A Cozy Night at The Return Artbliss Hotel in the Columbia River Gorge
Picture this: I’m in an outdoor soaking tub in the Columbia River Gorge, holding a book just above the water as the last of the daylight fades. The air is cold enough that I can see steam rising off my arms. Then it starts to rain.
I read a little longer before setting my book aside and sinking deeper into the water. For a while, I just lie there listening to the rain. And by the time I finally get out, I’m already wondering how I’m supposed to go home without that bathtub.
The funny thing is, it was the A-frames that made me want to stay at The Return Artbliss in the first place. The hotel has four cabins in Stevenson, Washington, and I was there for just one night. A loft bed, a bookshelf full of books, and rain outside were already enough to make it feel like the cozy Pacific Northwest getaway I’d pictured. The tub was what made me wish I’d stayed another night.
I was hosted by The Return Artbliss for a complimentary one-night stay.
From Portland to Stevenson, with a waterfall stop
We drove straight from Portland International Airport toward the Gorge and stopped at Multnomah Falls on the Oregon side before continuing to Washington. The drive was stunning, and crossing the Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia River was one of my favorite parts. If you’re flying into Portland, I’d leave yourself a little extra time for the drive. I was glad we got to see some of the Gorge before we’d even checked in.
Stevenson itself has the kind of small downtown that makes me want to park the car and wander. There are little shops to pop into and plenty of scenery nearby. I could see myself coming back for another night just to have more time for both.
Inside our A-frame at The Return Artbliss
We stayed in Cabin Three. As soon as we walked in, I started poking around, looking through the games and seeing what was on the bookshelf. The layout felt cozy right away, and I loved the loft bed tucked under the sloping A-frame roof. The books and games were the details I appreciated most. I could picture pulling one off the shelf and spending an entire rainy afternoon there.
Out back, our cabin had a fenced outdoor space that felt like a little backyard. You can pull the red curtains around the porch for privacy, and the hotel had left out bath salts for my soak. It was one of those little touches that made me want to get in the tub as soon as we’d unpacked.
In the morning, the fall air is crisp, the kind that makes you want to wrap both hands around a hot mug of coffee. It’s the perfect time to take your book out to the little backyard and read a few pages before the day gets going.
An outdoor soak, a fire pit, and dinner down the road
By the time I got out of the tub, I felt like I’d finally slowed down. We drove a few minutes down the road to Backwoods Brewing Company in Carson, one of the spots the hotel recommended. Then we came back to the cabin, put on a movie, and listened to the rain pour outside.
The property also has an outdoor fire pit with chairs and a gorgeous view. We only spent a few minutes there that evening because of the rain, but I could see myself sitting out there for hours on a clear night. We went back the next morning, and it was lovely to take in the view in daylight.
Two waterfall hikes near Stevenson
We stopped at Multnomah Falls on the Oregon side of the Gorge on our way to The Return Artbliss. There are two waterfall hikes near the hotel that we would’ve done if the weather had cooperated.
Panther Creek Falls has a short trail through the trees to a viewing platform. I’d pick this one if I wanted to see a waterfall and still have time to browse the shops in Stevenson.
Falls Creek Falls is about 3.4 miles round trip. The trail follows the creek and crosses a suspension bridge before reaching a three-tiered waterfall. I’d save this one for a morning when the hike could be the main plan.
Which cabin should you book?
I’d send a couple here for a quiet weekend, a family that would enjoy a hike and a game night, or anyone who wants a solo night away with a good book. If you’re coming for the outdoor tub, book the Private Soaking Tub Collection. If your idea of a perfect morning is waking up to a front-row view of the Columbia River Gorge, choose the Mountain View Collection. Each has two cabins, and the property assigns your specific cabin based on availability.
If I were booking again, I’d choose the tub, bring another book, and hope it rained.
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