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 [1], Pine Springs Resort (2471 Hwy. 97, 509/773-4434, www.pinespringsresort.net [2]) 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.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/columbia-gorge-and-wine-country/the-columbia-gorge/goldendale
[2] http://www.pinespringsresort.net