Bonneville Hot Springs Resort's Blog

Top 10 things to do in the Columbia River Gorge

bonnevillehotsprings — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:14:12 +0000

The knowingly beautiful Scenic Columbia River Gorge is home to many sites to see however when planning your trip to our neck of the woods there are a few things and places that you just cannot afford to miss. We invite you to take our top ten things to do and review them for your next Gorge Getaway!

10. Bicycling
This multisport adventure explores the waterfalls, mountains, and forests of the Columbia River Gorge. Your options are unlimited ride the old scenic byway high on the cliffs overlooking the Columbia River east of town or you can pedal down through the wooded slopes of Mt. Hood National Forest and out into the wide open, rolling wheat country of central Oregon. Even better, ride to the renowned Multnomah Falls; at 620 feet, it is the tallest and most famous waterfall in the Columbia Gorge.

9. Day Spa
Considering you are relaxing in the Columbia River Gorge why not take it to the extreme. Bonneville Hot Springs Resort offers a 12,000 Square foot European-style Spa with more than 40 spa treatments to choose from. You can also relax at the 25 meter lap pool filled with natural mineral hot springs water or take a soak in the Jacuzzi.

8. Exploring
From the Ape Caves to the PCT trail, there is never a shortage of places and things to explore in the Gorge. Stevenson alone is home to fantastic public art, parks and more. You will spend hours just checking out all the nooks and crannies.

7. Shopping
At the west end of the Columbia River Gorge you will find a plethora of cute boutique shops right on Oak Street in Hood River, OR. Silverado for Sterling, the Enchanted Alpaca for unique and organic clothing choices and numerous outdoor and active wear retailers are at your disposal. At the east end you can step into Duck Soup for a fun new outfit or Bloomsbury for that perfect item that will sit right above your mantel.

6. Museums
The history here in the Gorge is amazing and intriguing. From the time the Gorge was created to the early lumber years that built the towns you will find all the history you can take in. Two of our favorites would be The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center, located in Stevenson WA and the Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles, OR.

5. Windsurfing
Although we realize that this sport is not for everyone the spectating part can be just as intriguing as the actual endeavor itself. The Columbia Gorge is a big name in the world of windsurfing and kite boarding. In fact, some call Hood River, just 45 minutes east of Portland, the windsurfing capital of the world, thanks to the incredible gorge winds that blow along the Columbia River. On an average breezy day, it’s typical to see dozens (if not hundreds) of colorful sails dancing across the wide river. Both windsurfing and kite boarding lessons and equipment are available in and around Hood River if you should decide to give it a try.

4. Wine Tours
Due to The Gorge’s unique geology and it’s variety of growing conditions, the diversity of wine grapes are unlikely to be matched anywhere else. So unusual is this growing area that was filed to establish a shared appellation for Oregon and Washington… the Columbia Gorge American Viticulture Area. The AVA straddles both sides of the Columbia River for a stretch of about 15 miles, and covers 280 square miles, thus why The Gorge is home to 30 + of the Northwest’s best wineries.

3. Hiking
I could right a book about the Northwest’s hiking trails and scenic parks. Whether you are looking for a light walk or a hike above it all we have it here for you. Beacon Rock, Falls Creek Falls, Strawberry Island, Angels Crest to name a few will send you to some of the most spectacular viewings in the world. We suggest when planning your hiking trip you either look up reviews online or ask around as some of these trail heads are seasonal.

2. White Water Rafting
This is a must, experience adventure that takes you through old lava beds and a massive history lesson. We would not recommend anyone other than Zoller’s Outdoor Odyssey’s for your adventure as their guides are knowledgeable, professional and fun! They also have the gear and the techniques to give you the ultimate experience available.

1. Eating
Yes, that’s right eating is at the top of our must do’s in the Gorge. The Gorge is home to some of the finest restaurants in the Northwest and whether you are looking for casual or Black Tie you will find it here. Bonneville Hot Springs Resort offers a fantastic menu catered for every meal of the day. You can also look forward to a 100% organic menu in the works thanks to an on site greenhouse. Stevenson is home to fantastic Restaurants such as Big River Grill and El Rio and further east about 28 miles you can find everything from Italian to Curry, Mexican to a Sweet Potato Burrito with Feta (Everybody’s Brewing, White Salmon WA).

Let’s get the Romance Rolling . .

bonnevillehotsprings — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:34:04 +0000

Love is in the air and at Bonneville Hot Springs Resort we are ready to get the romance rolling. .
In celebration of Valentines Weekend, Saturday and Sunday we are offering an exquisite menu that will knock your socks off!! Savory Dish’s and sweet delights are wound up into a nine course gourmet experience. Can’t wait to find out? Check out our website for a sneak peak!

Love is in the air . . . Where will it take you?

bonnevillehotsprings — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:09:30 +0000

For the last eight years Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa has been one of the best romantic getaways in the Gorge. Our luxurious resort in all its natural beauty has been not only a relaxing getaway to so many but has also offered the extended benefits of being a healing retreat.
Our hot springs spa retreat is the perfect antidote for a couple’s getaway weekend. Whether you are out to enjoy a detox retreat in our 12,000 square foot day spa, a healing retreat submerged in our thermal mineral pools, or just out to enjoy a relaxing romantic getaway tucked comfortably into your master Jacuzzi suite, shut off from the world. We are here to accommodate your every anticipated need for the perfect romantic luxury getaway.
Our facility is equipped with some of the most luxurious amenities available. Your romantic getaway vacation is not complete without options like fine dining in our Pacific Crest Dining room, experiencing one or more of our 40 available spa treatments or getting outside for some hiking and biking on our Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area trails.
We are continuously offering fantastic romantic getaway specials, couples getaway packages and romantic spa getaway deals. Make sure you are following us on Twitter, Facebook and signed up for our monthly newsletter as to make sure you are not missing out on our great monthly specials.
Love is in the air . . . Is it bringing you here?

Relax, Renew, Resort . . .

bonnevillehotsprings — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:41:43 +0000

Relax ~ Escape from the ordinary and treat yourself to the simple pleasures of peace, tranquility and romance. Getaway from it all and take time to relax in an intimate refuge far from the tension and stress that life can bring.

Renew ~ Soothe your senses with a relaxing soak in the natural hot spring mineral water famed for it’s power to heal and rejuvinate. We invite you to pamper yourself in our full-service 12,000 sq. ft. European- style spa. Enjoy a hot stone massage, herbal body wrap, hydrating facial or any of the dozens of massages and body treatments to renew and refresh the body.

Resort ~ Escape is closer then you think. Amidst the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and lush forests of the Columbia River Gorge lies Bonneville Hot Springs Resort and Spa – the only destination resort spa in the Gorge. Were just 45 minutes from Portland, our newly built resort is your destination for romantic luxury, impeccable service, and soothing relaxation.