August 4th, 2024
STAY & PLAY
Summer in Oregon
SUMMERTIME IN OREGON
Looking to make a vacation out of your Bridge of the Gods Half Marathon & 10K event trip? You are in luck as the Columbia River Gorge has world-class hiking, scenery, activities, wineries, and breweries.
Consider local favorite hikes to stretch the legs before or after your race- take your pick of amazing viewpoints or breathtaking waterfalls.
Getting Here
Portland International Airport (PDX) is a hub for Alaska Airlines and is served by most major airlines- offering direct flights and connecting flights all around the world.
Drive time from Portland to Cascade Locks is only 40 minutes, along the beautiful and scenic Columbia River. From NE Airport Way turn onto I-205 S. In approximately 3 miles follow signs for I-84 E and continue for 33 miles to downtown Hood River.
Where to Stay
There are lodging options in Cascade Locks visit the Cascade Locks Visitor Center website for a listing. There are also hotel options in nearby Stevenson, Washington and Hood River, Oregon
Camping Options
Camping Info August is an amazing time of year for camping in the Columbia River Gorge. Moderate temperatures in the Gorge amazing scenery and consistent dry weather make for an enjoyable setting. The only downside is finding a place to camp. With such a high level of desirability it is nearly impossible to find an opening at one of the Gorge’s many campsites. A huge thanks to the Port of Cascade Locks and the Cascade Locks School we are able to provide camping sites to anyone registered for the event.
Thunder Island
Tent Campers Only there is an great camping opportunity just 100 meters away from the finish line and post event party. This is an extremely rare opportunity as the island is closed for camping the rest of the year with the exception of the Mountain Man Rendezvous Camp and PCT Days. We will supply portable restrooms and hand wash stations onsite in the middle of the camping area. Showers are available at Cascade Locks School located 400 meters away from Thunder Island. Pricing is per tent with a maximum of 4 people per tent. Larger tents are an option but require the purchase of a second tent site.
School Field
For RV and Tent Campers the athletic field at Cascade Locks School. This location is flat, right next to restrooms and showers and puts you a stones throw away from the Sunday morning shuttle bus pickup. Vehicles are allowed near the tent area in the designated parking nearby.
Camping is for Saturday night only with check-in beginning at noon and all camping gear and site must be removed cleaned up by 3pm on Sunday. Trash cans will be provided throughout the sites and you are required to remove all trash from your area. Campfires are prohibited at both locations. We are limiting camping to the first 100 to register for the event and sign up for the camping option. Proceeds from your camp fees go to Cascade Locks School.
Side Trips -
Multnomah Falls
Be sure to stop at the Multnomah Visitor Center to see the majestic Multnomah Falls– no hiking required.
Great lodges of the Northwest. Timberline Lodge located only 50 minutes from downtown Hood River is a must. Perched at 6000 feet elevation and built of huge timber logs in the 1930’s it is a marvel to be seen. Wanting something a little closer then check out Skamania Lodge in the Gorge located only 20 minutes from downtown Hood River.
Hood River is world-renowned fruit-growing valley– an easy adventure through the valley is to drive the Fruit Loop and sample the many varieties of cherries, peaches, apples, and pears.
Food & Drink
The best place to eat in Cascade Locks is our sponsor Thunder Island Brewing, their classic pub menu has lots of options for everyone and their beer is exceptional and the sit-next-to-the-river-view is a singular northwest experience.
Breweries abound in the Columbia River Gorge– if you are a beer fan you’ll want to check out a few of these 12 local breweries.
Over 30 wineries to discover from the foothills of the Cascade Mountain range and further east as the terrain transitions to the desert region of Washington & Oregon. Learn more at Columbia Gorge Winegrowers.
Many excellent dining options within a 10 to 20-minute drive of Cascade Locks can be found in Stevenson, or White Salmon Washington, and Hood River, Oregon.
Hikes
Dry Creek Falls– A downtown Cascade Locks trailhead gives you access to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) where you can hike an easy 4.4miles to a small waterfall.
Eagle Creek– The classic Gorge hike, a moderate 6.4miles, will give you the waterfall, rainforest experience.
Wahclella Falls Loop– This easy 1.8mile loop is a quick and easy hike with parking right off I-84.
Beacon Rock– An easy 1.8mile walk up to the top of an ancient volcano core gives you sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge.