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Cascade Locks, Oregon
Cascade Locks, Oregon
Cascade Locks, Oregon
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Sternwheeler J.N. Teal in Cascade Locks, 1911 Note the Brass Era cars on foredeck.

Key Information

Cascade Locks is a city in Hood River County, Oregon, United States. The city got 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 did not lose 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.[5]

City hall
Post office in Cascade Locks, with the Columbia River in the background

Cascade Locks is just upstream from the Bridge of the Gods, a toll bridge that spans the Columbia River. It is the only bridge across the Columbia between Portland and Hood River. Cascade Locks is a few miles upstream of Eagle Creek Gorge, a popular scenic area that doubles as an alternate route for the Pacific Crest Trail. Cascade Locks is used frequently by hikers along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) to cross the Columbia River. Cascade Locks is the lowest point along the trail, which runs from the Mexico–US border in California to the Canada–US border in Washington, and the largest city directly on the trail.[6]

Since 1999 the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have been pursuing an off-reservation casino to be sited in Cascade Locks.[7] Starting in 2008, city officials began pursuing an arrangement that would allow them to trade city well water for state-owned spring water and to sell it to Nestlé for bottling. In May 2016, Hood River County voters voted over 68% in favor to stop the project permanently.[8][9][10]

Geography

[edit]

Cascade Locks is in the northwest corner of Hood River County, on the south side of the Columbia River. It is bordered to the north (in the middle of the river) by Skamania County, Washington. The city of Stevenson, Washington, is north of Cascade Locks across the river.

U.S. Route 30 passes through the center of Cascade Locks as Wa Na Pa Street, joining Interstate 84 at the east and west end of the downtown. Both exits with I-84 are labeled "44". I-84 and US 30 lead east 19 miles (31 km) to Hood River and west 43 miles (69 km) to Portland. US 30 provides access to the Bridge of the Gods, a toll bridge which crosses the Columbia River to connect with Washington State Route 14 between North Bonneville and Stevenson.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city of Cascade Locks has a total area of 3.04 square miles (7.87 km2), of which 2.08 square miles (5.39 km2) are land and 0.96 square miles (2.49 km2) are water.[11]

Climate

[edit]

This region experiences warm and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F (22.0 °C). According to the Köppen climate classification system, Cascade Locks has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate which is abbreviated as "Csb" on climate maps.[12] The city receives an average of 76.27 in (1,937 mm) of precipitation per year.[13]

Cascade Locks (1894-2014 Averages)
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
12
 
 
40
31
 
 
9.2
 
 
46
34
 
 
8.4
 
 
54
37
 
 
5
 
 
63
42
 
 
3.6
 
 
68
47
 
 
2.3
 
 
74
52
 
 
0.7
 
 
80
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1
 
 
80
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3.2
 
 
73
51
 
 
6.2
 
 
63
46
 
 
12
 
 
50
39
 
 
13
 
 
43
34
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
█ Precipitation totals in inches
Source: [13]
Metric conversion
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
295
 
 
5
−1
 
 
234
 
 
8
1
 
 
212
 
 
12
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23
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25
 
 
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80
 
 
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158
 
 
17
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310
 
 
10
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331
 
 
6
1
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
█ Precipitation totals in mm

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1940703—
19507334.3%
1960660−10.0%
1970574−13.0%
198083846.0%
199093011.0%
20001,11519.9%
20101,1442.6%
20201,42724.7%
U.S. Decennial Census[14][3]

2010 census

[edit]

As of the census of 2010, there were 1,144 people, 445 households, and 305 families residing in the city. The population density was 550.0 inhabitants per square mile (212.4/km2). There were 502 housing units at an average density of 241.3 per square mile (93.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 87.7% White, 0.5% African American, 1.8% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.6% Pacific Islander, 2.7% from other races, and 5.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.1% of the population.[4]

There were 445 households, of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.5% were non-families. 21.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 2.95.[4]

The median age in the city was 40.8 years. 20.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.4% were from 25 to 44; 32.9% were from 45 to 64; and 11.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.5% male and 48.5% female.[4]

Transportation

[edit]

The Historic Columbia River Highway US 30 runs through the city, and can be accessed by exit 44 from I-84. The Bridge of the Gods connects Cascade Locks to Washington State Route 14.

Columbia Area Transit and Skamania County Transit provide local and intercity bus service to surrounding communities.[15][16]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Cascade Locks, Oregon

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from Grokipedia
Cascade Locks is a city in Hood River County, Oregon, United States, positioned along the south bank of the Columbia River in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. With a population of 1,529 residents, it functions as a historic community and hub for outdoor activities amid the Cascade Mountains. The city's name originates from the Cascade Locks, a navigation canal system constructed from 1890 to 1905 to enable steamboats to circumvent the hazardous Cascades Rapids, which impeded river travel between The Dalles and Portland. These locks facilitated commerce and passenger transport until their inundation by the reservoir created by Bonneville Dam, completed in 1937, which eliminated the rapids and altered the local hydrology and economy. Post-dam, the area shifted toward recreation, with the construction of the Bridge of the Gods in 1926 providing a vital crossing over the Columbia, connecting Oregon to Washington and supporting tourism and trade. Contemporary Cascade Locks emphasizes its natural surroundings and heritage, offering access to windsurfing on the expansive Bonneville Reservoir, hiking in the surrounding forests, and attractions like the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge for interpretive river cruises that highlight the Gorge's geology and history. The Port of Cascade Locks manages Marine Park, a key waterfront facility for boating and events, underscoring the city's role in regional logistics and leisure without notable industrial controversies.

History

Pre-Columbian and Early Settlement

The region of present-day Cascade Locks along the Columbia River was occupied by indigenous peoples for thousands of years before European arrival, with the Cascade Rapids serving as a vital fishery for salmon and other anadromous fish. Upper Chinookan-speaking groups, later termed the Cascades Indians by settlers, maintained villages and controlled portage routes around the rapids, which were formed by a major landslide approximately 1450 AD that temporarily dammed the river and enhanced fish concentrations. These communities derived economic and cultural significance from the site's resources, trading dried salmon regionally and leveraging the natural barrier for tolls on passing groups. European contact began with the , which navigated the Columbia Gorge in October-November 1805, portaging supplies around the formidable Cascade Rapids—described as a perilous five-mile stretch of churning waters and basaltic obstructions—before continuing downstream. Non-indigenous settlement emerged in the 1840s-1850s amid migration, as emigrants required assistance bypassing the rapids via established native trails upgraded with wooden tramways and mule-powered rails like the Oregon Pony, operational by the early 1860s. The first permanent white families arrived in 1853, establishing homesteads near existing Native American dwellings in an area initially called Whiskey Flats, marking it as one of the Columbia River's earliest Euro-American outposts. Interethnic relations deteriorated amid broader territorial conflicts, notably during the Yakama War (1855-1858), when Cascade and Yakama warriors raided settlements on March 26, 1856, killing at least 13-15 settlers in the Cascades Massacre; U.S. forces retaliated swiftly, executing indigenous leaders and displacing survivors, effectively ending autonomous Native control over the portage. This violence facilitated settler expansion, with the community growing around portage services that supported steamboat traffic and overland freight until federal lock construction later in the century. The Cascade Rapids, spanning approximately four miles on the near present-day Cascade Locks, Oregon, presented a formidable barrier to river navigation from the mid-19th century onward, necessitating laborious portages of cargoes and passengers overland. traffic, which began in earnest around 1850 with sternwheelers operating between Portland and upstream points like The Dalles, relied on such portages or seasonal low-water navigation attempts, limiting efficient transport of goods such as , , and settlers' supplies to interior regions. These challenges fueled demands for engineered solutions to enable continuous upstream travel, culminating in federal authorization for lock construction in 1875 to bypass the rapids and reduce monopolies held by portage operators. Construction of the Cascade Locks and Canal commenced in 1878 under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, involving excavation of a 3,000-foot canal parallel to the rapids and installation of locks capable of lifting vessels up to 110 feet in elevation change across multiple chambers. The project, plagued by funding delays and engineering difficulties in the rocky terrain, spanned 18 years and cost over $4 million—equivalent to roughly $130 million in 2023 dollars—before completion in 1896. The locks officially opened on November 5, 1896, allowing the first steamboats to transit without portage, thereby transforming the Columbia into a more viable commercial waterway for freight and passenger service. Daily riverboat operations proliferated, with whistles signaling passages that connected Portland to upstream markets, spurring economic activity and the founding of the town of Cascade Locks as a hub for lock maintenance, shipping, and related industries. The locks facilitated safer and more reliable until 1938, when rising waters from inundated the facility, though they marked a pivotal advancement in regional commerce during the sternwheeler-dominated era. Annual traffic through the locks peaked in the early , handling thousands of tons of cargo and underscoring the engineering's role in integrating Oregon's interior with coastal ports prior to widespread rail and highway dominance.

Bonneville Dam and Post-Flood Changes

Construction of Bonneville Dam commenced in 1933 under the auspices of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, with the spillway and initial powerhouse operational by September 1937 and the navigation lock completed in 1938. The project, spanning the Columbia River about 40 miles east of Portland and five miles downstream from Cascade Locks, aimed primarily at hydropower generation and improved river navigation. The dam's reservoir inundated the Cascade Rapids and the Cascade Locks and Canal, which had facilitated navigation around the rapids since their completion in 1896. Rising water levels submerged these structures by 1938, eliminating the need for portage and multiple lock systems previously required for vessels traversing the treacherous section of the river. The Bonneville navigation lock, with a vertical lift of 60 feet, supplanted the older facilities, enabling year-round commercial navigation along a continuous channel from the Pacific Ocean to interior points. This shift rendered the town of Cascade Locks' lock-dependent economy obsolete, transitioning its riverfront from a hub of active shipping portage to a calmer expanse suitable for emerging recreational uses. In response to these changes, the Port of Cascade Locks acquired former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands in , repurposing them for marine industrial development, , and the establishment of Cascade Locks Marine Park on the site of the submerged locks. The reservoir's formation, locally associated with , supported boating and fishing activities, diversifying the local economy away from historical navigation services while preserving the area's strategic riverside position.

Geography

Location and Physical Features

Cascade Locks is situated in the northwest corner of Hood River County, in northern Oregon, United States, along the southern bank of the Columbia River. The city lies within the Columbia River Gorge, approximately 44 miles (71 km) east of Portland and 22 miles (35 km) west of Hood River, positioned at coordinates 45°40′12″N 121°53′22″W. The municipality encompasses 2.1 square miles (5.4 km²) of land area, with an elevation of about 151 feet (46 m) above at its center. The surrounding terrain features the steep-walled , a canyon extending roughly 80 miles (130 km) through the , with basalt cliffs and ridges rising to depths of up to 4,000 feet (1,200 m). This geologic formation, shaped by glacial floods and river erosion, borders the city to the north via the and includes forested slopes and high-relief landscapes conducive to landslides due to underlying structures and heavy precipitation. The Gorge's orientation facilitates strong east-west wind corridors, influencing local microclimates that transition from wetter western forests to drier eastern zones near Cascade Locks. Historically turbulent rapids adjacent to the city, known as the Cascades, were inundated by the impoundment from Bonneville Dam, located immediately west, altering the river's surface into a reservoir while preserving the gorge's dramatic topography.

Climate and Environmental Conditions

Cascade Locks experiences a temperate climate typical of the Columbia River Gorge, with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters dominated by overcast conditions. Average annual precipitation measures approximately 77 inches, concentrated primarily from October through May, while summers remain arid with minimal rainfall. Temperatures typically range from winter lows around 32°F to summer highs near 82°F, with an annual average of 53°F. The Gorge's east-west orientation funnels strong westerly winds, often exceeding 10-20 mph during fire season, which desiccates vegetation and enhances aridity on the Oregon side relative to windward Cascade slopes. These winds, combined with dry fuels, elevate wildfire risk, as documented in local protection plans assessing high flammability in surrounding coniferous forests. Environmental hazards stem from the region's steep basalt cliffs and unstable slopes, prone to rockfalls, landslides, and debris flows triggered by intense rainfall or post-fire soil erosion. Notable events include debris flows from atmospheric river storms in January 2021 and 2022, which mobilized loose material along the Columbia River corridor. Burned areas from prior wildfires further destabilize terrain, increasing flash flood potential during major storms. Seismic activity from the Cascadia subduction zone poses additional long-term risk, though mitigated by distance from the epicentral trough.
MonthAvg. Max Temp (°F)Avg. Min Temp (°F)Avg. Precip (in.)
January40.430.811.61
February45.733.59.20
March54.137.38.50
April62.541.66.00
May71.047.04.00
June78.053.02.00
July85.058.00.50
August85.057.00.50
September78.051.02.50
October65.043.07.00
November50.036.011.00
December42.032.010.00
Data derived from period of record through 2016; values rounded for annual summary.

Demographics

As of the 2020 decennial , Cascade Locks had a of 1,391. This marked an increase of 21.5% from the 1,145 residents counted in the 2010 . Historical reveal consistent but uneven growth over the prior decades, with the rising from 930 in 1990 to 1,115 in 2000, a 19.8% gain.
Census YearPopulationPercent Change from Prior Decade
1990930-
20001,115+19.8%
20101,145+2.7%
20201,391+21.5%
Sources: U.S. Decennial Census data as compiled by Oregon Secretary of State. U.S. Census Bureau annual estimates for incorporated places indicate a modest decline following the 2020 census, with the population at 1,381 in 2023. This represents a decrease of approximately 0.7% over three years, consistent with projections of an annual decline rate around -0.1% to -0.4%. Such trends align with broader patterns in small rural communities in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge region, where growth has slowed amid limited housing expansion and economic shifts.

Socioeconomic Characteristics

The median household income in Cascade Locks was $65,357 in 2023, below the national median but reflecting a modest economic base tied to local tourism, port activities, and commuting to nearby urban centers. Per capita income stood at $60,223, with a poverty rate of 8.24%, lower than state and national averages and indicative of relative stability despite seasonal employment fluctuations. Educational attainment among adults aged 25 and over shows approximately 93% holding at least a high school diploma or equivalent, though data margins of error are substantial due to the small population size, limiting precision in Census American Community Survey estimates. Among residents, roughly 21% report high school as their highest level of education, while about 31% have attained a college certificate or associate's degree, with lower proportions pursuing bachelor's or advanced degrees compared to urban Oregon areas. In terms of employment, 808 individuals were employed in 2023, up 6.74% from 757 the prior year, with a civilian labor force of 844 out of 1,293 residents aged 16 and over, yielding an unemployment rate of approximately 4.3%. White-collar occupations comprise 59% of the workforce, versus 41% in blue-collar roles, with common commuting patterns including 69% driving alone to work and 14% carpooling, often to jobs in Hood River County or Portland metro. These figures, drawn from U.S. Census Bureau data, underscore a community with solid labor participation but vulnerability to broader economic shifts in manufacturing and services.

Government and Economy

Municipal Government

Cascade Locks operates under a mayor-council form of government, with legislative authority vested in an elected city council and the mayor serving as the chief executive officer. The city charter, last significantly amended in 2008 with ongoing reviews as of 2024, grants the council all powers not otherwise reserved by the Oregon Constitution or state law, including the ability to enact ordinances, approve budgets, and appoint key administrative staff such as the city recorder. Elections for council positions and the mayor occur in odd-numbered years, with terms generally lasting four years on a staggered basis, though special appointments fill vacancies until the next election. The current mayor, Brenda Wood, was elected in November 2024 and presides over council meetings while exercising veto power over ordinances, subject to council override. The city council consists of six members: Pete Happy, Bernard Seeger, Courtnee Keilman, Eric Keller, Marianne Bump, and Tiffany Pruitt. Seeger, Bump, and Pruitt were sworn in following the January 2025 organizational meeting after their election, while Keilman was appointed in August 2025 to fill a vacancy. Council meetings are held twice monthly, with agendas and minutes publicly available, focusing on issues such as budget approvals, land use, and public safety. Administrative operations are supported by appointed officials, including City Recorder Kathy Woosley, who manages elections, records, and licensing. The council oversees advisory committees on topics like budget and planning, though the city lacks a formally designated city manager, relying instead on the mayor and recorder for day-to-day execution. A 2024 charter review committee proposed updates to streamline governance, such as clarifying election procedures and enhancing transparency, but as of October 2025, voters had not yet adopted a fully revised charter following the measure's ballot placement. This structure reflects the needs of a small municipality with approximately 1,420 residents, emphasizing local control over services like utilities, public works, and emergency response.

Economic Base and Industries

The economy of Cascade Locks centers on tourism and outdoor recreation, capitalizing on the town's position within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, which draws visitors for activities such as hiking, windsurfing, and river access. This sector dominates employment, with arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services comprising 22.1% of jobs, closely followed by retail trade at 22.2%. Private industry employment totaled 265 jobs in 2022, reflecting the small scale of the local workforce in a city of 1,509 residents. Other notable industries include educational services, health care, and social assistance at 12.4% of employment, alongside construction and limited manufacturing activities supported by available industrial land. The economy exhibits seasonality tied to visitor volumes, contributing to an unemployment rate of 10.4% in 2023, higher than state averages and indicative of reliance on transient demand. Median household income reached $65,357 in 2023, supporting a modest socioeconomic profile amid these constraints. Diversification initiatives, led by local economic entities, aim to reduce tourism dependence by attracting technology firms and expanding manufacturing through incentives and infrastructure like the Port's 100+ acres of industrial park land. Historical shifts from resource extraction, such as timber and fishing, to service-oriented activities underscore the causal role of geographic assets in shaping the current base, though persistent retail leakage signals untapped local demand potential.

Role of the Port of Cascade Locks

The Port of Cascade Locks, established in 1937 shortly after the completion of Bonneville Dam rendered the original 1896 Cascade Locks obsolete for navigation, assumed responsibility for fostering regional economic development through management of waterfront properties and transportation infrastructure along the Columbia River. Its formation aligned with broader efforts to adapt to altered river conditions by promoting commerce, property development, and recreational use of port-owned lands. The port district holds authority to acquire, develop, lease, and sell real property to attract businesses and support community growth. Currently, the port operates the Cascade Locks Marina, which provides 36 long-term boat slips categorized by vessel length, accommodating recreational boating and transient use to bolster local tourism. It also maintains Cascade Locks Marine Park, a key waterfront facility that serves as the home port for the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge and draws visitors for scenic views and events, contributing to the area's recreation-driven economy. Additionally, the port manages the Bridge of the Gods, a toll bridge spanning the and connecting to State Route 14 in Washington; operational 24 hours daily except for maintenance, it generates revenue from tolls that funds port activities. In its economic role, the port acts as a hub blending commercial development with recreation, overseeing infrastructure like marine facilities and parking to enhance accessibility and livability. A 2024 strategic business plan emphasizes diversification beyond tourism—Cascade Locks' primary economic driver—through targeted property initiatives and partnerships, aiming to create jobs and stimulate investment in line with Oregon's public port system's contributions to statewide employment and GDP. This focus addresses historical shifts from river transport to modern land-based and visitor-oriented activities, with port revenues supporting maintenance and expansion efforts.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Bridge of the Gods

The Bridge of the Gods is a steel cantilever truss toll bridge that spans the Columbia River, connecting Cascade Locks in Hood River County, Oregon, to Stevenson in Skamania County, Washington. Constructed by the Wauna Toll Bridge Company, it opened to traffic on October 15, 1926, with an original length of 1,127 feet (344 m) and a main span of 707 feet 9 inches (216 m). The bridge was built at the site of a prehistoric natural formation created by a landslide around 1450 AD, which temporarily dammed the river and inspired Native American legends; the modern structure derives its name from this event. Following the completion of Bonneville Dam in 1938, which raised upstream water levels, the bridge underwent significant modification between 1937 and 1938. It was jacked up 44 feet (13 m) and extended to its current total length of 1,858 feet (566 m), with the deck replaced from wood to steel and the structure widened to 35 feet (11 m). The Port of Cascade Locks acquired ownership in 1961 through revenue bonds and has since operated the bridge, collecting tolls—currently $3 for passenger vehicles—to fund maintenance and preservation. Operational constraints include a 15 mph speed limit, a vertical clearance of 14 feet 6 inches (4.4 m) for vehicles, and a maximum gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds (36,000 kg). As a critical transportation link, the bridge carries U.S. Route 30 from Oregon to Washington State Route 14, serving both local traffic and tourists in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It also accommodates Pacific Crest Trail hikers, who either pay the toll or use shuttle services. The structure's ongoing maintenance includes seismic safety studies and preservation efforts, reflecting its age nearing 100 years and its role in regional connectivity, with toll revenues supporting Port of Cascade Locks initiatives.

Road and Rail Networks

Cascade Locks is primarily accessed via Interstate 84 (I-84), the main east-west artery paralleling the Columbia River through the Gorge, connecting the city to Portland approximately 45 miles west and The Dalles 30 miles east. Exit 44 provides entry to the city center, linking I-84 to local arterials and the Bridge of the Gods, a vital north-south crossing to Washington state that carries over 2 million vehicles annually. U.S. Route 30 follows the historic Columbia River Highway alignment through town, designated as a National Historic Landmark for its engineering, while serving as a business route for tourism and local commerce. The city's local road network includes principal arterials like Wa Na Pa Street and Portage Road, which handle daily traffic volumes of 5,000-10,000 vehicles, supporting residential access, port operations, and visitor flows to attractions. The 2001 Transportation System Plan, with updates planned as of 2024, classifies these as collectors and locals, emphasizing safety improvements, pedestrian facilities, and capacity for seasonal peaks from Gorge tourism, without major expansions due to topographic constraints. Rail infrastructure centers on the Union Pacific Railroad's freight mainline along the Columbia's south bank, constructed by the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company and completed through the Cascade Locks area in 1884 to navigate the Gorge's challenging terrain. This single-track line supports through freights and switching for regional industries, including and aggregates, with local yard operations east of ; no or commuter passenger service operates here, reflecting the route's freight prioritization post-20th-century consolidations. Historical portage railroads, such as the 4.5-mile Oregon Portage Railroad active from 1863 to 1896, preceded this by bypassing rapids via short-haul tracks, but were supplanted by canal improvements and later Bonneville Dam's completion in 1937.

Tourism and Recreation

Key Attractions

The Bridge of the Gods, a 1,858-foot steel truss cantilever bridge constructed in 1926 and raised in 1936, connects Cascade Locks, Oregon, to , across the and serves as a vital link for U.S. Route 201 and the . The bridge's name derives from a natural formed by a around 1450 AD, which temporarily dammed the river according to Native American legend and geological evidence. It operates as a managed by the Port of Cascade Locks, accommodating vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists around the clock. Marine Park, operated by the Port of Cascade Locks, preserves remnants of the historic Cascade Locks and Canal, a navigation project completed in to bypass the river's rapids, which were inundated after the Bonneville Dam's construction in the 1930s. The park features the Cascade Locks Historical Museum housed in a 1905 lock tender's house, the Oregon Pony—the first to operate in the —and a footbridge to Thunder Island offering views of the original locks, canal, and Bridge of the Gods. Recreational amenities include a children's , for , areas, public restrooms, and a boat ramp supporting activities like and . The Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler provides narrated cruises on the , departing from and offering perspectives of the Gorge's scenery, history, and during daily and evening trips. These attractions highlight Cascade Locks' role as a gateway to the National Scenic Area, emphasizing its engineering heritage and natural surroundings.

Annual Events and Outdoor Activities

Cascade Locks provides access to diverse outdoor activities leveraging its position along the Columbia River and proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Hiking is prominent, with the PCT crossing the Bridge of the Gods and offering trails to viewpoints and the PCT Monument for visitor photographs. Mountain biking occurs on a developing network of local trails managed by the Port of Cascade Locks. Water recreation at the Cascade Locks Marina includes sailing through the Columbia Gorge Racing Association's programs, windsurfing, outrigger canoeing, and fishing in the river. Sternwheeler cruises on vessels like replicas of historical boats provide guided tours of the river, emphasizing the area's maritime heritage. Nearby state parks such as Ainsworth and Viento support camping, picnicking, and trail access to waterfalls like Wahclella Falls and Eagle Creek. Snow kiting on the river occurs seasonally during winter winds. Annual events emphasize recreation and local culture. Pacific Crest Trail Days, held each August, is a two-day at promoting backpacking and trail stewardship through gear demonstrations, educational sessions, vendors, and live , drawing hikers from the PCT's Oregon-Washington border crossing. Gorge Summerfest, organized by Friends of the Columbia Gorge in late July, features family-oriented activities like live performances and environmental exhibits at to support gorge conservation. Sternwheeler Days commemorates the town's lock-and-dam history with riverboat demonstrations and historical reenactments. The Bridge of the Gods Marathon, an annual footrace across the bridge and along river trails, attracts runners for its scenic 10K and half-marathon courses. Cascade Locks Ale Fest showcases regional craft beers paired with and . The Crusade, a event in October at Port facilities, includes competitive races on mixed-terrain courses. The Gorge Festival of Nations in June at highlights indigenous arts, powwows, and cultural demonstrations.

Controversies and Developments

Data Center Proposals and Local Debates

In spring 2023, Roundhouse Inc., a startup led by businessman Kris Johnson, proposed constructing a $100 million on approximately 20 acres of leased land in the Port of Cascade Locks' , located between Interstate 84 and State Route 14 along the . The facility was envisioned to occupy an existing vacant industrial building and adjacent sites, with a outlining an initial lease rate of $450 per acre per month, escalating to $2,000 per acre per month over time. Proponents, including port officials, argued the project would generate economic benefits such as jobs, lease revenue for the port, and diversification of the local economy beyond tourism and port operations. However, Johnson's prior business ventures, including failed real estate and tech deals marked by lawsuits and unfulfilled promises, raised doubts about the developer's reliability among critics. Local debates intensified over environmental, infrastructural, and scenic concerns, given the site's position in the federally designated Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Opponents, including residents and the Friends of the Columbia Gorge, highlighted risks to the area's natural beauty, wildlife habitats, and water resources from construction, operations, and potential cooling demands. Energy consumption emerged as a central flashpoint: Bonneville Power Administration analyses projected the data center would nearly double Cascade Locks' electricity load, potentially increasing local utility rates even under phased implementation scenarios starting in 2024, with residents bearing some costs regardless of the project's viability. Public hearings revealed divided sentiments, with supporters emphasizing fiscal needs for the cash-strapped port and town—population around 1,200—while detractors prioritized preserving the Gorge's ecological integrity and avoiding industrial-scale infrastructure in a tourism-dependent region. Facing mounting opposition, the Port of Cascade Locks and Roundhouse Inc. jointly announced on July 20, 2023, the discontinuation of the project, citing community feedback and careful review. The decision followed a special in June 2023, where voters recalled two port commissioners who had backed the proposal, reflecting strong grassroots resistance to perceived threats to local and environmental standards. No subsequent proposals have advanced in Cascade Locks as of 2025, with the episode cited in broader discussions of community pushback against high-energy tech developments in sensitive landscapes.

Bridge Operations and Regional Economic Impacts

The Bridge of the Gods is owned and operated by the Port of Cascade Locks, which maintains continuous 24-hour access seven days a week and 365 days per year, subject to closures for maintenance, construction, or special events. Tolls fund all operations and upkeep, with rates structured by vehicle class: $3 for cash or credit payments and $1.25 via the BreezeBy electronic system for passenger automobiles and light trucks (Class 1), and $7 cash/credit or $6.25 BreezeBy for commercial trucks and vans (Class 2), plus $1 per axle for trailers. The bridge enforces an 80,000-pound gross vehicle weight limit to ensure structural integrity. Maintenance relies exclusively on toll revenues, which have supported $600,000 in repairs since 2019, including inspections, painting, and seismic assessments amid the structure's age—originally constructed in 1926 and raised 44 feet in 1940. In March 2024, the Oregon Legislature allocated $6 million for engineering studies on preservation and seismic resiliency, addressing vulnerabilities in the nearly century-old design. The Port's tolling policy directs revenues toward operations, maintenance, and economic development, with a strategic shift by 2030 to align with federal highway funding requirements under Title 23 of the U.S. Code. Annually, the bridge accommodates approximately 1.6 million vehicle crossings, transporting valued at $35 million and serving as a critical east-west link across the , reducing reliance on longer detours via Interstate 5. This connectivity bolsters regional trade, manufacturing, and tourism, including Pacific Crest Trail hikers who cross via a pedestrian lane, while toll proceeds sustain Port activities that indirectly support local employment and spending in Cascade Locks. Economic analyses of past weight restrictions highlight potential disruptions, estimating first-year losses up to $72.3 million in output from diverted heavy freight, underscoring the bridge's role in minimizing transportation costs for Hood River County and adjacent areas.

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