Location: Cascade Locks
Top Things to do in Cascade Locks
9 Free Things to do in Cascade Locks That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Starvation Creek State Park
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
