If you’re staying with us here at the Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins, you’re even closer.

Naturally the Wine and Pear Fest centers around wine tasting. You’ll meet many the increasingly popular wineries located here in the Columbia Gorge area. You’ll also find plenty of tasty things to eat, presented by local restaurants. The event includes live entertainment, local artisans and of course sampling of Hood River’s world-famous pears and other fruit.

The Wine and Pear Festival runs Saturday noon to 8pm, Sunday noon to 6pm, at the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum. A one-day pass is $20 and includes 5 tasting tokens, museum admission and a complimentary wine glass. The two-day pass is $35, giving you reduced admission for the second day. You can bring the whole family, admission is free for kids 18 and under.

The annual Wine and Pear is just one of many reasons we love living and working here in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.

Trillium, a special spring treat in the Columbia River Gorge.

Already trillium and big-leaf maple leaves are emerging, and we saw plenty of native black currents and salmonberries brandishing their vivid fuchsia-pink flowers.

One of our Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins is named Salmonberry after this lovely and tasty raspberry relative.

Everyone likes salmonberries.

Wahclella Falls is one of the most memorable Columbia River Gorge waterfall hikes in the Mt. Hood National  Forest. It’s an inspiring experience for the entire family. No hiking boots? No problem, sneakers will do. This one-mile (each way) trail isn’t quite stroller-friendly, but it’s an easy hike even for the little ones. And it’s dog-friendly, but do remember to take along a cleanup bag, just in case.

When you get to the falls, you’ll want to sit and rest a spell, basking in the spring sunshine. Or bring a picnic, as we did. You’ll probably want to return, again and again, to see new waves of wildflowers and to splash in the waterfall’s pool when the weather is warmer.

Just don’t forget your camera!  You’ll certainly want to have your picture taken standing in the midst of this Columbia River Gorge postcard.

The Wahclella Falls trailhead is just off Interstate 84 at exit 40, near Bonneville Dam. Park the car and if you have a Northwest Forest Pass, you’re ready to go. If not, you’ll need to pay a $5 fee to help the Forest Service maintain our beautiful system of parks and trails. Latitude: 45.63099, Longitude: -121.95407

What’s your favorite waterfall hike on theOregonside of the Columbia River Gorge?

A soothing Mother's Day in-cabin massage. Mmmmm . . .

This Mother’s Day, why not treat Mom to breakfast-in-bedwith a romantic twist, complete with jetted tub for two, fireplace and private porch swing overlooking scenic Carson Ridge and the springtime beauty of the Columbia River Gorge.

Here at Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins, we take special pride in the outstanding gourmet breakfasts we serve daily in our cozy dining room. But we also offer breakfast-in-bed because indulging our guests is what we do best. So naturally our Portland Mother’s Day Romantic Getaway Special includes our popular breakfast basket filled with an array of delicious selections, delivered piping hot to your door. Not too early, so you can sleep in.

Mom won’t even have to get dressed. She can wrap up in one of our plush robes, pour a cup of our specially-selected in-room coffee, and sit by the fire. Or rock gently in your private porch swing, admiring the view and watching the hummingbirds. Maybe our resident pheasant will pay a visit.

Ahhhh . . . you can feel yourself relaxing just reading about it, can’t you?

But that’s not all. We want Mom to completely unwind, so for her we’re including a soothing one-hour in-cabin massage at half price.

We also offer optional in-cabin couples massage. We can even arrange extra surprise treats like fresh flowers, champagne or a gourmet snack tray – waiting for your arrival or delivered later.

A Mother’s Day romantic getaway is what Mom really wants.
If you’ve already made special plans for Mother’s Day itself, no worries. You can take advantage of our Mother’s Day Special mid-week, too. Take Mom to brunch or dinner in Portland, then whisk her away for a relaxing couple of days for just the two of you.

The Columbia River Gorge is nearby, but here at Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins you’ll feel worlds away. And a romantic getaway is the perfect antidote for usually-hectic days. Some time for peace and tranquility is a gift the Mom in your life will truly appreciate.

A word of warning, though: availability is limited, so we advise booking right away.

What’s the best Mother’s Day gift you ever received?

The four of us enjoying beautiful Wahclella Falls.

“The sun shining in the Columbia River Gorge, reflecting off the water, the wineries and vineyards, the orchards and Mt. Hood, the close proximity to Portland . . . there’s so much to do and see here.”

Let me just start off by saying how lucky Tom and I are to be the new innkeepers at Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins. This is easily the best place to stay here in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. I’m Marianne Pratt, and my partner is Tom Bales.

Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins owners Pete and Latisha Steadman want to spend more time as a family with their young son Taiquito. Soon they’ll head off on new adventures, but they’re not leaving us behind. They promise to keep friends and guests updated because there’s more to come and we know you’ll want to read about it.

The privacy and pampering continue, with some new enhancements.

Pete and Latisha have created a legacy of gracious, friendly hosting, and Tom and I look forward to continuing the tradition of providing an exceptional experience to all our guests.

Tom’s lifelong hospitality career has spanned different countries and cultures but always focused on providing a personalized, 5-diamond experience. Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins are right up his alley. As former restaurant owners, Tom and I are also adding new menu items and other little touches to make our breakfasts even more memorable.

Our Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins let you escape for a special occasion or a quick getaway, but this is also the perfect quiet headquarters from which to spend several days or a week exploring everything the Columbia River Gorge, Mount St. Helens, Hood River and Mt. Hood have to offer.

And who wouldn’t want to do that? I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest most of my life. But for Tom, the Columbia River Gorge is new. Already he describes himself as “overwhelmed with the beauty” even though he’s lived in some notoriously gorgeous places includingJapan,Hawaii,Costa Rica, theRockies.

The lushness and lusciousness here are simply exceptional, and we can’t imagine anyone not being blown away by this environment.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the Columbia River Gorge area?

Join us for a day of reflection and renewal on September 24, 2011.

The Summer Solstice has come and gone, and while days are still long, we are now gradually making our way towards autumn. Before we get there, we should all fill warm summer days with as many fun excursions and romantic getaways as we can. Yet we ask that you take a moment to look at your fall calendar and consider setting aside time in September to participate in a “Goddess Within Workshop” at our Columbia River Gorge Cabins.

Participants will explore stories and myths traditionally associated with Autumn. Through meditation, yoga, guided exercises, and writing sessions, we’ll examine ourselves and our potential. The equinox is a time of balance, and it is a wonderful time to pause and build balance within the self.

Our Goddess Within Workshop Series is lead by Rhea Wolf and Latisha Heilman. Come for the day – September 24, 2011 – or the weekend. For more information and to register, please visit our Columbia River Gorge Events page.

Hike nearby Dog Mountain while staying at our Columbia River Gorge Cabins.

If hiking and wildflowers make you smile, now is a great time to hike the Dog Mountain trail.

Dog Mountain is not for the faint of heart; the elevation goes from 60 feet to 2860 feet in just over 3 miles. The good news is that the bulk of the strenuous climbing takes place at the beginning. Switchback trails lead hikers ever higher through the forest until (cue the music) you break out of the woods onto a glorious mountain meadow. The remaining trail to the summit traverses these meadows, which are, as of this writing, in full bloom with bright, yellow flowers.

It gets better. From the summit, hikers are treated to stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge, Mount St. Helens, and majestic Mt. Hood. Simply glorious.

Hikers will want day packs full of water and food. The round trip hike to the summit of Dog Mountain should take approximately 5.5 hours, but you’ll want to allow plenty of time to admire both the wildflowers and the view. It’s best to plan for an all day outing.

The trailhead for Dog Mountain is less than 15 minutes from our Columbia River Gorge Cabins. Sleep late, drink copious amounts of freshly brewed coffee with your breakfast, and then head east along Washington Highway 14 until you see signs for Dog Mountain, between mileposts 53 and 54.

Guests of our Hood River Cabins are always thankful for the hot tubs, for nothing eases sore muscles quite like a warm soak. After that, a bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, cheeses, salami, and fruit … perfect. Enjoy the feast on the porch of your private cabin as you watch the sun set over the Cascade Mountains.

Bring home a delicious cherry pie from The Fruit Loop

Fruit has been grown along the Fruit Loop since the mid 1800s, and many of the farmers run farms that have been in their families for generations. They are friendly and generous with their land – visitors are encouraged to walk through orchards and pick their own fruit. And truly, there is nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked fruit, be it cherry, apple, or pear.

Many fruit stands line the Fruit Loop, so if you aren’t in the mood to pick your own, you may still enjoy freshly picked fruit. Indeed, snacks are abundant on the Fruit Loop – especially the healthful kind. Of course, if you prefer to ingest your fruit slathered on toast (jam) or with a scoop of ice cream (pie), you’ll find these options on the loop, too. There are a wide assortment of locally made preserves at the Apple Valley Country Store, where you can also lunch on barbecued chicken, ribs, or pulled pork. Be sure to complete the meal with a sinfully good Huckleberry ice cream shake.

As has happened elsewhere in the country, many farms in the Columbia River Gorge now grow grapes. Folks who travel the Hood River Fruit Loop will find quite a few excellent Oregon wineries:

• Wy’East Vineyards
• Mt. Hood Winery
• Pleasant Valley Winery (certified organic)
• Hood River Vineyards
• The Gorge White House
• Cathedral Ridge Winery

At the end of the day, you will want to do nothing more than return to our luxurious Hood River Lodging with arms full of locally produced wine and fruit. You’ll probably also want a loaf of freshly baked bread (available several places on the loop), jam, and a pie. Touring the Fruit Loop is hungry work, so sit back, admire the view, and enjoy a healthy, locally grown, feast.

Consider staying in one of our Hood River Cabins during the following Fruit Loop Festivals:

• Hood River County Fruit Loop Wine Celebration: June 18-19, 2011.
• Hood River County Fruit Loop Cherry Celebration: July 16-17, 2011.
• Lavender Festivals at various local Lavender Farms: July 9-10, July 16-17, 2011.
• Hood River County Fair; July 27-30, 2011.
• Apple Valley’s Huckleberry Jam & Country BBQ; August 13-14, 2011.

More information about the Fruit Loop is available at the Hood River Fruit Loop.

It is the goal of all of us here at our Columbia River Gorge Cabins to help create a most relaxed, serene, and perfect wedding for our guests.

This starts with our location; though we are located just an hour outside of Portland, Oregon, our setting in the Columbia River Gorge feels remote and peaceful. It is convenient for members of the wedding party and guests to travel to Carson Ridge Cabins; and once here, the stresses and pressures of everyday life will dissolve so that the wedding takes central stage.

Weddings at our Hood River Lodging are relaxed because they may take place over the course of a day or several days. Many wedding parties arrive a day or two prior to the ceremony. The bride and her bridesmaids have time for a Bridal Shower, luncheon or tea, massages, or yoga classes. The bridegroom and the men who will stand with him have time to bond over an outdoor adventure like whitewater rafting or golf. The Wedding Party may enjoy a leisurely rehearsal dinner on site, and the bride and grooms may retreat to separate cabins prior to their marriage.

The wedding lawn overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.

Hood River Weddings at Carson Ridge Cabins may take place in your cabin (ideal for elopements and intimate weddings), in our lodge by a wood burning stove (ideal for small winter or rainy day weddings), or on our Wedding Gardens overlooking the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Mountains (ideal for summer weddings of up to 75 people). There are few places in the Pacific Northwest so perfectly suited for outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Brides are invited to stay in our Mt Hood Cabin, especially for summer weddings. A path leads directly from the cabin to our new Wedding Lawn. Guests watch as she exits her cabin and walks to the alter and her new life as a married woman.

Our romantic Columbia River Gorge Cabins are ideal for honeymoons, too. Some couples spend their whole honeymoons here, while others spend only the first night or two as a married couple here, before traveling to far-flung places.

Relaxed. Serene. Perfect. That’s what weddings at Carson Ridge Cabins are like.

Please call 877.816.7908 to speak with us about hosting your wedding here.

This could be you when you stay at our Columbia River Gorge Cabins in June.

All guests who stay at least two nights at our Columbia River Gorge Cabins during the month of June will receive this excursion credit. It’s great incentive to spend a few days away from home, be it in Portland, Eugene, or Seattle. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Columbia River Gorge, fresh air, and a fun activity. Or simply unwind with a massage here.

Our Golf Excursion takes place at the golf course at Skamania Lodge, which is just a few miles away from Carson Ridge Cabins. The course is challenging and lovely, with 18 holes, a driving range, practice bunker, and chipping and putting greens.

Our Fishing Excursion is with River Run Guide Service. Spend 8 hours on a 21′ covered and heated sled on the Columbia River, fishing for over-sized Sturgeon and Shad.

Of course, you may find it most relaxing to have a massage. Our massage therapists offer a variety of massages, from Swedish to Thai Yoga Massage to Reiki. Take your pick, and indulge in the ultimate form of relaxation.

The $50 Excursion Credit at our Hood River Lodging runs throughout the month of June. Please call 877.816.7908 for more details.

The Columbia River is minutes from our Columbia River Gorge Cabins. Guests may spend their days on the river, whitewater rafting, wind surfing, or kite surfing. They can take a scenic cruise aboard the Sternwheeler or explore the shoreline in a kayak.

Our Hood River Lodging is also close to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, where our guests hike, mountain bike, and find peace on the numerous trails. Hikers may also visit one of the nearby waterfalls that spill into the Columbia River, or head to a nearby volcano – Mount St. Helens or Mount Hood.

2 for 1 Massage Special at Carson Ridge private luxury cabins throughout May 2011

There is one more excellent reason to stay at Carson Ridge private luxury cabins during the month of May: a free massage.

Guests who stay at our Columbia River Gorge lodging for at least two nights this month may opt for a 2 for 1 massage. The massage therapists at our Columbia River Gorge Cabins are trained in a variety of massage therapies. Indulge in a full body massage that incorporates both deep tissue work and trigger point techniques, or a Swedish Massage that will soothe, increase circulation, and quiet your nerves. Warm your core with a Hot Stone massage, or see what Thai Yoga massage is all about. We also offer Reiki, which is a holistic energy healing technique. Our May Special gives you two massages for the price of one, but who says you can’t try every form of massage during your stay?

The 2 for 1 Massage Special runs May only, but our massage therapists are here every month. Come see for yourself.