Rollin’ on the river by way of Northwest resorts
By Greg Johnson
This summer, why not pay a visit to some of the excellent resorts and lodges along our beautiful Pacific Northwest rivers?
Here are a few options.
Kalama Harbor Lodge
Kalama Harbor Lodge, the centerpiece of this city’s waterfront, draws inspiration from the Hawaiian heritage of local historical figure John Kalama. The lodge features art and local history, along with secret rooms on each floor that lead to expansive rooftop river views at the Cloud Bar.
Each guestroom is named after local historical figures. The stained-glass Holoholo Room and Polynesian-inspired Harbor Lounge are great places to enjoy a beverage while watching the river roll by. Visitors can also attend a concert at the Westin Amphitheater or walk along the waterfront trail past playgrounds and public parks.
Kalama Harbor Lodge
215 N. Hendrickson Drive, Kalama
360-673-6970,
Eagle Rock Lodge
Take a forested journey beside the blue waters of the McKenzie River as U.S. Highway 126 winds its way to Eagle Rock Lodge. This rustic yet upscale riverside bed-and-breakfast lodge, built in 1946, is surrounded by 5 acres of gardens and forestland.
Fishermen and outdoor lovers enjoy stays at the lodge to partake in the river’s beauty, whitewater rafting and fly-fishing. The forest across the river was scorched in the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire, but fortunately, the lodge escaped extensive damage.
If summer isn’t an option, come in springtime for the McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival in April. Dozens of wooden dory owners glide down the river to the lodge to celebrate the iconic McKenzie River drift boat, which is designed to navigate whitewater rapids.
Eagle Rock Lodge
49198 McKenzie Highway
Vida, Oregon
541-822-3630,
Riverside Lodge
Visitors to the Central Oregon mountain town of Bend may not realize they can stay right on the scenic Deschutes River. The River-side Lodge offers freshly revamped rooms with fireplaces, firepit patios and closeup views of the rushing river below.
Select a room with a king bed or two queen beds and a private patio or balcony, and enjoy stunning views from wide trails along the river. The lodge also features a restaurant serving locally sourced dishes and housemade cocktails.
Riverside Lodge, 3075 N.
U.S. Highway 97, Bend, Oregon
541-389-3111, www.riverhouse.com
Hood River Inn and Lightwell Hotel
The Best Western Plus Hood River Inn is the best choice in this Oregon town to enjoy up-close views of the mighty Columbia River. The hotel features 194 rooms with river views, an outdoor pool with a hot tub, a well-equipped gym, an on-site restaurant and walking trails that follow along the waterfront.
Another option, although not on the river, is Lightwell Hotel and Spa, a recently renovated hotel on Cascade Avenue in downtown Hood River. Once known as the Waucoma Hotel, it offers Columbia River Gorge views, cozy queen beds, steam-filled showers, a spa and a restaurant serving Mediterranean and local cuisine.
Best Western Plus Hood River Inn, 1108 E. Marina Way, Hood River
877-815-9386, www.Bestwestern.com
Lightwell Hotel and Spa
201 Cascade Ave., Hood River
541-436-4860, www.lightwellhotel.com
Greg Johnson is a travel writer for The Messenger
