Set along the Columbia River Gorge, the town of Cascade Locks has built something riders have quickly come to appreciate: a growing network of trails that hold up through wet weather and ride well nearly year-round. From beginner-friendly loops and skills building to technical rock gardens and downhill features, the burgeoning trail systems have turned what was once a quick stop along the Historic Columbia River Highway into a place to spend a day — or a weekend — on two wheels.
Beginner-Friendly Trails for All Ages
Built in 2014 on the eastern edge of town, the EasyCLIMB trail system offers an easy way to get rolling. The trails run just above the Columbia River, forming a roughly 3-mile loop of flowy, green-rated trails. Grades stay mellow, turns are wide and sightlines are clear, making it a good fit for beginners, families or anyone looking for a relaxed ride. More experienced riders will still find it worthwhile as a quick, scenic system for laps close to town.
Recent updates have added a skills area with small jump lines, berms and wooden features that give riders a place to work on balance and technique. Riders can session features or roll around them, making it a useful place to build confidence before heading onto longer trails.
That accessibility of EasyCLIMB is by design. The small network was the first piece of Cascade Locks’ broader trail vision, built to create a clear entry point before riders move on to longer, more challenging terrain nearby.
The system also functions as a gathering point. Community rides, youth-focused events and trail days are regularly held here, helping introduce more people to the sport while keeping the trails in good shape.
Jumps, Turns and Longer Climbs for Experienced Riders
Just a few minutes east on the other side of I-84, the CLIMB trail system (CLIMB is short for Cascade Locks International Mountain Biking) stretches up into the forested slopes of the Gorge, with longer climbs and extended descents to suit the more intermediate and advanced riders.
Built with the Northwest Trail Alliance and the U.S. Forest Service over the past two years, CLIMB now includes roughly 17 miles of trail. The layout features stacked loops and emphasizes continuous movement — gradual climbs that carry into bermed turns, rolling sections and longer downhill stretches. Most riders will spend their time on blue-rated trails like the fun and zippy Peregrination, which define the overall feel of the system. Optional lines branching off the main trails add jumps, rock features and tighter turns to give advanced riders a little more spice.
What stands out is how consistently the trails ride, even after heavy rain. While other Gorge systems can turn muddy, the surfaces here remain firm and predictable. “Between the rock and how the trails are built, they drain incredibly well,” says Ted Dodd, a Port of Cascade Locks commissioner and longtime trail steward for the region.
That underlying rock, combined with careful grading and drainage, allows water to move off the trail quickly. Add in the area’s typical winter conditions — more rain than snow due to the low elevation — and the result is a system that stays rideable through much of the year.
This is just the start, as Dodd says more trail is on the way. “We have about double the amount of trail yet to be built,” he says. Future phases aim to expand the network both east and west, with long-term plans to link riding directly to town.
The area was recently recognized as an IMBA Trail Town too, reflecting both the quality of the trails and the level of community support behind them. “This is a major validation,” says Dodd. “Cascade Locks is now at the point where we’re a ride destination. What’s most exciting, though, is that we’re just getting started.”
For now, the trails still offer a quieter experience than some of the Gorge’s more established riding areas. “More people are learning about the area, but you can still go out and sometimes not see a single other rider,” says Ben DeJarnett of Bike the Gorge.
Where to Rest and Refuel in Cascade Locks
After a ride, Cascade Locks keeps things simple. Thunder Island Brewing Company and Gorges Beer Co. pair beer with river views, while Whiskey Flats Tavern offers indoor seating, smashburgers and house-made root beers. Brigham Fish Market is a go-to for fish and chips, and Ixtapa serves up quick, familiar Mexican fare. Buddies Arcade has Cascade Locks’ largest beer selection, pizza and family fun with retro gaming. Bridgeside Restaurant offers classic American dining with a spectacular view of the Bridge of the Gods.
Lodging options range from the Best Western to the chic Cascade Motel, which blends vintage charm with a modern twist and features individual romantic suites and family-sized cottages, Camping is available at the KOA and nearby forest-service sites. For those traveling without gear, Bike the Gorge rents mountain bikes and offers guided rides, making it easy to spend a full day on the trail — and do it again the next.
