We just stopped by to check out the park while driving around the area. It was a cold, rainy winter afternoon, and the whole port was apparently closed. It's a pretty area, seemed to be plenty of parking, green space, and a play area. I roamed around Thunder Island a bit too...a wedding venue, the island is lovely with gorgeous 360 views of the river and bridge. It's hard to really judge the Port from our first stop, as it seems that a lot goes on here throughout the year, but our stop-by was simply a quiet spot to stretch our legs for a bit and enjoy some gorgeous views. And for that purpose alone, it was appreciated! read more

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Two times I have been to the Port of Cascade Locks/Cascade Locks Marine Park. Both times were with groups in mid to late August 2017 to look at the geology of the area. The park has a beautiful view out over the Columbia River of some of the rocks on the Washington State side of the river that have been displaced over time. Both times I stopped here, additional stops along the Columbia River towards The Dalles and towards Portland helped piece together the geologic history of the area especially in regards to the formation and evolution of the Columbia River Flood Basalts. The first visit was the quieter of the two. The second visit abutted the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Days event in 2017 and a bunch of tents were set up both for that and for watching the Total Solar Eclipse on the 21st of August 2017. Depending on how busy the park is and the size of one's vehicle (for example tour bus versus 10-12 passenger van) parking may be difficult to find. There are expansive grassy areas to enjoy if you want to be active or have a picnic. A restroom building with running water is available on-site. read more

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We've been coming here for decades! I used to come here to fish with friends, for Steelhead, when I wasn't working. My husband & I recently came here as part of our neighborhood walks, during the pandemic, and we once had lunch at the nearest restaurant by the water. Beginning of this year, 2020, we even had lunch and picnic in our car, over-looking the Bridge of the Gods. The only negative about this place? There are a lot of dog poops, right along the edge or near the edge of the ramp, over-looking the marine park. When, you can no longer enjoy the scenery, and only watching your steps for dog poop? It is TIME TO LEAVE! Come back in the month of May, when more Rhododendrons & Azaleas are in full bloom! We always stop by for ice cream up the hill from the museum, but today? It's like . . . lining up for Covid vax! read more

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Choo choo, choo choo...there are 12 RV spots with electrical and water, but no cable. Sewage dump is centralized, not at each driveway spot. We were able to pick-up TV signals. About 10x each night a freight train comes barreling down within ~50 yards away. It's so thunderous that it shook our RV. I guess you get used to it if staying for more than a few nights, but on that first night you're in for an awakening. That said, it's a nice little campground. Proximity to the water is close and it's a very easy walk to Thunder Island Brewing (be sure to try the prime rib which is only served on Friday's.) Bathrooms are a bit dated. The view is definitely a cut above other campgrounds in the Gorge. read more

Port of Cascade Locks - Public Services & Government Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

Convenient to interstate and a pretty park. We came to stay at the campground. Too many trains too close to the campground. Goose poop everywhere. Bathrooms in serious need of updating. Not what friends said of this park from many years ago. Overpriced for accommodations read more

The Cascade Locks Marine Park has about 10 different amenities, so hopefully something for everyone. The main attractions are the campground, marina, visitors center, cafe, museum, Columbia Sternwheeler cruise, playground and park. Heck, they even have an island. After taking the cruise, my kids enjoying monkeying around in the themed playground while I toured the museum. The main park has a large, lush grassy field and a small covered shelter. It offers a great view of the Bridge of the Gods and Columbia Gorge, with the best view from Thunder Island if you just cross the bridge. The day we were there, they were setting up for an outdoor wedding. Unfortunately the weather gods were not cooperating. One thing I wish was more developed was a walking path. In the main area, there is a poorly maintained gravel path along the water. So difficult for strollers, kids' bikes and those with mobility issues. Aside from that, it was a very well maintained public park. Decent restrooms, free wi-fi and lots of open space. Highly recommend picking up a soft serve flavor burst ice cream from the East Wind Drive-in (aka "The Penguin") and enjoying your treat in the park. read more

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Great park with lots of open space and tons of parking with a boat launching area. This place is awesome for fishers also! There is also a nice view of the Bridge of the Gods. read more

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What a beautiful place we took the riverboat cruise and it was fantastic. The park, the waterfront, the museum...this place has everything. Love it. read more

Port of Cascade Locks - Public Services & Government Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

WARNING TO RV CAMPERS: water pressure is around double of the normal 50-60psi. According to park maintenance staff it is around 100psi (as of May 2018). This will mean that this pressure will cause water leaks or damage valves in many RVs, especially older ones. Always use a pressure regulator, a small inexpensive device which threads onto the end of your hose. I didn't use one in a 2015 Class C, and I had water everywhere in the bathroom. I filled my internal water tank then disconnected from the spigot and used my own onboard pump. There were no leaks after that. This is not the fault of the campsite, just a City plumbing problem. Hopefully the new water mains they are putting in on Wa Na Pa Street in 2018 will fix the issue. Access loop is dirt, parking spaces are gravel and relatively level, grass everywhere else. Well laid out. RESERVING A SPACE AT THE CAMPSITE: the reservation fee for a campsite (currently $10) applies if you call in and reserve in advance. if you don't show up, they keep the $10. if you DO show up, they STILL keep your $10. Lets call it an "Advance Reservation Fee" - the website describes it as a "non-refundable reservation fee of $10 required at time of reservation". It could be much clearer if it was stated this way: "If you pay an Advance Reservation Fee of $10, we will reserve a space for you. This fee does not get applied towards your camping fee. All other spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis." PHOTO OPS: Thunder Island is a great place for photos esp around sunset. The Canadian geese are a good subject and keep the grass trimmed and WELL fertilized so watch your step. The waterfront camping spaces provide a great view and let you watch the fishermen work the fast-moving waters of a former navigation lock. Andrew A's review was spot on - choo choo choo trains all day and all night - even the trains on the other side of the columbia in Washington are surprisingly loud because the sound bounces off the water. the Oregon freight line is about 100 yards away. Get your rest as the train schedule allows. read more

This park is usually pretty windy and, at least in years past, has had a lot of, um, fertilizer (thank you, Canada geese). What I like is probably not considered part of the park but is really cool. OK, after you come through the railroad tunnel, go straight/left. See the walkway bridge over to Thunder Island? Go THERE. That is what is cool. Walk over there. Stroll around. That's where you really want to go. It's pretty, got great views of both Oregon and Washington, and you're on an ISLAND in the middle of the river. You're welcome. Also, during fishing season, the Native Americans are fishing in the area there. You can watch them. It's pretty rad. read more

I really like this park. There is a playground, bathrooms, covered and uncovered picnic tables, a great view of the water, places to fish from shore and the ferry the Sternwheeler of Columbia Gorge. A great place to stop and relax. And the park is very well kept. If you take the first road right after the Eastwind drive in on the left you can't miss it. read more

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Usually we go for much more remote and spread out type camping, but in the middle of a very snowy winter you can't get to any forest service spots and most state parks are closed this time of year too. This park is in a great location for visiting the Columbia Gorge, Hood River, etc. It sits right next to the Cascade Locks. It is a very small campground and I would imagine that is is very popular in the summer. But during the winter it was quiet and we almost had the whole place to ourselves. Lots of areas to explore walking around and just a short walk to town for restaurants and shopping. One thing to note the clearance to get in is a little low (12') so if you have a tall vehicle check it out ahead of time. Also it does sit right next to the train tracks so it might be load at times too. Reservations are taken in peak months May to Sept and the prices are higher then too. Overall it isn't our typical kind of place, but we will definitely keep it in mind for future road trips in winter! read more

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We had our wedding on Thunder Island, and the reception in the pavilion. It was everything we wanted and more. With the river as our backdrop we barely needed to decorate, which gave me and my bridesmaids more time to get ready in the community center. The pavilion has plenty of room for tables and a dance floor. We were also able to set up lawn games outside. Jan, their events person, was also great, and always got back to me in a timely manner with any questions or concerns that I had. Believe me I had a lot of them! :) She also returned our deposit money back in full in less than a month. I would recommend this spot for anyone on a budget that wants access to both indoor and outdoor areas. read more

Port of Cascade Locks - Public Services & Government Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

Great park and views. Saw the native fisherman platforms, but no fishermen. Nice playground and the island was awesome. Though the grounds were fertilized well (from the Canadian Geese), we didn't see any geese, squirrels or any wildlife. Very well-kept park. read more

Nice place, but if you are camping there watch out for the employees ( I think her name is Paulette) she will take your cash and doesn't give you a receipt and you will also be double charged on your credit card. read more