Lodging options are few and far between in this area. The best choice in town is Quality Inn (808 E. Simcoe Dr., 509/773-5881 or 800/358-5881, $89 s or $99 d), which sports a seasonal outdoor pool, continental breakfast, and clean motel units. The price is a little over the top, mostly because they know they’ve gotcha.

A cheaper alternative is the Ponderosa Motel (775 E. Broadway St., 509/773-5842, $60 s or $70 d), which is not quite as nice as the Quality Inn, but makes up for it with friendly and attentive service.

Out in the pine country north of Goldendale, Pine Springs Resort (2471 Hwy. 97, 509/773-4434, www.pinespringsresort.net) is a neighborly retreat offering small cabins ($89), RV hookups ($22) and tent camping ($13). The social center of the place is a cozy snack bar with a rustic pine counter and stools and a big-screen TV. Also on premises is a game room, laundry room, grocery store, and gift shop. Dogs are welcome, and rates include free wireless Internet access.