Cascade Locks / Portland East KOA Holiday Blog
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
44 miles east of Downtown Portland.
From the west take exit 44 off I-84 the Cascade Locks exit.Turn left on Forest Ln, camp is 1.2 miles on the left.
From the east take exit 44 off I-84 the Cascade Locks exit. Turn right on Forest Ln, camp is 1.2 miles on the left.
If you follow Google maps it will take you to exit 47. Please note: at the bottom of the exit, turn left and go under the freeway before you make your right turn.
Spending One Night in Cascade Locks, OR?
Are you checking into Cascade Locks KOA just for one night and looking for things to do in the Columbia River Gorge? We have some great ideas that can maximize that one night stay. You may even want to stay longer!
Here in the heart of the Columbia Gorge, Cascade Locks is a charming riverside town that serves as a gateway to outdoor adventure. Home to a section of the famous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), our community offers easy access to waterfalls, scenic hikes, breathtaking views as well as tons of local history dating back to when the town was established in 1853.
One of the best ways to experience the Columbia River Gorge is by following the Historic Columbia River Highway. There are beautiful scenic viewpoints and stunning waterfalls along the way. Safely be on the lookout for Bald Eagles and Osprey during your drive! If you are planning on stopping by Multnomah Falls during your visit our recommendation is have your timed entry permit already arranged for your stay or make that the first thing you do when arriving. It is the most visited scenic site in Oregon and spots do fill up quickly. We recommend using Multnomah Timed Entry and you can use tripcheck.com for any information regarding closures on the Columbia River Highway as well as getting access to a parking lot camera of Multnomah Falls to gauge crowds and parking availability.
Our first stop after checking into Cascade Locks KOA, is Latourell Falls. Located in Guy W. Talbot State Park, this fall is named after a prominent Columbia River Gorge settler. It’s a short walk from the park’s picnic area to the viewpoint. If you want to be able to get a special experience behind the waterfall there is an ability to do a 0.8 mile hike along the trail that gives you access along the back of the waterfall to walk behind the falling water. If you can plan it to stop at Latourell Falls first you will actually pass Multnomah Falls on your way back to Cascade Locks.
Another great spot to see and hang out - maybe you need a coffee? Want to feed some fish or see the iconic Herman the Sturgeon? The Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery is an awesome spot to grab a souvenir or a coffee to help support the Oregon Wildlife Foundation. Make sure to bring some quarters to have the opportunity to feed the fish in the feeding ponds, check out the freshly hatched and say hello to the famous Herman. He is a 10 foot sturgeon that just celebrated his birthday making him 89 years old and weighs around 500 pounds. Go across to the Bonneville Dam and have access to view the fish ladder underneath the dam.
If you’re looking for a pit stop in town before heading back to the KOA to relax, Thunder Island Brewing is a great spot for views of the Columbia River Gorge while enjoying a beer from their rotating selection of house- brewed beers and food menu.
If you’re planning on cooking dinner at your home on wheels back at the KOA, our suggestion would be to pick up some fresh Columbia River Gorge fish at the Brigham Fish Market which is a Native-American owned, family-run fish market and casual eatery. If you’re looking to still relax and have somebody cook for you, they have an awesome selection of fish and chips, smoked salmon, and chowder.
If you think the scenic views stop - they don’t. Stop by Marine Park to view the Bridge of the Gods, the old lock system that gave the town its name and another great view of the Columbia River Gorge. Since the Marine Park is directly in downtown, you are about a 5 minute drive back home to Cascade Locks KOA to wind down your evening.
We hope you enjoy your stay here in Cascade Locks along the Columbia River Gorge and we hope you return for another stay that may last longer than one night? We have lots more to do just check out our other blog posts with multiple night stay itineraries!
~Cascade Locks KOA
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