Overview
Maryhill is a very small unincorporated community situated on the north bank of the Columbia River in Klickitat County, Washington, just across the river from the Oregon border. Despite its tiny population, it draws a surprising number of visitors each year thanks to two landmarks that are genuinely unusual for a rural American setting: a world-class art museum housed in a mansion overlooking the gorge, and a full-scale concrete replica of Stonehenge built as a World War I memorial.
The area sits at the eastern end of the Columbia River Gorge, where the landscape transitions from the lush, forested western gorge to the high desert plateau of eastern Washington and Oregon. The result is a visually striking environment of basalt cliffs, open grasslands, and sweeping river views — very different in character from the more celebrated waterfall corridor to the west.
Maryhill owes its landmarks to Sam Hill, an early 20th-century road-building advocate, businessman, and eccentric visionary. Hill acquired land here with the intention of founding a Quaker farming community, a project that never materialized. What remained were the mansion he built (now Maryhill Museum), the Stonehenge memorial he dedicated in 1918, and the Sam Hill Memorial Bridge connecting Washington and Oregon nearby.
For travelers, Maryhill functions primarily as a compelling detour on a Columbia River Gorge road trip rather than a standalone destination. Its isolation and small scale are part of the appeal — crowds are generally modest even during peak season.
Getting There
Maryhill is accessed primarily by car. It sits on Washington State Route 14, which runs along the north bank of the Columbia River. From Portland, Oregon (the nearest major city), the most common approach is to cross into Washington at the Hood River Bridge on Interstate 84, then travel east on SR-14. The drive from Portland is roughly 100 miles and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and stops.
From the Tri-Cities area (Kennewick/Richland/Pasco) to the east, travelers can head west on US-97 Alt southward to SR-14. The Sam Hill Memorial Bridge (US-97) connects Biggs Junction, Oregon directly to Maryhill on the Washington side, making it easy to combine a visit with travel along I-84 on the Oregon bank.
There is no scheduled public transit serving Maryhill. The nearest commercial airports are Portland International Airport (PDX) and Yakima Air Terminal (YKM); both require a rental car or private vehicle to reach Maryhill. Verify current bridge conditions and any road closures with the Washington State Department of Transportation before travel, as the gorge corridor can be affected by seasonal wind or wildfire events.
Getting Around
A private vehicle is effectively required to move around Maryhill. The museum and Stonehenge replica are roughly a mile apart by road and can be reached on foot in good weather, though the road has limited pedestrian infrastructure. There are no rideshare services or taxis operating locally.
Parking is available at both the museum and the Stonehenge site. The terrain around the bluffs can be steep; wear appropriate footwear if planning to walk between sites or explore the grounds.
Where to Stay
Maryhill itself has no lodging options of note. Most visitors are day-trippers or overnight travelers staying in nearby communities.
Nearby Lodging Bases
- Goldendale, Washington (approximately 12 miles north on US-97) is the closest town with motels and small inns. Verify current availability and options directly.
- Hood River, Oregon (roughly 20 miles west via SR-14 and the Hood River Bridge) offers a wider range of hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and vacation rentals and is a popular gorge base.
- The Dalles, Oregon (approximately 20 miles west on I-84) has chain hotel options suitable for overnight stays.
Camping options exist in the broader gorge corridor; check with Washington State Parks and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area for current campground availability and reservation requirements.
Things to See & Do
Maryhill Museum of Art
The museum occupies Sam Hill's unfinished mansion on a bluff above the Columbia River. Its collection is eclectic but genuinely notable, including an internationally significant collection of works by sculptor Auguste Rodin (donated in part by his associate Loïe Fuller), an extensive collection of Romanian royal artifacts and folk art, Native American art and artifacts from the Pacific Northwest, and rotating contemporary exhibitions. The museum grounds also feature outdoor sculpture and panoramic river views. Verify current admission fees, hours, and seasonal closures directly with the museum before visiting, as hours can vary by season.
Stonehenge Memorial
Located a short drive from the museum, Maryhill's Stonehenge is a full-scale concrete reproduction of the English monument as it would have appeared in its original complete state. Sam Hill dedicated it on July 4, 1918, as a memorial to Klickitat County men who died in World War I — Hill believed, somewhat erroneously, that the original Stonehenge was a site of human sacrifice. The memorial remains an active war memorial and is open to visitors; it is positioned to align astronomically in the same manner as its British counterpart. Access is generally free, but verify any current entry arrangements locally.
Columbia River Gorge Viewpoints
The bluffs around Maryhill offer unobstructed views up and down the gorge, particularly striking at sunrise and sunset. The eastern gorge's wide, open landscape makes it popular with photographers and birdwatchers. Raptors, including golden eagles and red-tailed hawks, are commonly sighted on the thermals above the basalt cliffs.
Cycling and the Historic Columbia River Highway
The Washington side of the gorge along US Highway 14 is a scenic driving route. Road cyclists also use portions of this corridor. Conditions on the highway can be exposed and windy; plan accordingly.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants or cafes in Maryhill proper. The Maryhill Museum of Art has historically operated a small café on-site during the regular visitor season; verify current food service options with the museum before your visit, as this can change seasonally.
Visitors are strongly advised to bring food and water, particularly if traveling in summer when temperatures in the eastern gorge can climb significantly. The nearest reliable dining options are in Goldendale to the north or Hood River and The Dalles to the west. Filling your gas tank before arriving is also prudent, as fuel stations are not available in Maryhill.
Practical Information
Connectivity and Services
Cell coverage can be inconsistent in and around Maryhill, particularly in the more remote bluff areas. Download offline maps before arrival. There are no banks, ATMs, pharmacies, or grocery stores in the community itself.
Weather and Wind
The eastern Columbia River Gorge is one of the windiest corridors in the Pacific Northwest. Wind speeds can be intense at any time of year, which attracts kiteboarding and windsurfing enthusiasts to nearby spots but can make outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable. Layers are advisable even in summer. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s°F (32°C+); winters can bring ice and snow, particularly on SR-14 and US-97. Check road conditions before winter or early spring visits.
Accessibility
The Maryhill Museum has accessible facilities; contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information. The Stonehenge site involves uneven terrain and gravel paths; those with mobility considerations should plan accordingly.
Emergency Services
The nearest hospitals and emergency facilities are in Goldendale (north) or The Dalles, Oregon (west). In an emergency, dial 911. Cell reception limitations in the area mean it is wise to note the nearest town before exploring remote viewpoints.
Safety
Maryhill and the surrounding area are generally safe for travelers. The primary safety considerations are environmental rather than related to crime.
- Heat: Summer temperatures in the eastern gorge can be severe. Carry sufficient water, especially if walking between sites.
- Wind: Strong gusts are common and can affect driving (particularly high-profile vehicles), cycling, and comfort at exposed viewpoints.
- Wildfire smoke: Eastern Washington and Oregon are affected by wildfire smoke in late summer and early fall in some years. Check air quality forecasts during this period.
- Road conditions: SR-14 is a two-lane highway with sections that can become icy or restricted in winter. Check Washington State DOT advisories before travel in off-season months.
- Wildlife: Rattlesnakes are present in the basalt and scrubland terrain of the eastern gorge. Watch where you step when exploring off-path areas.
