CASCADE LOCKS HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Explore the culturally rich, diverse, and significant breadth of our local history. Located in the original locktender's house just east of the campground. Hours: 10am-4pm, Thurs-Sun from Apr 1-Oct 31. Admission fee: yes. For additional details, visit them on the web here

CASCADE LOCKS VISITORS CENTER

Offering a wide range of information, pamphlets, and brochures on where to go/what to do both locally and all around the state as well as USFS parking/CAT bus passes and souvenir items. Located in the lobby of the historical museum. Hours: 10am-4pm, Thurs-Sun from Apr 1-Oct 31. Admission fee: no. For additional details, visit them on the web here

1896 LOCKS SITE & FOOTBRIDGE TO THUNDER ISLAND

Remains of original wall and channel of the locks constructed in 1896 to bypass a 4 mile stretch of rapids that made the river unnavigable to boat traffic here. Decommissioned in 1938 when the Bonneville Dam went into operation, raised the level of the river by 30 feet, and submerging the rapids altogether. Footbridge crosses canal to the Thunder Island breakwater built to facilitate construction/operation of the lock mechanism.  Located just north of the campground beyond the boat launch.  Hours: 7am - 10pm daily year-round. Admission fee: no.

STERNWHEELER COLUMBIA GORGE

Take a step back in time aboard this fully-restored replica of the sternwheeler Columbia Gorge that plied the river in this area from the mid-19th century well into the 20th. Featuring regular brunch, dinner, day excursions, and evening cocktail hours from Apr 26 through the end of October.  Located east of the campground at the far end of Marine Park next to the marina. Admission fee: yes. For available excursion dates/times and ticket prices, visit them on the web here.

HEART OF THE GORGE SAILING CHARTERS

Explore the Gorge under sail aboard a luxurious private sloop. Available May 24- September 29 @ 9:30am, 1:30pm, and sunset. Seating is limited, and advance reservations are required. Located just east of the Sternwheeler in the Marine Park Marina. For rates, reservations, and other information, visit them on the web here.

IXTAPA MEXICAN RESTAURANT (COMING SUMMER 2024)

Although not a bona fide attraction, the opening of this restaurant next to the Sternwheeler Columbia is one of the most highly anticipated additions to what Marine Park has to offer campground guests and visitors alike. For a sneak-peek of menu selections and pricing visit the website for their original location in Hood River here.

BRIDGE OF THE GODS TOLLBRIDGE

This iconic landmark bridge is privately owned by the Port of Cascade Locks, operated as the primary connection for freeway/highway traffic between Oregon and Washington, and an official part of the designated Pacific Crest Trail. Constructed in 1920 on the site of a massive rockslide that dammed the river entirely for over 100 years, its entrance was originally located just off the city's scenic Highway 30 main street. It was moved to its current position on the hill above mainstreet in 1938 when the opening of the Bonneville Dam raised the level of the river 30 feet. Tolls collected are used to pay for regular bridge inspections, maintenance, repairs, and improvements. Hours: open for vehicular, bike, and foot traffic 24/7/365.  Admission fee: yes (motorized vehicles only). For specific toll rates, visit them on the web here.

QUILT BLOCKS TRAIL

A series of hand-painted quilt block patterns celebrating the passion and work of the Bridge of the Gods Quilters, a community-based group whose work is donated to local hospitals, clinics, childcare and senior centers. Admission fee: no. For a downloadable map with specific locations and quilt patterns replicated, click  here.

EASY CLIMB TRAIL

A 3-4 mile forested loop trail  overlooking the Columbia River for hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels. Located in the Herman Creek recreation area off Forest Lane at the east end of Cascade Locks. Hours: 7am-10pm daily.  Admission fee: no. For additional information, click here.

COLUMBIA GORGE SCENIC HIGHWAY 30

This remarkable historic highway attracts thousands of visitors each year drawn by the breathtaking beauty of the landscape through which it was carefully curated to run. While sections of the original roadway were removed during the construction of I-84 in the late fifties, those that remain offer spectacular views of the basalts that cradle and create the Gorge, the majestic Columbia River that runs through it, and the score of waterfalls that cascade down its sides. Traveling west from Troutdale to Cascade Locks, highlights include:

• Crown Point/Vista House

• Latourell Falls

• Shepherd's Dell

• Bridal Veil Falls

• Wahkeena Falls

• Multnomah Falls

• Oneonta Gorge

• Horsetail Falls

Traveling east from Cascade Locks to the Dalles, highlights include:

• Starvation Creeek Falls

• Mitchell Point Lookout (opening summer 2024)

• Historic Columbia River Highway  State Trail

• Twin Tunnels

• Memaloose Overlook

• Rowena Crest

Some sections of the highway closed to vehicular traffic are open to both bike and pedestrian travel.

In Cascade Locks, the original highway constitutes the main thoroughfare through the downtown area (Wanapa Street) before veering slightly north onto Forest Lane at the east end of town.

Location: runs east/west roughly parallel to I-84 between Troutdale and The Dalles. Open 24/7/365. Admission fee: seasonal. For a map and details related to permits, fees, and current conditions, click here.

BONNEVILLE DAM

A project of Roosevelt's New Deal Public Works Administration, the dam represents the first in a series of dams constructed on the Columbia and Snake Rivers to improve navigation, control flooding, and generate electricity for the greater Pacific Northwest region. At the Bradford Island Visitor Center, visitors can:

See how nature, technology, and humans intersect

Learn about the cultural history of the region, dam construction, the development of navigation along the Columbia River, and the life-cycles of salmon and Pacific lamprey

Enjoy seasonal views of migrating fish through underwater windows that allow you to peer into the fish ladder

Take in a panoramic view of the Columbia River Gorge from the rooftop observation deck 

Located west of Cascade Locks off the I-84 at exit 40. Open daily from 9am-5pm. Admission fee: no. For additional details on special events and programming, visit their website here.

HOOD RIVER (HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DISTRICT)

Historic buildings line the scenic streets of downtown Hood River, with a bustling shopping district featuring boutiques, designer shops, outdoor adventure gear outfitters, antique shops, art galleries, and more than 30 restaurants. For details,, visit their website here.

HOOD RIVER (FRUIT LOOP)

A unique rural farm experience featuringr 30 on-the-farm fruit stands, wineries, breweries, cideries, and fields of flowers on  35 miles of scenic country roads. For details, a self-guided tour of participating venues, and map, visit their website here. 

BEACON ROCK

A majestic basalt pillar overlooking the river with stunning views of the both the Gorge and Cascade Mountain range. A central feature of the larger Beacon Rock State Park that offers a variety of trail, climbing, and other recreational amenities. Details on all park amenities/activities, hours, and rates can be found on their website here.

SKAMANIA LODGE

This luxury destination resort located just across the river from the campground features two standard golf courses, pool, spa, disc golf course, zip-line adventure park, and numerous hiking trails that are open to visitors as well as registered guests. For details all offerings, hours, and rates visit them on the web here

COLUMBIA GORGE MUSEUM

An interpretative center dedicated to celebrating the rich and diverse history, stories, culture, and people of the Columbia River Gorge. Features a permanent collection of artifacts, artwork, and other culturally relevant materials - as well as scheduled exhibitions of work that both draw from, and contribute to the unique character of this heritage. Located on Highway 14 between Skamania Lodge and the town of Stevenson. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission fee: yes. For details, visit them on the web here.

STEVENSON (DOWNTOWN & WATERFRONT DISTRICTS)

The numerous buildings that date back to  founding of this historically significant town in 1893 lend an air of nostalgic charm to its thriving and vibrant downtown business and adjacent waterfront business districts filled with unique shops, restaurants, brew pubs, food carts, and other goods/services. Definitely worth a visit! For details, visit their website  here.

CARSON HOT SPRINGS RESORT

Infused with the warmth and nostalgia of its early 1900s origins, this idyllic getaway proudly considers itself to be the antithesis of glitz and glam, and  a destination where guests can focus on themselves and the people they're with. Features an authentic and traditional bathhouse experience with mineral hot springs waters, deep-tissue massages, hot stone treatments, facials, and body wraps. Located east of Stevenson near the town of Carson. Admission fee: yes. For details on days/hours of operation, services offered, and rates, visit them on the web here.

MT. HOOD MEADOWS SKI & SUMMER RESORT

 @ https://www.skihood.com/

TIMBERLINE LODGE

 @ https://www.timberlinelodge.com/

SHANIKO GHOST TOWN

 @ https://cityofshaniko.org/

MARGIE'S OUTDOOR STORE & GORGE PARANORMAL CENTER

 @ https://www.margiesoutdoor.com/

TROUT LAKE

 @ https://troutlake.org/

TROUT LAKE ABBEY

 @ https://www.tlabbey.com/

MARYHILL MUSEUM & STONEHENGE MEMORIAL

 @ https://www.maryhillmuseum.org/visit

GOLDENDALE OBSERVATORY

 @ https://www.goldendaleobservatory.com/