$485,637Average Value$313Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes 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
Robert Wing,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Carson, WA sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Carson, WA over the last 12 months is $400,000, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience the beauty and outdoor lifestyle of the Columbia River Gorge from this beautiful 1,759 sq. ft. ranch-style home built in 2005. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, plus a dedicated office, this home offers an inviting open-concept design with beautiful hardwood floors, spacious living areas, and abundant natural light. Situated on a gated, fully fenced lot bordering the golf course, the
Nestled in the private Star Valley Community, this tranquil retreat offers breathtaking views of Silver Star Mountain and rolling valley landscapes further than the eye can see. With the West Fork of the Washougal River running through it, this secluded sanctuary of three contiguous 20-acre parcels spans both sides of the river valley, where wildflowers bloom in abundance and wildlife thrives.
Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, this well-maintained single-level home offers the space, privacy, and flexibility that make living in Carson so appealing. Surrounded by towering evergreens and frequent visits from deer, elk, and other wildlife, this property puts you just minutes from hiking, fishing, boating, windsurfing, and everything the Gorge is known for. With 2,560 square
A rare find. This cozy yet spacious 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath custom home sits on a fully fenced, nearly one acre lot offering genuine privacy and room to spread out. Main level living with primary suite, kitchen, and laundry all on the main level. Comfortably updated with double paned windows, minisplits for heating and cooling, and a gas fireplace in the living area. The wrap around deck creates
Looking for country living while enjoying the beautiful music from Carson Creek, and still being within walking distance to such amenities as an art gallery, bakery or Pub? This beautiful new construction home might be perfect for you. Enjoy an evening sitting around the outdoor firepit while listing to the creek or take a walk to Backwoods Brewing Co or Carson Hot Springs. Checkout the virtual
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.
Level 0.54-acre parcel just off Wind River Hwy featuring a (24'x48') barn and mature trees. Owner financing available. A rare opportunity to build your dream home on the outskirts of Carson, in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge and a true gateway to Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The existing barn provides flexibility for storage, hobbies, or future building plans, while the level setting
Rare opportunity to own a beautifully treed half-acre corner parcel with natural character and flexibility. The gently sloped terrain is ideal for a daylight basement design, offering both functionality and added living space potential. Manufactured homes are allowed, must be new at time of placement. ALL dwellings must be a minimum of 1,500 sq ft. Utilities are available at the lot line, helping
Tucked among the towering trees and serene beauty of the forest, this modern woodland home offers the ultimate in peace, privacy, and natural elegance. Set on 10 lush acres with the tranquil sounds of the Wind River in the distance, the property is a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike, featuring meandering trails throughout the forest. Crafted with insulated concrete block
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
Moving to the country? Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 2023-built, single-level residence in Carson, WA. Ideally situated just off Wind River Highway—your gateway to the stunning Gifford Pinchot National Forest—this 1,260 sq ft home offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and Pacific Northwest adventure.Set on a level half-acre parcel, this thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath
Escape to the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge with this charming 2-bedroom manufactured home offering 864 sq. ft. of comfortable living space on a spacious .62-acre lot. Complete with a 1-car garage, this property provides the perfect blend of peaceful country living and outdoor adventure. Enjoy world-class hiking, fishing, windsurfing, kayaking, and countless recreational opportunities just
Exceptional opportunity to own a versatile commercial/residential property in the scenic Columbia River Gorge area! This 3,540 sq. ft. shop features a bathroom, office space, and a history as a crane, logging, and mechanical shop, offering endless potential for business, storage, manufacturing, or trade use. The property is currently zoned for both residential and commercial use, creating the
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