Location: Cascade Locks
Top Things to do in Cascade Locks
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What to do and see in Cascade Locks, Oregon (OR): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Cascade Locks is a city in Hood River County, Oregon, United States. The city took its name from a set of locks built to improve navigation past the Cascades Rapids of the Columbia River. The U.S. federal government approved the plan for the locks in 1875, construction began in 1878, and the locks were completed on November 5, 1896. The locks were subsequently submerged in 1938, replaced by Bonneville Lock and Dam, although the city lost no land from the expansion of Lake Bonneville behind the dam some 4 miles (6 km) downstream of the city. The city population was 1,144 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Cascade Locks
1. Oneonta Gorge
2. Bonneville Lock & Dam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 617 reviews
Spans the Columbia River and links Oregon and Washington.
Reviewed By SeniorTravelerTF
More than the physical presence, the dam offers something if you are interested in how electricity is provided to the northwest, if you are interested in construction of such a massive structure, if you are interested in fish and ecology of the river, if you are interested in transportation and commerce on the river, and even a bit about the native cultures of the area. There are several floors of exhibits and viewing areas, a couple of recreation areas where you can picnic, and movies and slide shows. Hosts offer tours that go into the power plant a couple of times each day (see website), and are available to answer questions at their information desk. There is also a small gift shop and clean restrooms. So you can spend 3-4 hours here, or as little time as you wish. There is no admission charge and lots of free parking. The grounds and setting are beautiful. You are just a few minutes away from Multnomah Falls, so it is easy to combine the two for a day trip out of Portland.
3. Sturgeon Viewing Pond and Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By robynw329 - Long Beach, United States
While I believe the sturgeon viewing pond is part of the Bonneville Hatchery, it's a stop you won't want to miss. In fact, if you end up taking the exit for the Hatchery, plan to stay a few hours and tour the Bonneville Lock & Dam, too as all of these places are on the same loop road and it's a fun outing for the whole family. We've taken our girls when they were little and we just returned for another visit now that they are teens and they still love it. Beautiful walking paths, trout ponds where kids can feed the fish, the wonderful sturgeon pond and underwater viewing area to get you up close and personal with these big fish are all a part of this place. Plenty of parking, a jam-packed gift shop and coffee bar/cafe can be found here plus it's FREE to tour the facility.
4. Bonneville Hatchery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Reviewed By runswithdogs
Bonneville is a working fish hatchery set amidst beautiful gardens and woods. Steelhead, chinook and coho are raised here are released back to nearby Tanner Creek. Adult salmon had arrived to spawn, whih was very interesting to watch. Visitors can purchase a handful of food pellets to feed rainbow trout. The highlight for me was the sturgeon viewing center. Here visitors can look down onto a beautiful pool with white sturgeon and salmon galore! There is an underwater viewing area, where the fish swim inches from you or your camera. This is the home of "Herman", a 10ft. long, 85-year old sturgeon, and even though there are many large sturgeon in the pond, it's astounding to see him come through! This would be an excellet place for a picnic or walk also--delightul grounds!
5. Dry Creek Falls Hike
6. Eagle Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By shawnaw336
Another beautiful hike with a waterfall at the end got a few pictures of it on my Instagram I will be going back
7. Thunder Island Brewing Co
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Thunder Island Brewing Company is an adventure-based small batch brewery that is handcrafting creative and innovative beers in the Pacific Northwest. Based out of the city of Cascades Locks, forty-three miles east of Portland, Thunder Island Brewing makes original beers inspired by a love for outdoor adventures, with a nod to local history and with a respect for all that the scenic Columbia River Gorge has to offer. Thunder Island Brewing is fully dedicated to producing quality handcrafted beers. As of July 2014, the Brewery is now serving food and is an all-ages brewpub. A big thank you to our customers for your patience as we have been expanding, remodeling and growing over the last year. Cheers!
8. Bridge of the Gods
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 414 reviews
Reviewed By CoolhandO5 - Mills River, United States
Very interesting construction. All steel with grid flooring which allows one to see the Columbia River below. $2 toll each way on the Oregon side, which is cheap considering that this is the only bridge across the river south of Hood River all the way to Portland!!
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