Start off your tasting tour where microbrews began in Stevenson! A pioneer in the Columbia River Gorge, Walking Man Brewing has been crafting award-winning beer since 2000. Enjoy their spectacular dog-friendly beer garden or cozy up inside to savor a taster flight or a pint along with pub food and artisan pizza. Next, take a short walk along the Stevenson waterfront and soak in the beauty of Teo Park as you follow the path that leads along the Columbia River’s northern shore. Also down on the waterfront you’ll find Skunk Brothers Spirits where you can do a little whiskey tasting! Their Prohibition-style tasting room, complete with a peephole in the door, creates a memorable experience. Crafted right here in Stevenson, you will have a variety of whiskeys to choose from … Sweet Apple Pie Moonshine, Corn Whiskey, Cinnamon Whiskey, Blueberry Cordial and other seasonal spirits. Head to downtown Stevenson for your next stop on the tasting tour. Red Bluff Tap House is a family-owned gastropub here in the Columbia River Gorge. This family-friendly venue features a restaurant, full bar, and patio. With sixteen taps featuring local brews, cider, and wine, guests can enjoy great pairings for the chef’s creations. The cocktail list nods to classic, high-quality spirits, and balanced flavors. The menu combines fresh, locally sourced Northwest ingredients, paying homage to pub classics while evolving to keep things fresh. Be sure to check into one of our local lodging properties for the night so you’re ready for day two on the tasting tour!
A short hike on the Pacific Crest Trail is a great way to start off the second day. You can access this famous trail by parking at the Bonneville Trailhead just 5 miles west of Stevenson on Highway 14. Gillette Lake is a destination point that you can hike to and back in just 5 miles round trip. Time to check out another brewpub and this time you are headed across the Bridge of the Gods into Cascade Locks, Oregon. Thunder Island Brewing Co. is an adventure-based 7-barrel brewery that has been handcrafting beers in the Pacific Northwest since 2013. Taste brews inspired by a love of outdoor adventures, with a nod to local history and a respect for all that the scenic Columbia River Gorge has to offer. From there, you’ll cross back over the bridge into Washington and head east on Highway 14 to Carson for your next brewery experience. Backwoods Brewing Company was founded in July of 2012, by the Waters family. The first brews that came out of the pub were off a small one-barrel system. However, it is a 20-barrel system that they brew on today, with the production of their beer now in Stevenson, allowing them to expand seating at the pub in Carson. Try a sampler tray of their logging-themed beverages and pair it with delicious pub food.
To add more spots to your tasting tour, check these out: