$486,520Average Value$295Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
A rural atmosphere and close-knit community in Carson
Along the northern banks of the Columbia River, among the mature woodlands and rolling hills of Skamania County, Carson is a rural community known for its quiet atmosphere, natural scenery and hot springs. Located in the Columbia River Gorge, the area feels far removed from city life, with spacious properties providing privacy to residents. “When you move here, you’re not just adopting a new town, but a new community,” says Rachel Broughton, a Realtor with Windermere Real Estate who grew up in Carson. “It’s a small town with no traffic lights and just one main intersection. People help one another in times of need, whether it be plowing a neighbor’s driveway or borrowing some eggs.” Carson and the neighboring town of Stevenson have limited businesses and amenities, but downtown Hood River’s active shopping hub is just 20 miles east. “A lot of folks are drawn to town for the large acreage or to work in the logging industry,” says Broughton.
Crosscut Espresso and Deli in Carson has casual seating, and a relaxed small‑town atmosphere.
Historically, Carson was seen as a resource based settlement for the mountainous terrain.
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Large properties and midcentury architecture
Carson’s ranch-style homes, bungalows and Colonial Revivals were mostly built throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with a small selection of new construction and a few dating back to the early 20th century. Most homes are on a quarter acre or more, with some properties reaching over 2 acres. Houses range from $330,000 to $700,000, with prices increasing with square footage and recent renovations. The area has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Multistory homes appear throughout Carson.
Many homes have fenced in backyards in Carson.
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Career and technical education courses at Stevenson High
Local students attend Carson Elementary School, which earns a C-plus from Niche. Next door, Wind River Middle School also receives a C-plus. The B-minus-rated Stevenson High School has a large offering of career and technical education courses, including metal arts, journalism and social media marketing. The Stevenson Community Library is a short drive west and has a variety of free programs each week, from book clubs and English language workshops to educational presentations and craft circles.
A view of the front student entrance at Carson Elementary.
Students of driving ages are allowed to paint their parking spots at Stevenson High.
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Several local eateries are in Carson
A small selection of businesses can be found along Wind River Road, including Crosscut Espresso & Deli, which serves coffee, sandwiches, baked goods and smoothies. Backwoods Brewing has over a dozen craft beers on tap that can be enjoyed alongside pizza, pub fare or slow-smoked meats. The brewery also has breakfast offerings, with homemade cinnamon rolls every Sunday morning. Bungalow Bar & Grill offers bar grub from burgers to hot wings, along with tap brews and cocktails that can be sipped on during a round of pool. For sweet treats, from cookies to cupcakes, locals can swing by Trulies Divine Desserts. Shoppers can find a small selection of groceries and household essentials at Dollar General or the Carson General Store, with a larger selection a short drive west at Stevenson’s A&J Market.
Freezer aisles inside A&J Market Fresh are stocked with frozen foods and everyday items.
La Gula is a food stand that offers outdoor patio seating to enjoy the cultural experience.
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Carson residents enjoy waterside and wintertime recreation
The Wind River winds through the east end of Carson and is lined by a few hot spring resorts and rental cabins where visitors can soak in the area’s natural mineral springs. “The community is a gateway to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest,” says Broughton. “A lot of residents like being active in the outdoors. In winter, people will head to Mount Hood for snowmobiling or visit the national forest for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.” The Public Elk Ridge Golf Course has 18 well-maintained greens and fairways. For a day on the river, Old Hatchery Road has a boat ramp near where the Wind and Columbia rivers meet. Nearby, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area has miles of trails that wind through woodlands, along ridges and past waterfalls, popular among hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders alike.
Golfers who aren't members at Elk River can pay a daily fee or even book tee times online.
The Wind River spans over 30 miles.
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State Route 14, known as the Lewis and Clark Highway, is the major roadway for Carson residents.
Driving to nearby PNW communities
The Lewis and Clark Highway runs alongside the Columbia River and can take drivers around 5 miles west to Stevenson or 20 miles east to Hood River. Portland International Airport is about an hour away via Interstate 84.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Hall
Video By
Tyler Hall
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John DiPalma,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Carson, WA sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Carson, WA over the last 12 months is $392,000, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Golf Course living with no HOA in this single-level, well appointed home in the Columbia River Gorge. Beautiful views of Wind Mtn and the surrounding hills from this 1/3 acre, full fenced property. The open concept home is filled with natural light and offers a formal living room with gas fireplace, a dining area, a TV/sitting room, and a desirable kitchen with gas range. The primary bedroom is
Rare opportunity to own a fully fenced 2-acre property with two homes, located in Stabler WA and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest! The beautifully finished primary residence is a high-end one-bedroom, one and a half bath home featuring custom tile work, statement chandeliers, quality appliances, including a tankless water heater and thoughtful upgrades including sound-insulated interior walls.
Welcome to your personal retreat in the Columbia River Gorge. This 1.05-acre property offers a rare blend of natural beauty and endless recreation, from windsurfing and fishing to hiking, waterfall exploring, and wildlife viewing. Whether you envision building a custom home or restoring the character-rich 100+ year-old barn, the possibilities are wide open. With Carson Creek running through the
Rare opportunity to own a stunning 1-acre riverfront lot in Sportsman’s Paradise, offering 120 feet of frontage along the scenic Wind River in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. Whether you're looking to build your dream home or create a recreational getaway, this property is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy endless activities including fishing, hunting, camping, and exploring nearby
Craft your dream home in the breathtaking Columbia Gorge area, where adventure and nature intertwine. This stunning 3.39 acre wooded parcel offers a rare opportunity to create your sanctuary in one of Carson’s most picturesque locations. Rich with history, this land was horse-logged (with diapers) in the 1970s to preserve several natural springs on the property, adding a unique charm to this
Looking for the ideal secluded land to build your private oasis? Look no further! 4+ Acres of treed land on the Wind River in beautiful Boulder Ridge Estates. Water, power and fiber optics to the street. A perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, biking, windsurfing along with all the benefits of the Columbia River Gorge are just minutes away.
UPDATE - Well is drilled! If you're seeking a large, private, and scenic land parcel in the Pacific Northwest that offers direct access to outdoor adventures and panoramic views, this piece is an exceptional opportunity. Whether you envision building a seasonal retreat or a dream home surrounded by nature, this property combines tranquility, accessibility, and beauty in one package. Property
This 6.96-acre parcel offers a rare opportunity to own a secluded piece of land with Wind River frontage.Property Highlights:River Access: The property uniquely crosses the Wind River at one point, providing direct water access.Building Site: A level building site is ready for your dream home.Natural Surroundings: Surrounded by elk habitat and nestled in the quaint community of Stabler, just
STUNNING Riverfront Property in the Columbia River Gorge. This is more than just land—it’s a one-of-a-kind sanctuary surrounded by natural beauty, serenity, and outdoor adventure. These are two separate parcels being sold together as one offering. Both parcels have received approval for the construction of a single-family home on each lot, and each includes a completed geotechnical report and
Fantastic opportunity in Carson, right off of Hot Springs Ave. Lot has water, power, and phone available. Beautiful view of the Elk Ridge Golf course across the street, and a 360 degree panoramic views of the mountains. You will have the Pinchot National Forest, and the Columbia Gorge at your fingertips! Just think... golfing, snow machines, fishing, hiking, camping, biking or just enjoying the
Experience comfortable one-level living in this beautifully updated 2,078 sq. ft. (roughly) home featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The interior has been thoughtfully refreshed over the past several years, showcasing luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, updated countertops, tile backsplash, new bathroom vanities, modern light fixtures, doors, wood burning stove and a relaxing soaking tub.
Incredible opportunity to own 20 acres of peaceful mountain paradise! This rare, raw land offers a private, gated escape with sweeping views of Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and Swift Lake with lake access! Zoned Mountain Recreation 20, this property has no current improvements and has been enjoyed as a private camping retreat—ideal for those seeking solitude, adventure, or an off-grid lifestyle.
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