The Pacific Crest Trail Runs Through This Oregon Town And It’s The Ultimate Outdoor Playground

The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,653-mile-long trail that reaches from the United States-Mexico border to the United States-Canada border. On its way, it passes through all of California, all of Oregon, and all of Washington, and it's absolutely gorgeous the entire way. Although this trail mostly passes through forests and over mountains in wilderness areas, it also sometimes passes through towns so hikers can easily restock their food and supplies. The Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon starts or ends in the town of Cascade Locks depending on which direction you're headed. Cascade Locks is a wonderful small town to visit in Oregon whether you are hiking the Pacific Crest Trail or not! There's lots to do there and you'll love checking it out whether you are passing through on foot or otherwise. Read on to learn more.

The Pacific Crest Trail is very long — 460 miles of its 2,653 miles are in Oregon.

The northernmost point of the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon is in the town of Cascade Locks.

Cascade Locks got its name from the Bonneville Dam and Locks which were built on the Columbia River to improve river navigation.

Hikers headed north on the Pacific Crest Trail will cross over the Bridge of the Gods to enter Washington. Or, if they're headed southbound, they'll pass over this bridge to enter Oregon.

Cascade Locks is a great place for hikers to stop and rest before taking on whichever state is ahead of them. It's also the lowest point on the entire trail at 110 feet in elevation. The highest point is 13,153 feet at Forester Pass in California!

There are lots of fun things to do in Cascade Locks. Visitors might take a ride on the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler on the river.

All kinds of boating are popular here. The Cascade Locks Marine Park is a lovely, riverfront place to visit.

Not far away, you could hike to beautiful Dry Creek Falls.

The Wahclella Falls Trail is a bit west of town, but it's also amazing.

The Herman Creek Trail is on the eastern end of town and offers ethereal scenery like this.

When you're done exploring the natural environment of this area, you might finish up your day by enjoying a meal at Brigham Fish Market.

Or you could have food and drinks at Thunder Island Brewing.

Don't dilly-dally too long, though — you'll want to get back on the trail soon. There's still a long way to go!

This is the trailhead at Cascade Locks. Which way will you go?

Cascade Locks is a wonderful place to stop if you are hiking the Pacific Crest Trail! It's a perfect place to reflect on how far you've come and how much farther you have to go. Even if you're not hiking the trail, Cascade Locks is worth a visit and you can maybe hike a little of the trail while you're in town. Plan a visit today. You'll love it!

Looking for more trails in Oregon to explore? Check out our Hiking in Oregon hub page for more inspiration and make sure to check out our ultimate hiking packing list before you go!