Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sports and Recreation
HIKING
Across the entire 2,000-plus miles of the
Pacific Crest Trail,
Cascade Locks is the only incorporated town through which the trail runs directly.
It's no surprise, then, how many through-hikers take a day or two here to chomp down some burgers, sleep in a fresh bed and pick up a care
package before heading over the Bridge of the Gods to tackle the Cascades in Washington. If you're looking to day hike the PCT, the rest stop
just south of the bridge makes a great trailhead for a 4.4-mile out-and-back trip along the trail to
Dry Creek Falls.
After about two miles headed
southeast from the trailhead, veer right onto Dry Creek Trail to reach the falls. Along the way, you'll come across an old
shoe tree,
which for
years has gathered its “fruit” as hikers have tossed their old kicks up in the branches here.
One of the premier hiking trails on either side of the Columbia River Gorge,
Eagle Creek Trail
runs through Northwest rain forests, across im-
pressive footbridges spanning basalt cliffs, and through narrow openings blasted directly into the cliffsides almost a century ago when the historic
highway was built nearby. The real draw, though, are the waterfalls. Passing six major waterfalls in six miles, and many more little tumblers and
babbling brooks along the way, the stretch is Xanadu for falls fans. For a moderate day hike, try the 4.4-mile round-trip to
Punchbowl Falls.
With
only about 400 feet of elevation gain, this satisfying route ends at the 30-foot gusher and passes a viewpoint that overlooks the 100-foot Metlako
Falls.
Day hikers with more stamina may want to set their sights on the 12-mile, 1,200-foot gain round-trip to
Tunnel Falls,
a 175-foot plunging
falls that uniquely features a trail that was tunneled by dynamite behind the waterfall wall and then on a blasted ledge halfway up the cliff where
the water shoots over. This trail can also be backpacked, though the competition for the limited sites along the way is fierce in summer months.
Hikers who choose to turn it in to a multiday loop will find that the trail syncs up with the PCT after 13.3 miles at Wahtum Lake and back down
Benson Plateau to the trailhead on
Ruckel Creek Trail
for a total of almost 27 miles. To reach the Eagle Creek trailhead, take exit 41 off of I-84
eastbound and follow the road east until it ends a mile later. The exit only comes off the eastbound lanes, so if you are coming from Hood River,
you'll need to take exit 40 and backtrack east a mile to the next exit. Parking at the trailhead requires a $5 Northwest Forest Pass.
HISTORIC COLUMBIA RIVER HIGHWAY STATE TRAIL
Extend your appreciation for the winding, scenic curves of the historic highway that much of I-84 replaced by walking or cycling the Historic
Columbia River Trail. Oregon State Parks administers a couple of disconnected sections of pavement restored from some of the abandoned parts
of the highway, one of which runs west from the parking lot at the Bridge of the Gods five miles over to Moffett Creek. With moss and shaded
wildflowers decorating the path and views of the river and Bonneville Dam, this is a class act spot for a spin.
BOATING AND FISHING
The exposed concrete left over from the canal and locks over at
Marine Park
make for a popular fishing pier these days. The water flowing
through this manmade feature seems to attract an ample supply of fish and the park features a fish cleaning station near the restrooms. The park
also sports two boat launches for those who want to venture further out in the river. The adjacent marina features free moorage and dump station
facilities for up to 72 hours. If you need to pick up tackle, bait, or even a fancy new rod, checkout
Columbia Action Custom Rods
(502 WaNaPa
St., 541/374-5414).
Accommodations and Camping
Perched along the river just east of the Bridge of the Gods,
Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn
(735 WaNaPa St., 541/374-8777, $130 d)
hosts the best digs in town. Meticulously clean with fresh furnishings and a whirlpool tub and pool facility, it'll satisfy most road-trippers. Ask
for a riverside room with a balcony to soak up the view. Just be aware that the scenery comes with a caveat: the hotel overlooks the river
and
the
railroad tracks that run above it. Light sleepers may not be fans, but kids will love the choo-choos and the housekeepers at least provide earplugs
alongside the conditioner and shampoo bottles each day.
For a slightly cheaper alternative,
Bridge of the Gods Motel and RV Park
maintains a collection of motel rooms ($69-119) and self-contained
cabins ($119-149) in its log-cabin-style buildings. Both options come equipped with kitchenettes, jetted tubs, and free Wi-Fi, and the property also
has laundry facilities on site to clean up those rain and waterfall-soaked hiking clothes. The grounds also host RV overnight spots, but there are
nicer camping options in town. The best bet is at
Marine Park Campground
($25 hookups, $15 tent), right in the city's pride and joy park. The
small campground offers a handful of sites with water and electric hookups, showers, and a dump station. There's a playground on the property,
free Wi-Fi and even a book exchange. Best yet, the waterfront location can't be beat. For a bit more serenity, tent campers and RVers with small
rigs who can do without hookups may prefer
Herman Creek Campground
(Frontage Rd. and Herman Creek Rd., $10) on the eastern outskirts
of town. This Forest Service site offers a quiet stay under a piney canopy, with water spigots and vault toilets. The site is a trailhead for several
routes, including the Pacific Crest Trail. The site doubles as a horse camp, so PCT riders can bring their horse trailers and steeds here.
