There’s never been a better time to explore our beautiful state. Travel may look a bit different these days, but there are still safe, fun ways to enjoy time away from home. For an affordable and beautiful day trip destination, you can’t go wrong with Cascade Locks. This little city is in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, and it’s easy to have a big day for a small price.

Cascade Locks is located in Hood River County, right on the beautiful Columbia River.

Cali4niahiker / TripAdvisor The city was named for a set of locks built to improve navigation past the Cascades Rapids of the river.

Cascade Locks is just upstream from The Bridge of the Gods, the only toll bridge across the Columbia between Portland and Hood River.

Cacophony / Wikipedia This bridge is one of the most iconic parts of the Columbia River Gorge.

So… what is there to do in Cascade Locks? As it turns out, plenty.

Fancy-cats-are-happy-cats / Wikipedia You can spend the entire day walking along the river or exploring the local nature trails, not spending a dime.

Make sure to pay a visit to the iconic Bonneville Lock and Dam, where local salmon can often be spotted swimming up the fish ladder.

Lipadad / TripAdvisor Visiting the dam is free, and it’s a great spot to learn about local history.

Take a ride on the magnificent Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, which offers Heart of the Gorge tours for $34 from May - October.

Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler / Google You can also simply watch the Sternwheeler explore the river from the shores for free.

If you imbibe, head to Thunder Island Brewing Company for a little happy hour.

Shane Strickler / Google This small batch brewery’s location couldn’t be better.

There’s something about sipping a cold local brew right on the river that makes you especially thankful to live in Oregon.

Cam S / Google The brewery is open daily from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Cascade Locks is truly an underrated day trip destination.

management / TripAdvisor Check it out the next time you need a change of scenery, even if your vacation budget is small.

Have you ever spent the day at Cascade Locks?

Cali4niahiker / TripAdvisor

The city was named for a set of locks built to improve navigation past the Cascades Rapids of the river.

Cacophony / Wikipedia

This bridge is one of the most iconic parts of the Columbia River Gorge.

Fancy-cats-are-happy-cats / Wikipedia

You can spend the entire day walking along the river or exploring the local nature trails, not spending a dime.

Lipadad / TripAdvisor

Visiting the dam is free, and it’s a great spot to learn about local history.

Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler / Google

You can also simply watch the Sternwheeler explore the river from the shores for free.

Shane Strickler / Google

This small batch brewery’s location couldn’t be better.

Cam S / Google

The brewery is open daily from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

management / TripAdvisor

Check it out the next time you need a change of scenery, even if your vacation budget is small.

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Address: Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA