From the banks of the Columbia River in Cascade Locks, it’s hard not to feel the power of the Columbia River Gorge in every direction. Forested hillsides seem to rise vertically from the town of 1,400, paved bike paths head past hidden waterfalls and craggy hillsides dot the horizon in every direction.
Visitors hoping to experience that grandeur for themselves have plenty of opportunities for doing so — from the saddle of an e-bike, while shredding all-new mountain bike trails or while floating on the river. It’s only about 43 miles from Portland and west of Hood River, so it’s an easy day trip. If you’re inspired to visit for outdoor fun, here’s a guide to planning the ultimate getaway to Cascade Locks.
Savor Gorge Views, Fresh Fare at Local Eateries
You’re never far from your next great meal in Cascade Locks — typically crafted with local ingredients and served alongside panoramic Gorge views. Brigham Fish Market, owned by members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, sells fresh seafood and hot meals in the heart of downtown. Much of what’s on the market’s menu — fish and chips, sandwiches and even smoked-salmon quesadillas — is caught by tribal anglers in the Columbia River.
To relax with a craft brew, try Thunder Island Brewing Company, which pairs its small-batch ales and lagers with a locally minded menu that includes burgers, sandwiches and salads. Savor it all on the second-story patio, which overlooks the river and the Bridge of the Gods. Near the edge of downtown, Gorges Beer Company hosts an airy indoor space and three patios that provide 360-degree views of the surrounding forests and hillsides. Burgers and Mediterranean-inspired snacks dominate the food menu, and roughly a dozen taps pour a variety of house-made craft brews.
Outdoor Adventures on the Trails and Water
All year long, Cascade Locks makes a good base camp for outdoor adventures across the Columbia River Gorge. For a classic Gorge experience, take a ride on the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler. The regionally famous triple decker, beloved for its iconic paddlewheel and vibrant red-and-white color scheme, has been a Cascade Locks institution for decades. The aquatic attraction began cruising the Columbia River with a new operator in 2024 — and continues to showcase the Gorge through narrated tours between spring and fall. The excursion lineup includes one-hour tours that show off local landmarks and two-hour brunch cruises and dinner outings.
For a scenic hike or ride, head for the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. The broader trail includes two disparate paved paths, each protected from vehicle traffic, near Cascade Locks.
You can also experience the trail with a bike or e-bike from Bike the Gorge, which offers rentals between May and October. Ride the 6.5 mile Bonneville Segment, which begins at the Bridge of the Gods and heads west toward Elowah Falls. Farther east, there’s the nearly 8-mile Mitchell Point Segment; the rental company can deliver a bike to the segment’s Wyeth Trailhead. “You can put your feet in the basin at Hole-in-the-Wall Falls, you can walk behind Cabin Creek Falls and you can get close enough to feel the mist from Lancaster Falls,” says co-owner Ben DeJarnette.
Plan ahead for summer trips on the newly developed Mitchell Point Tunnel, opening in spring of 2025. The tunnel mimics a similar path that once delivered sweeping Columbia River views through arched windows on the historic highway. Today a 1.5-mile paved path heads through the tunnel and delivers wide-open views through the new arches. Access an on-site parking area from milepost 58 along the eastbound stretch of Interstate 84.
Another highlight is the recent expansion of the Cascade Locks International Mountain Biking trails just east of town, scheduled to open in May 2025. Riders can now tackle up to 16 miles of rugged terrain. DeJarnette says the newly expanded trail network, built by the Northwest Trail Alliance, offers a thrilling mix of tight turns, berms, hills and the occasional technical feature. For families and less-experienced mountain bike riders, the EasyCLIMB trail system is a great option for fast, flowy, year-round tracks.
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Enjoy an Overnight Stay Near Downtown
You’ll find a handful of charming stays around Cascade Locks, including one that reflects the community’s history as an essential stop along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
One mile east of downtown, the Cascade Motel has been welcoming visitors since 1947 — back when the historic highway was the only real option for traversing the Gorge. The motel’s historic cottages have been remodeled in recent years and come with well-stocked kitchenettes, smart TVs, air-conditioning and other modern amenities.
While planning your getaway, consider a car-free adventure via the Columbia Area Transit’s Columbia Gorge Express. The bus offers daily service between Portland and Hood River, with a stop at Thunder Island Brewing Company in Cascade Locks.
