• 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.
  • How did Cascade Locks get its name?
    • The city takes its name from a former canal system spanning the Columbia River.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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1. Bonneville Lock and Dam


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.
  • Where is Bonneville Lock and Dam located?
    • The dam project is located just 45 minutes outside of Portland.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Who was Bonneville Lock and Dam named after?
    • The dam was named in honor of Pacific Northwest explorer and Army Captain Benjamin Bonneville.
  • 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

2. Bonneville Fish Hatchery


Bonneville Fish Hatchery

© RG/stock.adobe.com

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • When was Bonneville Fish Hatchery constructed?
    • The hatchery was constructed in 1909 and continues to be Oregon's largest salmon hatchery today.
  • Where is Bonneville Fish Hatchery located?
    • It is located near Bonneville Dam within the lovely Columbia River Gorge.
  • 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.
  • 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

3. The Bridge of the Gods


The 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.
  • 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.
  • When was the Bridge of the Gods constructed?
    • It was constructed in 1926 by the Wauna Toll Bridge Company.
  • How long is the Bridge of the Gods?
    • The bridge stretches across a length of more than 1,120 feet.
  • Who operates the Bridge of the Gods today?
    • Today, it is operated as a toll bridge by the Port of Cascade Locks Commission.
  • 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

4. Viento State Park


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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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

5. Bridgeside


Bridgeside

© Bridgeside

  • What is Bridgeside?
    • Bridgeside has been a fixture on the Cascade Locks dining scene since 1946, originally known as the Charburger.
  • 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.
  • What is unique about Bridgeside's location?
    • Bridgeside overlooks the stunning Bridge of the Gods, offering unparalleled views of the nearby Columbia River Gorge.
  • 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
  • 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

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