Things to do in Cascade Locks, Oregon (OR): The Best Nature & Parks

December 3, 2021 Phylicia Berquist

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

Cascade Locks, OR 97014 +1 541-308-1700 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29960
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 506 reviews

Oneonta Gorge

2. Starvation Creek State Park

Eastbound Down Interstate 84 Historic Columbia River Hwy State Trail, Cascade Locks, OR http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=122
Excellent
86%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Starvation Creek State Park

3. Ponytail Falls

Historic Columbia River Hwy Horsetail Falls Trail, Cascade Locks, OR 97014 http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Ponytail_Falls_Hike
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Ponytail Falls

4. Hole-in-the-Wall Falls

Starvation Ridge Trail #414, Cascade Locks, OR 97014
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Hole-in-the-Wall Falls

5. Easyclimb Trailhead

Easyclimb Trail, Cascade Locks, OR 97014 +1 541-374-8619 [email protected] http://portofcascadelocks.org/mountain-bike-trail/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Easyclimb Trailhead

The EasyCLIMB loop is squeezed into a wooded verge between Herman Creek Cove and Government Cove at the east end of Cascade Locks. The trails are built for mountain bikes (CLIMB = Cascade Locks International Mountain Bike) and hiking. You can hike from here along the white alder-shaded breakwater that separates Herman Creek Cove from the Columbia River.

6. Bonneville Lock & Dam

Cascade Locks, OR 97014-0150 +1 541-374-8820 http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Locations/ColumbiaRiver/Bonneville.aspx
Excellent
60%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 617 reviews

Bonneville Lock & Dam

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.

7. Sturgeon Viewing Pond and Interpretive Center

70543 NE Herman Loop, Cascade Locks, OR 97014-6663 +1 503-374-8393 http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/visitors/bonneville_hatchery_herman.asp
Excellent
75%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 169 reviews

Sturgeon Viewing Pond and Interpretive Center

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.

8. Bonneville Hatchery

70543 NE Herman Loop, Cascade Locks, OR 97014-6663 +1 541-374-8393 http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/visitors/bonneville_hatchery.asp
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 284 reviews

Bonneville Hatchery

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!

9. Dry Creek Falls Hike

Bridge of the Gods, Cascade Locks, OR http://www.nwhiker.com/CGNSAHike39.html
Excellent
67%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24 reviews

Dry Creek Falls Hike

10. Eagle Creek Trail

Moody Road Mt Hood National Forest, Cascade Locks, OR 97014 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=30020&actid=50
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 74 reviews

Eagle Creek Trail

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

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