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Posted in Oregon June 27, 2020 by Catherine Armstrong

Explore Thunder Island, View The Bridge Of The Gods, And Camp Overnight At Cascade Locks Marine Park In Oregon

The Columbia River Gorge is full of scenic beauty and attractions, and you could spend days exploring it all. Cascade Locks Marine Park is an under-appreciated little gem right on the banks of the river, and you’ll find plenty to see and do here. Check it out:

For a day full of fun and adventure in the Columbia River Gorge, pay a visit to Cascade Locks Marine Park. You'll find it just west of the Bridge of the Gods.

This pretty park is a great spot for a picnic and a stroll along the river, and you can't beat the views of the Bridge of the Gods.

Check out Sacagawea Circle, where you'll find a beautiful bronze statue of Sacagawea and her canine companion, Seaman. Created by artist Heather Söderberg, the installation celebrates the history of these iconic figures, who visited Cascade Locks in 1806 with Lewis and Clark.

The bronze cougar statue is called "Silent descent," and was created by the same artist.

Take a stroll to explore Thunder Island...

...then grab a beer and enjoy the view at Thunder Island Brewing Company. It offers delicious food, beer on tap, and cans to go.

You'll want to pay a visit to the Cascade Locks Historical Museum while you're here. It's located in one of the old locks tender's houses that was built back in 1905, and it has tons of historic artifacts and information. Admission is just $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and kids ages 6-17, and free for younger kids.

While you're exploring the history of Cascade Locks, check out The Oregon Pony. It was the first steam locomotive of its kind in the Oregon Territory. The engine was small, but it managed to pull 200 tons from the Cascades to Bonneville every single day.

The Cascade Locks Marine Park is the port for the Columbia Gorge, a sternwheeler that embarks on cruises along the Columbia River daily.

Let the kids burn off some energy on the playground, which is designed to look like a sternwheeler.

When the day comes to an end, you don't have to leave! The small campground has 15 sites, and 11 include electricity and water. Each site has a picnic table and free public wi-fi. The campground offers hot showers and modern restrooms.

Are you ready for an overnight adventure at Cascade Locks Marine Park? Tag the people you want to go with you in the comments, and visit the park’s website to learn more. Give the park’s Facebook page a follow to keep up with the latest news and events there.

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Address: 355 Wa Na Pa St, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA

Catherine Armstrong

Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.