Home Valley Beach sits at Home Valley Park in Stevenson in Skamania County at the confluence of the Columbia and Wind Rivers in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The beach and valley take their name from the homesteading settlement that developed where the Wind River meets the Columbia, creating agricultural valley supporting early farming and timber communities. Home Valley represents one of thirteen Urban Areas exempt from Scenic Area regulations within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area established in 1986, maintaining existing community character while protecting surrounding gorge landscapes. The county park features popular ball fields, picnic area, sandy swimming beach, and playground on the riverfront just five minutes east of Stevenson, creating primary summer recreation destination for Skamania County residents and Columbia River Gorge visitors.
Swimming from the sandy beach attracts families during warm summer months when the Columbia River's protected cove at Home Valley moderates current flow creating safer conditions compared to main channel areas, with the river warming substantially during July and August providing comfortable freshwater swimming. The beach provides direct access to the Columbia River with views of Wind Mountain rising dramatically above the valley to the north and gorge cliffs framing the river corridor east and west. Fishing from shore and the boat launch at the mouth of the Wind River yields spring chinook salmon and fall steelhead making Home Valley famous for some of the best fishing in the world, with the Wind River supporting robust runs of these prized gamefish. Boating launches from the boat ramp accessing the Columbia River for water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, and cruising the gorge's spectacular scenery with towering basalt cliffs, waterfalls, and forested slopes. Picnicking utilizes tables and grassy areas throughout the park with sunset viewing opportunities looking west down the Columbia River Gorge creating memorable Pacific Northwest evening scenes. The playground entertains children while families enjoy beach and park facilities. Beachcombing along the sandy shoreline reveals smooth river stones, driftwood, and interesting finds deposited by Columbia River currents and seasonal high water. Wildlife watching includes bald eagles fishing the Columbia and Wind Rivers, osprey diving for fish, great blue herons, and diverse waterfowl utilizing the rivers confluence.
Stevenson and Columbia River Gorge dining offers excellent restaurants near Home Valley Beach and throughout Skamania County. Big River Grill at 192 Southwest 2nd Street in Stevenson serves great selection of local beer and wine on dog-friendly patio open Monday through Friday 11am to close and weekends 8am to close. Red Bluff Tap House creates gastropub experience in downtown Stevenson featuring full lunch and dinner menu, 16 taps, cocktails, and locally sourced beer, cider, wine, and spirits with menu inspired by pub classics with local fresh twist. Clark and Lewie's Travelers Rest Saloon and Grill occupies the Old Saloon building from 1908 offering exquisite food, custom drinks, and breathtaking Columbia River views with Northwest flavors including Expedition Poutine and elk jalapeno poppers. Cascade Dining Room at Skamania Lodge provides swanky dining with stunning Columbia River Gorge views and above-average service. Walking Man Brewing sits along the Columbia River in Stevenson with beer garden and brewpub just minutes from Bridge of the Gods.
