Our beautiful lodge property is home to many wild animals. Most of them are happy to make a presence while you’re playing golf or on a hike, but they can unexpectedly become aggressive or be harmed in efforts to avoid you. Therefore, it’s important to know how best to handle that encounter for their safety and yours. Here are just a few tips to maintain your fun experience while at Skamania Lodge.
You are responsible for your safety and the safety of our wildlife. Just like hiking in a national park, it’s important to maintain adventure independence.
Don’t feed them anything. Any animals that obtain food from humans can become aggressive or harm their digestive system, sometime even death.
Don’t approach them. You also don’t want to block their line of travel so adjust your route to carefully not disturb them.
Photograph and watch from a safe distance. It is your responsibility to maintain an appropriate distance depending on the animal.
Travel in a group or if you go alone, let someone know you are going on the hike and when you plan to return.
Hike during daylight hours and stay on the trail.
Taking your dog? Make sure your dog is vaccinated, up to the physical task, and on a leash. Also, keep plenty of waste bags and discard appropriately. Consider their personality as they might be easily startled or too curious.
Pack plenty of water. Hydration is so important for you and your pet. We have water stations throughout the lodge or pick up a water bottle in the gift shop or at The Backyard.
Wear boots and loose-fitting pants, especially in tall grassy areas. If you don’t have the right gear, stop by The Backyard for your new favorite hiking outfit.
Leave no trace
Reference: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Tips
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/crgnsa/recreation/hiking/?cid=stelprdb5293560&width=full
