Cascade Locks, city in Hood River County, Oregon, United States
Cascade Locks is a small city in Oregon located within the Columbia Gorge, a wide valley carved by the Columbia River. The city sits about 40 miles east of Portland and 20 miles west of Hood River, positioned directly next to the river beneath tall cliff walls.
The town developed as an important river port and industrial center where logging and shipping shaped the local economy. The completion of the nearby Bonneville Dam transformed the region and made it a center for electricity generation and hydroelectric power use.
The name Cascade Locks refers to the locks historically connected to navigation on the Columbia River. The Quilt Block Trail project, where colorful quilt patterns are painted on buildings and signs throughout the town, shapes the local character and shows community commitment to craftsmanship and local art.
The city is easy to explore since it is small enough to walk around, and bicycles are a practical way to get around. Visitors should know that the best time for outdoor activities and water sports is during the warmer months when the weather remains mild.
The city is the only incorporated town located on the entire Pacific Crest Trail, one of North America's longest hiking routes. This makes it a special stopping point for hikers and trekking enthusiasts who traverse this famous trail.
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