cart assistance is available to anyone who needs it — just inquire at check in. And if you encounter any problems, just call the front desk.

Access features in Angels Rest include wide doorways, lever handles and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter. The main room is lined with windows that bring the outside in — you really feel like you are in a tree. It’s furnished with a 26-inch high king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, two night tables, a refrigerator and a microwave. And there are two comfy chairs in front of the indoor-outdoor gas fireplace, and a vintage guitar tucked away in the corner. There’s also level access to the spacious deck through two double doors.

Deck outside the Angels Rest wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite

The bathroom is cavernous, and includes a full five-foot turning radius. It’s outfitted with a large roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a wooden shower bench. The toilet, which is located in an alcove around the corner, has grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated). Top it off with a large roll-under sink and a lowered mirror and you have a nicely outfitted and accessible suite.

Bathroom in the Angels Rest wheelchair-accessible treehouse suite

Those Little Extras

And then there are those little extras that are included in this luxurious wheelchair-accessible treehouse. For starters, there’s not just a coffee maker, but a Nespresso machine. Just pop in a pod for a perfectly brewed cup of expresso. Of course if you prefer tea or cocoa, they have that too.

And let’s talk about the robes. Many hotels provide guests with robes and slippers, but the treehouse robe was the softest and plushest one I’ve ever worn. Seriously, I didn’t want to take it off.

There were also some nice extras outside. Not only are there comfy chairs and a table on the deck, but there’s also a Yeti ice chest. And it’s filled with ice, so bring your favorite beverage and enjoy. And although the whole treehouse suite simply oozes romance, the deck is a particularly romantic retreat. There’s also a nice open meadow below the deck, where the deer like to hang out near the end of the day.

Last but certainly not least, there’s the gas firepit that’s located close to the treehouse. There’s level access to the firepit, which is reserved for treehouse guests. And you don’t have to worry about actually starting a fire — just push a button and you’re good to go. Of course you can just sit around the fire and enjoy the evening, or you can whip up some tasty s’mores. And in keeping with the “little extras included” theme, s’more kits are also included in the treehouse suites. Truly they thought of everything.

But Wait, There’s More

Of course the wheelchair-accessible treehouse is just the tip of the iceberg at Skaminia Lodge. Let’s not forget the public spaces. There’s plenty of accessible parking near the main lodge building with a barrier-free path over to the spacious lobby. On the far side of the registration desk there’s a large fireplace, with plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the warmth, and take in the view of the surrounding forest.

The Cascade Dining Room, which is located just down the hall, also offers good wheelchair access. Guests can enjoy eggs benedict for brunch and feast on a rack of lamb at dinner. Lighter fare and gluten-free selections are also available. But one of the best features of the dining room is the expansive view of the forest, with the Columbia River in the background.

If you’d prefer some lighter fare, there’s also barrier-free access to the River Rock Lounge, which is located just down the hall.

And if you’d like to go for a swim, then just take the elevator to the basement and check out the indoor swimming pool. Not only is there good access around the pool, but there’s also a wheelchair lift to get into it. And since it’s protected from the elements, you can enjoy the water year-round.

In the end, not only does Skamania Lodge have all the bells and whistles, but it’s also just a short drive from the Historic Columbia River Highway, where you’ll find scenic vistas, jaw-dropping views and cascading waterfalls. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic retreat. After all a segment of The Bachelorette was filmed there!

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