There’s a powerful draw to the Columbia River Gorge that demands more than just a passing glance. Cascade Locks offers a unique way to engage with this iconic landscape: aboard the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler. This sternwheeler is more than just a boat—it’s your platform to level up your outdoor activity game by mixing waterside adventure with land-based exploration.

The Sternwheeler cruises the Columbia River in serene stretches and lively current zones, ferrying you past waterfalls that dare you to pause and absorb their relentless energy. The trip suits a broad range of adventurers: those keen to pair a scenic boat trip with nearby hikes, and those eager to see the Gorge from a fresh vantage point that pushes beyond the beaten path.

From Cascade Locks, many trails weave into the hills and forests above. A popular nearby hike is the 3.6-mile section of the Eagle Creek Trail—though it demands respect with its 800 feet of elevation gain and occasional rugged terrain. The trail’s mix of shaded forest corridors and dramatic river views keeps senses sharp as cedar and fir trees whisper overhead. Timing your Sternwheeler ride to coincide with a morning or late afternoon hike maximizes golden light and manages crowds.

Practical preparation makes this an accessible but fulfilling trip: solid hiking shoes with good traction tackle slick rocks and mud patches common in the area, especially after rain. Hydration isn’t just a suggestion; the river’s breeze can coax you to underestimate your needs. Bringing layered clothing is key—temperatures along the river can shift quickly as breezes surge or die down.

The Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler pulses forward, its paddlewheel churning currents that dare you to see the Gorge’s energy from a new angle. This is no passive ride; it’s a call to engage actively with the environment—whether through camera lens, hiking boots, or simply your attention. The river’s force plays against the cliffs and forest, creating a dynamic partnership that shapes this rugged terrain.

In short, combining the Sternwheeler’s steady glide with land-based hiking crafts an outdoor experience that balances ease and challenge, planning and spontaneity. For those ready to upgrade their adventures from simple exploration to immersive engagement, this route through Cascade Locks offers a brilliantly straightforward but richly rewarding path.