A golfer in a cap swings a club on a green course surrounded by pine trees and distant mountains under cloudy skies.

THE GORGE 9 INFORMATION & UPDATES

TEMPORARILY CLOSED BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 | GRAND RE-OPENING SCHEDULED FOR MAY 8, 2027

The Gorge 9 has been a unique nine-hole walking course showcasing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Beginning September 8, 2026, the course will temporarily close as we embark on an exciting update inspired by guest feedback. We have heard from many guests that they would like the opportunity to play on turf greens, and because we value that feedback, we will be replacing the artificial greens with new turf greens throughout the course. We look forward to unveiling the refreshed look and feel of the Gorge 9 when it reopens on May 8, 2027

PROJECT UPDATE | WEEK THREE

Construction continued to progress smoothly during week three. All green sub-bases have now been cleared of gravel and shaped to match the new putting surfaces, with drainage installed throughout.

Greens 1, 2, 3, 7 and the putting green have been filled with new sand and shaped. Crews are continuing work on the remaining greens, including sand placement, contour shaping and final grading in preparation for new sod.

As final grades are completed, organic fertilizer, endo-mycorrhiza spores and a trace element package will be incorporated into the new sand medium to support establishment of the new turf.

The project remains on schedule, with sod placement expected to begin the week of October 12. No unexpected delays or issues have occurred to date.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What is the timeline of the project?

    Construction is scheduled to begin on September 8 and is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete. Following construction, the newly installed natural turf greens will require a grow-in period, with reopening anticipated in mid-spring 2027. The exact timeline will depend on seasonal weather conditions and the severity of the winter.

  • What other golf options are available at Skamania during this time?

    During the temporary closure of the Gorge 9 Short Course, guests may continue to enjoy The Little Eagle 18 Putting Course and The Backyard Disc Course, both of which will remain open and available for play. The Golf Shop will also remain open for retail purchases and guest services.

    As in previous years, The Little Eagle 18 and The Backyard Disc Course are expected to close for the winter months of December and January, with reopening planned for February 2027, weather permitting.

  • What other local courses can I play on while Gorge 9 is closed?

    Guests looking to play during the closure may enjoy several nearby courses, including:

    • Beacon Rock Golf Course (North Bonneville, WA) – approximately 10 minutes away
    • Elk Ridge Golf Course (Carson, WA) – approximately 15 minutes away
    • Indian Creek Golf Course (Hood River, OR) – approximately 30 minutes away
    • Hood River Golf Course (Hood River, OR) – approximately 30 minutes away

    These courses offer convenient alternatives while improvements are underway at Skamania Lodge.

  • Why is Skamania changing the greens?

    Skamania Lodge is transitioning the Gorge 9 putting greens from synthetic surfaces back to natural turf to enhance both playing conditions and the long-term guest experience.

    When synthetic turf was originally installed, the decision was guided by goals such as reducing water usage, minimizing chemical treatments, and lowering the property's environmental footprint through reduced equipment operation. Over time, however, these benefits proved less significant than originally anticipated.

    Additionally, guest feedback and course performance evaluations indicated that natural turf provides a more authentic and enjoyable golfing experience. The Pacific Northwest climate also played an important role in the decision. The region's frequent rainfall during the fall, winter, and spring months created challenges with traction and playability on synthetic surfaces, particularly on sloped areas. Natural turf is better suited to these conditions and will provide a more consistent, rewarding experience for golfers.

    The project reflects Skamania Lodge's ongoing commitment to investing in the quality, playability, and long-term success of the golfing experience.