Nestled on the Washington-Oregon border just east of Portland lies the Columbia River Gorge, a remarkable collection of carved basalt cliffs, evergreen trees, and dramatic Columbia River views. It’s hard to leave this place of stunning natural beauty once you’ve visited, even if you live nearby, like I do. I love to spend solo staycations in the area where I can enjoy a quiet, restful retreat without having to drive too far from my hometown of Hood River, Oregon.
On my most recent visit, I stayed in a modern cabin at Tenzen Springs & Cabins, just an hour from Portland in a town called Stevenson, Washington. While there are a few different cabins to choose from all run by the same host on Airbnb, the main reason I picked the one I did is for the kitchenette, mini fridge, cooking utensils, and stovetop it featured. Others have a microwave, which is suitable if you don’t plan on cooking, but I wanted to truly immerse myself in the property without needing to leave for food, so I opted for a full kitchen.
My picturesque drive to Tenzen followed the Columbia River on Highway 14, letting me peek at the beautiful waterway that was to be my home for the night. After climbing a windy road to the top of a hill, I was met with a welcoming sign and gate that announced my arrival at the property. Self-check in was simple thanks to the provided gate code and door code for my new home, cabin five. There was also a parking space right next to the cabin that made unloading quick and easy.
Inside, the home was a beautiful blend of traditional Scandinavian design and an authentic Japanese bathhouse. The plush king bed was perched on a wooden platform with skylights above and large picture windows looking out to the surrounding trees, giving the perception that you’re truly surrounded by nature. To preserve the off-grid aspect of the property, there were no televisions on-site—instead, the space was outfitted with cozy essentials like area guidebooks, coloring books, and games.
There are six cabins on the 100-acre lot that makes up Tenzen Springs & Cabins, with a few more in the works. However, it certainly doesn’t feel crowded here. The entire lot is child- and pet-free, which definitely impacts the noise and activity level. After just 20 minutes on-site, I began to feel a sense of peace and tranquility. I walked to the edge of the bluff and took in the breathtaking view of the river as the sun began to set. Making my way back to the cabin, I was lucky to catch a glimpse of deer in the distance, prancing joyously through the tall grass.