In Cascade Locks, the landscape of the Columbia River Gorge, water sports, and transportation history come together. The town is in the center of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area in Hood River County. In the Columbia River Gorge, the mountains rise up to 4,000 feet above the river. This setting gives your visit a clear sense of place: the Columbia River shapes both how you find your way around and many of the activities available locally.
Bridge of the Gods: Connection and History
The toll Bridge of the Gods spans the Columbia River and connects SR-14 on the Washington side with I-84 in Oregon. If you include the bridge in your route planning, the toll is one of the practical details to keep in mind when crossing. At the same time, it tells a story about the development of transportation routes in the Gorge: the current bridge was originally built in 1926 and raised by 44 feet in 1938.
On the Water: Marine Park and Water Sports
At Marine Park, the beach is suitable for swimming and picnicking. The park is also the home port of the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, which offers daytime and dinner cruises. This gives you a choice between spending time at the beach and taking a trip on the river, all in one place. PCT Days is held annually at Marine Park. If you would like to plan your visit around the event, check the specific dates in advance.
Other water sports are available at different locations. Herman Creek Cove has docks where you can launch kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Blackberry Beach on the Columbia River has a launch area for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Cascade Locks also has a community sailing program for recreational sailing, offering opportunities for those who are interested.
Trails with Different Focuses
The easyCLIMB Trail is a mountain bike trail of moderate difficulty. Its 2.8-mile loop runs between Herman Creek Cove and Government Cove. The Gorge 400 Trail, by contrast, is designed for day hikes and backpacking. Mountain bikes are allowed there between Eagle Creek and Cascade Locks on Moody Road; check local regulations if you plan to ride the trail. In this section, the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail crosses several U.S. Forest Service trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail.
Locks, Railroads, and Regional History
The Cascade Locks Historical Museum overlooks the original lock and the canal built in the late 19th century. The museum covers topics including the history of Indigenous communities in the Columbia River Gorge, historic waterways and locks, railroads, fish wheels, and sternwheelers and steamboats on the Columbia River. The history of Cascade Locks School is also part of the museum’s exhibits. In addition, the Cascades were an important Indigenous fishing site.
Next to the museum, the Oregon Pony is housed in a climate-controlled exhibit chamber. The steam locomotive was the first in the Pacific Northwest in 1864 and the first of its kind to be built on the Pacific Coast. Those interested in the development of transportation can connect this specific locomotive with the themes of railroads, river traffic, and locks, which also feature at the museum.
Practical Information
Parking is free in the small parking lot near the entrance to the Bridge of the Gods. Check the parking rules before your visit. This practical arrival information can help you plan a stay by the river or an exploration of Cascade Locks’ history.
Discover more destinations: Hood River, Parkdale.
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