Tri-Citians looking for change of scenery that doesn’t involve a long drive or flight can head about 50 miles south to stay in a riverside cabin with panoramic views of the Columbia River.

The River Lodge & Grill in Boardman broke ground on two cabins, which will be ready to reserve starting July 1. And more are planned.

The popularity of Airbnb and private cabins for those looking for an adventure or unique experiences prompted the lodge owners to offer this new option, said Leah Marsh, marketing manager for Portland-based COHO Services, which manages the lodge for its owner, TG Hotel LLC, also based in the Portland area.

“This is a way to get that, where you’re not having somebody sharing a wall with anybody else. You have your own private deck. You step outside and you have the view. It’s a different experience than staying in a guest room inside the lodge,” she said.

The Boardman cabins at 6 Marine Drive NE are prefabricated tiny homes, built by Wolf Industries of Battle Ground, Washington.

Wolf Industries, which is also the project’s general contractor, lists base models ranging from $56,000 up to $80,000. The cost goes up from there, depending on the selection of options for the kitchens, appliances, bathrooms, technology and porches.

Building and fire protection permits for the riverfront cabin project filed with the city of Boardman in mid-April list the valuation at $306,000 and detail plans for 10 homes.

Marsh said the plan now calls for five cabins, with the next three planned by year’s end.

The first two cabins will be a studio and a two-bedroom, each with a window framing the river.

Amenities include WiFi and a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, electric hot plate, cooking utensils, dishware, cups, wine glasses and Keurig coffee makers.

The 400-square-foot studio cabin offers a king bed, bathroom with a stand-up shower, two LCD TVs, dining area and small living room. 

The two-bedroom offers more than 600 square feet of space, one bedroom with a  king bed and a second bedroom with a queen bed. Other features include a bathroom with a stand-up shower, dining area and living room with a fireplace. LCD TVs are in both bedrooms and in the living room. 

The cabins rent for $179 a night, with a minimum two nights required for Friday through weekends.

Guests can take advantage of all the amenities available at the adjacent River Lodge & Grill, including a private beach, on-site restaurant, business center, outdoor pool and hot tub.

The cabins will line up behind a paved bike path that hugs the shoreline.

Burnt Field Brewing, located in a 1916 train depot, is a short walk away, serving up craft beers, pasta, pizza and salads. Across the street from the brewery is the dry-docked tugboat, the Capt. Al James.

“Boardman, Oregon, is an untapped attraction with its location, beauty and seclusion. We are excited for you to discover what this town on the Columbia River has to offer,” said Brett Wilkerson, chief executive officer of COHO Services.  

To book a stay, go to riverlodgeandgrill.com/cabins.

Editor's note: This story was updated June 21 to clarify room rates.