About This Community 
Nestled between the Columbia River to the south, and the mountains and basalt cliffs of the Gorge to the north, the City of Stevenson offers a welcome respite from the noise and congestion of large cities. Take a stroll and explore the riverfront and downtown Stevenson. Visit our unique shops, restaurants, pub and delicatessens. You'll discover a friendlier, laid back lifestyle reminiscent of earlier decades.
The Stevenson family, who settled in the Gorge in the 1800's from Missouri, founded the town of Stevenson on the old Shepard donation land claim. Under the auspices of the Stevenson Land Company, George Stevenson purchased the original town site for $24,000 in 1893, building the town along the lower flat near the river. Settlers expanded the original dock to serve the daily arrivals of sternwheelers unloading passengers, cargo and loading logs.
Today, you can stroll along Stevenson's riverfront parks where giant fish wheels once plied the Columbia River's waters for Salmon. Witness the myriads of colorful kite-boarders' sails, as they jump and twist on the Columbia's swells. Watch the ducks, geese and other waterfowl nesting at Rock Creek Cove. Browse through gift shop, antique stores and art galleries. And visit the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center to explore Native American legends, hieroglyphs and artifacts telling the story of the Gorge.