Location: Cascade Locks
Top Things to do in Cascade Locks
What to do and see in Cascade Locks, United States: The Best Places and Tips
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. Skamania Lodge Zip Line Tour
Overall Ratings
5 based on 565 reviews
Enjoy a beautiful stretch of Pacific Northwest forest on the Skamania Lodge property in the Columbia Gorge. We offer seven zip lines, three suspension bridges and a belay from one of our tree platforms. Our guides are awesome and will make sure you have a great time on the tour! We are located inside Skamania Lodge which is a worthy attraction itself. Tour guest weight limits are 60 to 275 lbs. Closed toe shoes required.
Reviewed By Andressa C
My friend and I were recently up at Skamania as she wanted to check ziplining off her bucket list. (I'd zipped the course last summer. My friend is in her 70s and really wanted to try it.) She was pretty nervous at first, but the team pretty quickly put her at ease about any safety concerns she had. Greg took the time to walk her through all the safety checks and double checks they conduct before and during the experience, clearly communicated what she would experience, and made her feel at ease. We both had a ball! By the second zip, she was letting go of the rope, and she even sling-shot the last zip so she could go as fast as possible! It was an amazing experience for us both. Greg and Ashley made it the BEST.
2. Oneonta Gorge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 503 reviews
Reviewed By trukis - Miami, Florida
This is a must go place in Oregon. the Fall is at the end of a river, so from the road you have no clue what's in there. You have to walk trought the river, so there is no way to reach the fall without getting wet, but as there are plenty of rocks and trees to walk over you should bring crocs or get ready to wet your shoes. At some point you will need to be wet up to your hips. Difficulty is medium to high, and you have to take care when you walk over the fallen trees as they are humid and slippery.
3. Beacon Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
A mile-long walking trail takes you to the peak of this 800-foot geological structure formed from an ancient volcano, and rewards you with a spectacular view of the Columbia River Gorge.
Reviewed By QUYNH73 - AUSTIN
Pretty easy day hike with manageable trails and inclines for beginner hikers. Quite a few switch backs but the views make it worthwhile. Plenty of vistas for taking photos. Went on a Thursday afternoon just before lunchtime and did not have very much foot traffic to contend with.
4. Sturgeon Viewing Pond and Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By Susie G - Anderson, South Carolina
Children would especially like to see these huge sturgeon. It is free with free parking also. You can see the fish by standing beside their pool or walking down steps and looking through glass.
5. Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
Museum dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and interpretation of the cultural and natural history of Skamania County and the Columbia River Gorge.
Reviewed By Bird-Dog5
Well-rounded, even includes beautiful antique, hand-sewn quilts, geology film on how the gorge was formed (we didn't know about the floods!). locomotives, machinery, and river boat memorabilia on display. Great location, too.Thank you for your kind review, is there a reason that you only gave us one star? We are always looking for ways to improve.
6. Beacon Rock State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By XplorerMike - Tacoma, Washington
Came here after completing the Hamilton Mountain trail...across the street. This is a 0.9 mile (each way) quickly hike up the stump of a rock. lol. The elevation gain is about 600 ft ish. The "trail" is essentially a concrete sidewalk all the way up. It is heavily traffic'd so be patient with people ahead of you. Lots of switchbacks...was kind of fun. Overall fun for all.
7. Bonneville Hatchery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
Reviewed By Dylan B - White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Really fun family friendly place to stop and spend an hour or so. Don't overlook it - might not seem like much, but we really had a good time. Once you're done with the self guided tour, the gift shop was good - and we spent some time eating a picnic on the grounds. Just a little hidden gem - and great for kids!
8. Cape Horn Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By ARretired - Little Rock, Arkansas
The view of the Columbia River is beautiful from the lookout, but there is no sign telling you where to pull off for this lovely view. We drove east on Hwy. 14 from Vancouver, searching for this lookout, and never found it (because we were looking for a sign). When we got to the Cape Horn Road and Cape Horn trailhead, we knew we'd missed it because we were almost at river level. On our way back east, we started looking for a pull-off area after we passed Cape Horn Road on the south side of the highway at a higher elevation, and found the spot. Be prepared to stop suddenly to pull off. The view was gorgeous!
9. Bonneville Lock & Dam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 483 reviews
Spans the Columbia River and links Oregon and Washington.
Reviewed By Robert J - Lake Jackson, United States
I wanted to go, my wife didn't. I was driving, so we went. ;-)
Both of us were glad we did.
My wife loved the views of the river and the fish ladder, and the history recounted in the visitor center. I liked that and the tour of the turbine station (which I think she even found interesting, though less than me).
We both agreed it was a highlight of our Columbia River Gorge trip. And, the price was right!
10. Bridge of the Gods
Overall Ratings
4 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By Dcrosby007 - Pensacola Beach, Florida
I am not overly concerned with the history of this Bridge & the name is confusing until you read the history behind it... But the main focus for me is the engineering ingenuity behind it along with the picturesque background around it... It's breathtaking & mesmerizing & can be the backdrop for weddings, family photo's or just scenic pictures... I bet with the right sunrise or sunset or weather change you can take some great photo's here... I wouldn't plan a trip around this location but if your a bridge or structure fanatic or photographer maybe or if in the area I would make a pit stop to check it out...
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