Getting there: The Carson Hot Springs Resort is about 50 miles east of Portland, Ore., along the Columbia River. From Portland, take Interstate 84 to Cascade Locks, drive over the Bridge of the Gods, and go north on Washington Route 14 for about six miles. Turn left at the intersection with Wind River Highway, drive one mile to the four-way stop in Carson. Turn right onto Hot Springs Avenue and travel three-quarters of a mile. Turn left just past the golf course onto St. Martin Road and follow the road down the hill to the Hot Springs Resort. From Seattle, travel on I-5 south to I-84, and then follow the above directions. The trip from Seattle takes about four hours.
Lodging: The resort has nine rooms in its hotel and 12 cabins. Showers are available in the bathhouse. The resort also has two kitchenette suites and a hot tub suite. None of the rooms has a TV or telephone. Rates range from $35 for hotel rooms and $45 for cabin rooms during the week. On weekends hotel rooms are $45 and cabins are $60. Phone: 1-509-427-8292 or 1-800-607-3678.
Dining: The original dining room in the hotel has a history. Springs founder Isadore St. Martin was stabbed to death in the dining room in 1910 over the quality of the mineral water. Many have reported seeing his ghost there. Home-cooking can also be found in the dining room. Dinner specials offer salmon during salmon runs, prime rib and steak.
Activities: The surrounding area offers hiking, sailboarding, fishing, hunting, camping and golfing. The resort has a golf course that includes a 3 1/2-acre driving range and clubhouse. Greens fees: 18 holes on weekends, $19; 18 holes on weekdays, $16. Golf course phone: 1-509-427-5150.
On the Web: www.skamania.org/lodging.html