Story by Karina
A Rustic Ranch Getaway
Adventure in Goldendale, Columbia Gorge, WA, US
Perfectly perched on the breezy hills above the Columbia River Gorge is the Steelhead Ranch. The ranch encompasses all the comforts of home while acting as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Although the weather was chilly and windy during our visit, we found several opportunities to immerse ourselves in the fresh, open air of the ranch, nearby Goldendale town, and the Gorge.
We discovered scrumptious treats and coffee at the lovely St. John's Monastery and Bakery and spent a large part of our morning taking in the views at the WWI Stonehenge Memorial. Due to a winter storm, we ended up spending most of our trip on the ranch. The ranch house was spacious, but still felt cozy! The large kitchen and living areas allowed us to spread out, play games, cook together and relax. The house has a fishing theme (the hosts are fishing guides and you can book an excursion with them!) and it made us feel even more immersed in the outdoors.
For anyone looking for rejuvenation and a chance to engage yourselves in the outdoors, we highly recommend booking a stay at the Steelhead Ranch!
We discovered scrumptious treats and coffee at the lovely St. John's Monastery and Bakery and spent a large part of our morning taking in the views at the WWI Stonehenge Memorial. Due to a winter storm, we ended up spending most of our trip on the ranch. The ranch house was spacious, but still felt cozy! The large kitchen and living areas allowed us to spread out, play games, cook together and relax. The house has a fishing theme (the hosts are fishing guides and you can book an excursion with them!) and it made us feel even more immersed in the outdoors.
For anyone looking for rejuvenation and a chance to engage yourselves in the outdoors, we highly recommend booking a stay at the Steelhead Ranch!
Things We Did
- Bakery
- Lookout
- Walk
If you're looking for a place to enjoy morning coffee and delicious hot pastry, then you need to visit St. John's Monastery and Bakery! We stopped by the bakery for hot chai and caramel lattes to-go. We also picked up a tray of fresh baklava and cheesecake cupcakes. There were so many treats and savoury Greek pastries available that we had to restrain ourselves from getting a bit of everything! We shared a savoury chicken and cheese breakfast pastry and we still think about it to this day - it's that good!
The bakery is run by some of the nicest people and they use the proceeds from the bakery to fund the construction of a new building for the monastery.
The bakery is run by some of the nicest people and they use the proceeds from the bakery to fund the construction of a new building for the monastery.
One of the most unique places we've visited is this WWI monument that sits perfectly atop the cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge. The Stonehenge towers above memorial plaques that honour the people who served and sacrificed in World War I.
Our kids loved hiding around each and every corner of the structure and we spent a considerable amount of time gazing at the rolling hills and windmills in the distance.
There was a picnic table at the monument and I wished we had packed lunch because this place was incredibly beautiful.
Even if you only have a few minutes, plan to stop here because you won't regret it!
Our kids loved hiding around each and every corner of the structure and we spent a considerable amount of time gazing at the rolling hills and windmills in the distance.
There was a picnic table at the monument and I wished we had packed lunch because this place was incredibly beautiful.
Even if you only have a few minutes, plan to stop here because you won't regret it!
The ranch is incredibly welcoming and absolutely gorgeous! On a clear day, you can see Mount Adams to the north and windmills perched on the hills to the south. The grounds were perfect for our young kids to ride their balance bikes and I personally felt rejuvenated and refreshed after exploring the ranch.
Since the ranch is secluded, there are plenty of opportunities for meditation and peaceful moments.
Since the ranch is secluded, there are plenty of opportunities for meditation and peaceful moments.
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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