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Skamania Lodge reviews
14
0
Stunning scenery, with room for improvement.
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 19, 2023
Played the course:once
Pros:
-Absolutely beautiful setting and scenery, starting from the moment you enter this property. The mountains and river provide an amazing backdrop and great photo opportunities on almost every hole.
-Huge elevation changes!
-Pay to Play. Cost is $5.00 for 9 holes or $8.00 for 18 holes. There is also a 9 hole ball golf course on the property.
-Golf carts are also available but we did not rent one because we started too close to closing time.
-This course is located on a former ball golf course, which provides a unique Disc Golf experience.
-While most fairways are wide open, this course provides a very secluded feel.
-Pro shop with a large disc selection along with drinks, snacks, etc. We were informed in the pro shop that the front 9 had recently been redesigned, so the current layout doesn't match the details on Udisc.
-Navigation was easy on the front 9. There were a few tricky spots on the back 9 but the map on Udisc helped out.
-The baskets are Innova Discatchers and are in great shape.
-The signature hole here is 18. 850' and downhill, such a great way to end the round!
-Huge elevation changes!
-Pay to Play. Cost is $5.00 for 9 holes or $8.00 for 18 holes. There is also a 9 hole ball golf course on the property.
-Golf carts are also available but we did not rent one because we started too close to closing time.
-This course is located on a former ball golf course, which provides a unique Disc Golf experience.
-While most fairways are wide open, this course provides a very secluded feel.
-Pro shop with a large disc selection along with drinks, snacks, etc. We were informed in the pro shop that the front 9 had recently been redesigned, so the current layout doesn't match the details on Udisc.
-Navigation was easy on the front 9. There were a few tricky spots on the back 9 but the map on Udisc helped out.
-The baskets are Innova Discatchers and are in great shape.
-The signature hole here is 18. 850' and downhill, such a great way to end the round!
Cons:
-Tee signs. There are none, hopefully will be installed at some point.
-Teepads are natural and not well marked in the ground.
-Some of the rough is very rough. Blackberry thornbushes will eat your discs if you are unlucky enough to find them. We only lost 1, which was visible but out of reach. I was able to barely tap it with a stick but that made the disc disappear into the abyss.
-Extra long walks to Holes 1 and 10. This is only a con for those who choose not to rent a cart.
-Navigation was an issue in a few spots on the back 9. There were a few Next Tee signs. After 14, we saw a sign pointing us to 15, but after about 2 min we spotted another sign for 15 that sent us back to 14. After a quick look at the Udisc map, we quickly realized that the 2nd sign was not accurate.
-Teepads are natural and not well marked in the ground.
-Some of the rough is very rough. Blackberry thornbushes will eat your discs if you are unlucky enough to find them. We only lost 1, which was visible but out of reach. I was able to barely tap it with a stick but that made the disc disappear into the abyss.
-Extra long walks to Holes 1 and 10. This is only a con for those who choose not to rent a cart.
-Navigation was an issue in a few spots on the back 9. There were a few Next Tee signs. After 14, we saw a sign pointing us to 15, but after about 2 min we spotted another sign for 15 that sent us back to 14. After a quick look at the Udisc map, we quickly realized that the 2nd sign was not accurate.
Other Thoughts:
-This was my first course in Washington and the 40th state added to my list. I was very happy with the decision to soak in the gorgeous scenery this course offers despite recommendations from locals to skip it in favor of others that seem like great courses but lack the views of the Columbia River gorge area.
-We don't have anything close to this type of Disc Golf experience in my neck of the woods (Illinois).
-I have played other courses that were designed on current or former ball golf courses. This was by far the best experience in that niche part of my Courses Played list.
-I will come back and stay in the lodge or 1 of the treehouse options at a later date. Even if there are no changes made to the course, it would be worth the visit!
-We don't have anything close to this type of Disc Golf experience in my neck of the woods (Illinois).
-I have played other courses that were designed on current or former ball golf courses. This was by far the best experience in that niche part of my Courses Played list.
-I will come back and stay in the lodge or 1 of the treehouse options at a later date. Even if there are no changes made to the course, it would be worth the visit!
16
0
"All Hat and No Cattle," but it's a VERY Nice Hat!
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 1, 2022
Played the course:once
Pros:
Beautiful views of the Columbia River itself and the gorge area in general from many areas of the property. The whole place is just stunning to look at.
Pro shop on site stocked with all manner of Innova discs and products, plus snacks and drinks of many kinds. Restrooms and showers available.
Workers interested in disc golf (at least the three that I met), though perhaps not tremendously informed about it.
Golf carts available for rental (and you will want one)!
Huge elevation changes throughout the course. This is a fun place to throw up and down hills and to work on angles for landing on slopes. It is also great for working on ranging in your upshot distances (on the back nine) and airing out drives. The fairways are the width of ball golf fairways, though the rough can be very rough (more on that later).
Nice baskets and easy-to-follow course flow, once you find hole 1 and hole 10. (I would recommend specifically asking for directions to both of those holes before you leave the pro shop.)
Nine hole ball golf course and soon-to-open miniature golf course on site, as well as hiking/running trails.
Multiple tees that provide vastly different distances for the holes (especially on the back nine).
When I played, isolation in nature was also an advantage. The back nine holes are at the highest elevation and closest proximity to the woods and woodland creatures. It was gorgeous out there. Outside the pro shop, I only saw one worker and one ball golfer on the property, and the golfer was hundreds of yards away both times I saw him.
Pro shop on site stocked with all manner of Innova discs and products, plus snacks and drinks of many kinds. Restrooms and showers available.
Workers interested in disc golf (at least the three that I met), though perhaps not tremendously informed about it.
Golf carts available for rental (and you will want one)!
Huge elevation changes throughout the course. This is a fun place to throw up and down hills and to work on angles for landing on slopes. It is also great for working on ranging in your upshot distances (on the back nine) and airing out drives. The fairways are the width of ball golf fairways, though the rough can be very rough (more on that later).
Nice baskets and easy-to-follow course flow, once you find hole 1 and hole 10. (I would recommend specifically asking for directions to both of those holes before you leave the pro shop.)
Nine hole ball golf course and soon-to-open miniature golf course on site, as well as hiking/running trails.
Multiple tees that provide vastly different distances for the holes (especially on the back nine).
When I played, isolation in nature was also an advantage. The back nine holes are at the highest elevation and closest proximity to the woods and woodland creatures. It was gorgeous out there. Outside the pro shop, I only saw one worker and one ball golfer on the property, and the golfer was hundreds of yards away both times I saw him.
Cons:
The course design seems to be done with the thought that disc golf works just like ball golf. Changes in elevation provide the only real obstacles in the fairways, with the exception of two holes on the back nine (holes 13 and 15, I believe). Other than those two holes, the baskets are placed in open spaces or on an upslope that makes it easy to throw into the hill and then drop in.
According to one of the pro shop workers, the front nine is all par 3s and the back nine is all par 5s. Basically, the short holes all come first, then you play the long holes. All but one of the front nine holes will be reachable for players intermediate and up.
The rough is extremely rough and losing a disc is a distinct possibly, should you fly off the ample fairways. There are several places where the rough involves blackberry bushes. I was enjoying a big downhill shot a little too much and threw multiple discs. I regretted that decision when my third shot found the blackberry monster. 20 minutes and many scratches and pokes later, my beloved Wraith was salvaged.
On a related note, this is the only course I've played where a course worker offered to sell me a machete in the pro shop! (No, not the disc - they only carry Innova - they sell actual new-in-the-package machetes to players because of the blackberries.)
According to one of the pro shop workers, the front nine is all par 3s and the back nine is all par 5s. Basically, the short holes all come first, then you play the long holes. All but one of the front nine holes will be reachable for players intermediate and up.
The rough is extremely rough and losing a disc is a distinct possibly, should you fly off the ample fairways. There are several places where the rough involves blackberry bushes. I was enjoying a big downhill shot a little too much and threw multiple discs. I regretted that decision when my third shot found the blackberry monster. 20 minutes and many scratches and pokes later, my beloved Wraith was salvaged.
On a related note, this is the only course I've played where a course worker offered to sell me a machete in the pro shop! (No, not the disc - they only carry Innova - they sell actual new-in-the-package machetes to players because of the blackberries.)
Other Thoughts:
For me, this course was definitely worth a visit for the natural beauty and landscaped attractiveness of the property. I don't know if the policy on carts has changed since previous reviews or if the day and/or time I played made the cart an option, but I would not have enjoyed it nearly as much without the golf cart.
If you are familiar with the saying, "He's all hat and no cattle," you know that it relates to putting on an impressive appearance without the substance to back it up. The course design here just doesn't make for challenging disc golf and I don't think I would play here often if I lived nearby. But the place looks and feels great and the other amenities are top notch. I am glad I experienced it. I hope my review can help you decide if it's an experience for you.
If you are familiar with the saying, "He's all hat and no cattle," you know that it relates to putting on an impressive appearance without the substance to back it up. The course design here just doesn't make for challenging disc golf and I don't think I would play here often if I lived nearby. But the place looks and feels great and the other amenities are top notch. I am glad I experienced it. I hope my review can help you decide if it's an experience for you.
15
0
Gorge-ous Course 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:May 26, 2021
Played the course:once
Pros:
-What a place for a course. It's set on the 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 9th holes of the former Skamania Lodge Golf Course. This is one of the nicest parts of the entire property, with scattered stands of Douglas firs and 180-degree views of the Columbia River Gorge.
-The course features two sets of tees, the Blue Tees and the Yellow "Sunshine" Tees. The blue tees are an excellent challenge for better players, with three holes measuring over 400 feet. The yellow tees are much more suitable for newer players or resort guests. Fairways are generous, but a few holes present the opportunity to launch one into the forested abyss.
-The course is not crowded, given the secluded nature of the resort. Expect to see more joggers/walkers than disc golfers. If you play on an especially quiet day, there are phenomenal opportunities for safari golf. #2 tee to #4 basket would be an outrageous hole.
-Notable holes include
-#1, a beautiful, straight downhill shot from that follows the old golf hole #3.
-#2, 3, and 4 offer unbelievable Gorge views.
-#9 plays to a gorgeous amphitheater-style green (the old golf #9 green).
-The course features two sets of tees, the Blue Tees and the Yellow "Sunshine" Tees. The blue tees are an excellent challenge for better players, with three holes measuring over 400 feet. The yellow tees are much more suitable for newer players or resort guests. Fairways are generous, but a few holes present the opportunity to launch one into the forested abyss.
-The course is not crowded, given the secluded nature of the resort. Expect to see more joggers/walkers than disc golfers. If you play on an especially quiet day, there are phenomenal opportunities for safari golf. #2 tee to #4 basket would be an outrageous hole.
-Notable holes include
-#1, a beautiful, straight downhill shot from that follows the old golf hole #3.
-#2, 3, and 4 offer unbelievable Gorge views.
-#9 plays to a gorgeous amphitheater-style green (the old golf #9 green).
Cons:
-The tees are natural and several are already in rough shape. An investment in concrete tees would be great, especially for the wet season.
-There are several opportunities to place baskets in interesting spots -- among boulders, on the edge of the woods. This would, in my opinion, take the course from good to great. However, it may not be appropriate given the course's target audience.
-There are several opportunities to place baskets in interesting spots -- among boulders, on the edge of the woods. This would, in my opinion, take the course from good to great. However, it may not be appropriate given the course's target audience.
Other Thoughts:
-The greens fee is $5 at the pro shop for unlimited play. The pro shop, in addition to apparel, offers Innova discs for sale and for rent. According to the head golf professional, if the course is successful, it might be expanded to 18 holes.
-In the past five years, Skamania Lodge has transformed from a golf-centric resort to an outdoors resort. The many activities offered include miniature golf, zip line tours, hiking, axe throwing, tennis, and now disc golf.
-The views alone are worth the drive, and the course doesn't disappoint either. Play it 2-3 times around, try both tees, or combine it with another activity. It's hard to go wrong with a day at Skamania Lodge.
-In the past five years, Skamania Lodge has transformed from a golf-centric resort to an outdoors resort. The many activities offered include miniature golf, zip line tours, hiking, axe throwing, tennis, and now disc golf.
-The views alone are worth the drive, and the course doesn't disappoint either. Play it 2-3 times around, try both tees, or combine it with another activity. It's hard to go wrong with a day at Skamania Lodge.
16
0
Skamania Lodge's disc golf course! 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:May 15, 2021
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
Nestled in the Columbia River George is Skamania Lodge a resort that offers ziplining, disc golf, axe throwing and more. Skamania Lodge was bought around year ago. The former 18 hole ball golf course is now a nine hole disc golf course and a future nine hole ball golf course.
Currently there is a nine hole disc golf course but they might eventually put in another 9 depending on how successful it is. Fully equipped with brand new discatcher baskets this course definitely is one of my favorite nine hole courses.
Starting off this course I could tell they put some thought into designing it. Some of the holes are not very disc friendly like number 3 but there are quite a few holes that have some great views and are really nice. Skamania Lodge disc golf course is called The Backyard at Skamania Lodge on the scorecard.
The first hole start off on the what used to be hole 3 on the ball golf course, and ends on the former golf hole 9. It is quite obious to tell that there was an actual golf course there before. There are two types of tees at the Backyard at Skamania Lodge. The first being the sunshine tees. The sunshine tees are the normal tees and they are marked with a wooden pole that says what hole you are on. The Blue tees are farther back and on some holes from the back tees offer a real challenge to make par.
Most holes on this course are out in the open playing down the old golf fairways and winding around back to the pro shop. I like what they did with the layout of the course as far as length and design.
Currently there is a nine hole disc golf course but they might eventually put in another 9 depending on how successful it is. Fully equipped with brand new discatcher baskets this course definitely is one of my favorite nine hole courses.
Starting off this course I could tell they put some thought into designing it. Some of the holes are not very disc friendly like number 3 but there are quite a few holes that have some great views and are really nice. Skamania Lodge disc golf course is called The Backyard at Skamania Lodge on the scorecard.
The first hole start off on the what used to be hole 3 on the ball golf course, and ends on the former golf hole 9. It is quite obious to tell that there was an actual golf course there before. There are two types of tees at the Backyard at Skamania Lodge. The first being the sunshine tees. The sunshine tees are the normal tees and they are marked with a wooden pole that says what hole you are on. The Blue tees are farther back and on some holes from the back tees offer a real challenge to make par.
Most holes on this course are out in the open playing down the old golf fairways and winding around back to the pro shop. I like what they did with the layout of the course as far as length and design.
Cons:
For beginners or players that don't have a ton of experience there are quite a few opportunities to lose discs. For instance on hole 2 if you hyzer a disc out to the left you will most likely be in trouble and spend a few mins looking for your disc. The fairways can be pretty tight and it can be very easy to lose control of your disc from the blue tees.
There is a 5 dollar green fee but the guy in the pro shop said we could play as many times as we wanted. Some of the baskets are on the old ball golf greens and are pretty chewed up from lack of water and maintenance. There are now actual tee pads but they reused the old ball golf tee markers for the disc golf course.
There is a 5 dollar green fee but the guy in the pro shop said we could play as many times as we wanted. Some of the baskets are on the old ball golf greens and are pretty chewed up from lack of water and maintenance. There are now actual tee pads but they reused the old ball golf tee markers for the disc golf course.
Other Thoughts:
Overall this is a very solid course and I see the potential for hopefully a full 18 hole disc golf course. I recommend you check this out if you live close or are planning to make a trip out of it. It was definitely worth the drive.
Other things to consider it costs a few bucks to cross the Bridge of the Gods. They are also currently building a 18 hole artificial grass *golf* putting course. The Backyard at Skamania is definitely a course that I will come back to play in the future as I enjoyed playing it.
Other things to consider it costs a few bucks to cross the Bridge of the Gods. They are also currently building a 18 hole artificial grass *golf* putting course. The Backyard at Skamania is definitely a course that I will come back to play in the future as I enjoyed playing it.
