Cascade Locks and Canal

Cascade Locks and Canal is a historic waterway structure along the Columbia River featuring two lock chambers built into solid rock. The system manages water levels through a series of gates that allow vessels to navigate safely through the area.

The locks were built starting in the late 1870s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to improve river navigation. The construction faced technical difficulties and financial challenges that extended the project significantly.

The locks transformed river transportation in the Pacific Northwest, enabling steamboats to bypass the dangerous Cascades Rapids and connect Portland to eastern agricultural regions.

The site is easily accessible with clearly marked walkways and observation areas overlooking the structures. Informative signs and displays throughout the park help explain how the system worked.

The lock system incorporated chambers carved from solid rock, accommodating multiple vessels simultaneously and managing water level variations through three graduated gate sets.

Location: Cascade Locks

GPS coordinates: 45.66850,-121.89600

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:48