Want to explore the heart of the Columbia River Gorge? Head to Cascade Locks! This scenic small town offers jaw-dropping natural beauty, Pacific Crest Trail access, river cruises, and iconic bridges. Whether you're hiking, cycling, or relaxing with a craft beer by the river, Cascade Locks is a perfect Pacific Northwest basecamp.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cascade Locks is from late spring to early fall (May to October). These months offer the best weather for hiking, boat tours, and exploring waterfalls. Summer brings warm temps and more visitor services, while fall colors add spectacular beauty to the Gorge.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Cascade Locks is located off I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge, about 45 minutes east of Portland.
- By Air: Fly into Portland International Airport (PDX), then drive east on I-84.
- By Shuttle: Columbia Gorge Express runs shuttles from Portland to Cascade Locks with seasonal schedules.
Where to Stay
- Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn – Comfortable lodging right by the Bridge of the Gods with scenic river views.
- Columbia Gorge Inn – Budget-friendly choice offering convenient access to trails and town amenities.
- Campgrounds & Cabins – Check out the Cascade Locks KOA or Thunder Island for camping with riverfront access.
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Eagle Creek Trail – Famous hike featuring waterfalls, cliffs, and forested scenery (check trail status for reopening updates).
- Cascade Locks Marine Park – Enjoy riverside picnicking, strolls, and historic sites like the Oregon Pony locomotive.
- Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge – Riverboat tours offering narrated cruises through the Columbia Gorge.
- Pacific Crest Trail – Hike a scenic stretch of this legendary long-distance trail from Cascade Locks.
Unique Attractions
⮕ Watch Engineering in Action at the Bonneville Lock and Dam
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What is Bonneville Lock and Dam?
- Bonneville Lock and Dam is a charming National Historic Landmark dam project that stretches across the Columbia River, connecting Oregon and Washington near the city of Cascade Locks.
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Where is Bonneville Lock and Dam located?
- The dam project is located just 45 minutes outside of Portland.
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Why was Bonneville Lock and Dam built?
- The dam was constructed as part of the New Deal and serves as a major source of hydroelectric power generation.
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What was significant about Bonneville Lock and Dam at the time of its construction?
- At the time of its construction, it was the largest dam project of its kind in the United States.
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Who was Bonneville Lock and Dam named after?
- The dam was named in honor of Pacific Northwest explorer and Army Captain Benjamin Bonneville.
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Are there visitor centers at Bonneville Lock and Dam?
- Two visitor centers are open to the public at the dam throughout the year, detailing the dam's construction and history through interactive exhibits.
Bonneville Dam, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, Phone: 503-808-5150
⮕ Feed Giant Sturgeon and Tour the Bonneville Fish Hatchery
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What is Bonneville Fish Hatchery?
- Bonneville Fish Hatchery attracts more than a million visitors each year to the Cascade Locks region to view massive populations of salmon spawning throughout the late summer and early autumn months.
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Who oversees Bonneville Fish Hatchery?
- The hatchery is overseen by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and is open to the public year-round.
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What educational programs are offered at the hatchery?
- Bonneville Fish Hatchery showcases educational programming related to the harvesting, care, and release of wild salmon in the Pacific Northwest.
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When was Bonneville Fish Hatchery constructed?
- The hatchery was constructed in 1909 and continues to be Oregon's largest salmon hatchery today.
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Where is Bonneville Fish Hatchery located?
- It is located near Bonneville Dam within the lovely Columbia River Gorge.
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Are self-guided tours available at Bonneville Fish Hatchery?
- Self-guided tours are offered throughout the year, allowing visitors to explore the exterior portions of the hatchery.
- Brochures offered onsite outline the tour route and provide supplemental information on egg incubation and fish care.
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What interactive experiences are available for young visitors?
- Young visitors can feed ponds of fish onsite or view Herman the Sturgeon, a 70-year-old, 450-pound fish housed within the fishery's aquarium.
70543 NE Herman Loop, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, Phone: 541-374-8393
⮕ Walk or Drive Across the Iconic Bridge of the Gods
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What is the Bridge of the Gods?
- The Bridge of the Gods is a unique steel truss cantilever bridge stretching across the Columbia River between the cities of Cascade Locks and North Bonneville, Washington.
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Why is it called the Bridge of the Gods?
- The stunning bridge is named in honor of the region's historic geological feature of the same name.
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When was the Bridge of the Gods constructed?
- It was constructed in 1926 by the Wauna Toll Bridge Company.
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How long is the Bridge of the Gods?
- The bridge stretches across a length of more than 1,120 feet.
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Who operates the Bridge of the Gods today?
- Today, it is operated as a toll bridge by the Port of Cascade Locks Commission.
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Can pedestrians and cyclists cross the bridge?
- The bridge serves as part of the Pacific Crest Trail and is free for non-motorized visitors to walk or bicycle across.
- Visitors can enjoy lovely waterfront views while crossing.
Cascade Locks, OR 97014, Phone: 541-374-8619
⮕ Camp, Windsurf, or Hike Along the River at Viento State Park
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What is Viento State Park?
- Viento State Park is a delightful state park in Cascade Locks, named for the first two letters of the names of three area railroading entrepreneurs from the late 19th century.
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Why is Viento State Park popular?
- The park is known as one of Oregon's best sites for outdoor camping, offering numerous tent and RV hookup sites in beautiful natural surroundings.
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What natural attractions are found in the park?
- Visitors can explore the park's gorgeous day-use areas, which are located near the stunning Columbia River Gorge and its rushing waters.
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What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Viento State Park?
- Popular activities throughout the year include:
- Windsurfing
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Fishing on the waters of the Columbia River
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What makes Viento State Park unique?
- The park is located directly adjacent to a working railroad line, offering visitors scenic views of track routes and passing trains nearby.
Cascade Locks, OR 97014, Phone: 541-374-8811
Where to Eat
⮕ Dine with Gorge Views and Comfort Fare at Bridgeside Restaurant
© Bridgeside
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What is Bridgeside?
- Bridgeside has been a fixture on the Cascade Locks dining scene since 1946, originally known as the Charburger.
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What type of dining experience does Bridgeside offer?
- Today, the former drive-in-style restaurant has been converted into a full-service dining destination serving up artisanal burgers, sandwiches, and other American-style comfort fare throughout the week.
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What is unique about Bridgeside's location?
- Bridgeside overlooks the stunning Bridge of the Gods, offering unparalleled views of the nearby Columbia River Gorge.
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What food options are available at Bridgeside?
- Charbroiled burgers are served throughout the week, topped with premium ingredients like:
- Organic white cheddar
- Avocado
- Grilled onions
- Housemade sauces
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What other menu items does Bridgeside offer?
- Gourmet hot dogs and sandwiches
- Fish and chips baskets
- Appetizer favorites such as mozzarella sticks and onion rings
745 NW Wa Na Pa St, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, Phone: 541-374-8477
More Places to Eat
- Thunder Island Brewing Co. – Craft beer with Columbia River views and a relaxed pub menu.
- Brigham Fish Market – Native-owned eatery serving fresh Columbia River fish, fish and chips, and chowder.
- Locks of the Columbia – Café with great breakfast, sandwiches, and river scenery right from your table.
If you are interested in local events:
- Sternwheeler Days (August) – Celebrate river history with boat rides, vendors, and family-friendly entertainment.
- Bridge of the Goddess Run (September) – Scenic half-marathon and 10K for runners and walkers.
- Pacific Crest Trail Days (August) – Gear demos, classes, and community fun for hikers and outdoor lovers.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Cascade Locks, Oregon:
- Multnomah Falls (20 min) – Oregon’s tallest waterfall and must-see Gorge destination with a famous footbridge.
- Hood River (25 min) – Charming town known for windsurfing, breweries, boutique shops, and fruit stands.
- Bonneville Dam & Fish Hatchery (10 min) – Tour the dam, see sturgeon and salmon, and learn about hydroelectric power.
- Latourell Falls (25–30 min) – A striking waterfall and easy loop hike along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
- Wyeth Campground & Trails (10–15 min) – Quieter hiking and camping spots nestled in the Gorge’s greenery.
- Government Cove (5–10 min) – Popular photography and kayaking spot with rocky outcrops and scenic vistas.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Cascade Locks located?
- Cascade Locks is a charming city in Hood River County, best known as the home of the world-renowned Bonneville Lock and Dam, a National Historic Landmark crossing the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
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How did Cascade Locks get its name?
- The city takes its name from a former canal system spanning the Columbia River.
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What is significant about the Bridge of the Gods?
- Cascade Locks is located just upstream from the stunning Bridge of the Gods, the only bridge across the Columbia River connecting the cities of Portland and Hood River.
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Why is Cascade Locks a popular destination?
- It is known as a popular destination for outdoor fun in the Pacific Northwest, attracting hikers to its portions of the Pacific Crest Trail.
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What is the significance of the Pacific Crest Trail in Cascade Locks?
- The Pacific Crest Trail runs through Cascade Locks and connects from the United States' southern border with Mexico to its northern border with Canada, making it a key stop for long-distance hikers.
Plan Your Trip