Cascade Locks: Columbia Gorge, Water, and History

Cascade Locks lies in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. When looking for a hotel in Cascade Locks, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your trip: water activities, trail excursions, or the history of the Gorge. Water, trails, and historical themes offer different starting points for planning your stay.

Location and Getting Oriented

The city 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. A prominent landmark is the toll Bridge of the Gods: it spans the Columbia River and connects SR-14 in Washington with I-84 in Oregon. If you use this crossing, be sure to account for the toll when planning. Parking is free in the small lot near the entrance to the Bridge of the Gods. As parking conditions may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Marine Park and Water Activities

You can swim and picnic on the beach at Cascade Locks Marine Park. The park is also the home port of the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, which offers day trips and dinner cruises from there. So, at Marine Park, you can enjoy both time on the beach and trips on the river.

Other locations are geared toward different water sports. At Herman Creek Cove, there are docks for launching kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Blackberry Beach on the Columbia River offers a launch site for windsurfers and kiteboarders. The community sailing program in Cascade Locks provides opportunities for recreational sailing to anyone interested. These options offer different ways to spend a day on the water, from swimming and picnicking to paddling, windsurfing, and sailing.

Cycling and Hiking on the Trails

The easyCLIMB Trail is a mountain biking route of moderate difficulty. The 2.8-mile loop runs between Herman Creek Cove and Government Cove. Its length, difficulty level, and endpoints help you assess the route.

The Gorge 400 Trail is geared toward day hikes and backpacking trips. Mountain bikes are allowed on the section between Eagle Creek and Cascade Locks along Moody Road; check local trail rules if you plan to ride there. In this section, the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail crosses several U.S. Forest Service trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail. The trails therefore differ not only in name, but also in their stated uses and connections.

History of the Gorge and the Locks

The Bridge of the Gods also tells the story of the region’s development. The current bridge was originally built in 1926 and raised 44 feet in 1938. The Cascade Locks Historical Museum overlooks the original lock and canal, built in the late 19th century.

At the museum, you’ll find materials on a range of topics: the history of Indigenous people in the Columbia River Gorge; historic waterways and locks; railroads and fish wheels; and paddlewheelers and steamboats on the Columbia River. The history of Cascade Locks School is also covered. The Cascades were also an important Indigenous fishing site.

Next to the Historical Museum, the Oregon Pony is housed in a climate-controlled display chamber. In 1864, the locomotive became the first steam locomotive in the Pacific Northwest and the first of its kind built on the Pacific Coast. The bridge, lock, railroad, and shipping offer different historical perspectives on Cascade Locks.

Events

PCT Days takes place annually in Marine Park. If you’d like to include the event in your travel plans, check the latest event dates.

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