Cascade Locks, OR

Speechless Sunday - The Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River

The Bonneville Dam is located just a couple miles west of the Cascade Locks and spans the scenic Columbia River. There are visitors' centers on both the Oregon and Washington sides of the dam that are open daily from 9 to 5. I took this photo last weekend from just above the dam, on the Columbia River.

The View From The Columbia River, Part 1: On Board The Sternwheeler

My parents recently visited us in Oregon and since it was my father's first time here, we planned a lot of tourist type activities. Last time I did most of these activities, I wasn't blogging so I am excited to take advantage of the new photos I took. Last Sunday, we took a brunch cruise on the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, an authentically designed (although a replica) river boat. Things certainly looked different when viewed from on the river.

On their website, the operator of the Sternwheeler calls it a "Journey Into History". The Sternwheeler departs from the Port of Cascade Locks, cruises upriver to Hood River, then back down, past Cascade Locks and to the Bonneville Dam. Every moment offered incredible 360 degree views of the surroundings. A lovely Sunday brunch buffet was served, accompanied by liberal amounts of champagne and topped off with beautiful dessert bars.

My father is a history buff so he loved that most of the cruise was narrated by the captain himself and he relished every reference to Lewis and Clark, the Oregon Trail and to the geology of the gorge (how it was actually formed). The weather was perfect, the day peaceful and warm, a light breeze playing off the water. Tourist or not, this is one cruise everyone should experience.

Friday's Foto - The Bridge of the Gods, Columbia River Gorge

I love this bridge. It crosses the Columbia, between Cascade Locks, Oregon and Stevenson, Washington. I took this from on-board the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler last weekend, which provided a different perspective than on land. I love how delicate it looks from afar, almost spider-web like.

Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery... From Pre-historic to Modern Technology

Okay, right up front I want to admit that the hatchery was NOT something I had any interest in whatsoever. But my parents were visiting from out of state and my dad, the trip driver, wanted to stop so we did. I'm so glad we did. It's definitely worth a look.

Sternwheeler Days, Cascade Locks, Oregon

I absolutely love arts and crafts fairs so I can't believe that I've lived here for 4 years and didn't know about Sternwheelers Days before now. Our family has even taken a cruise on the Sternwheeler and I've already blogged about that. Since 1975 Sternwheeler Days has attracted artisans, vendors and crafters from the entire region and beyond. There will also be the annual Sailing Regatta, games, a dunk tank, a mountain men rendezvous, demonstrations and other, surprise, old-fashioned fun.

Join the fun on June 24-26 at the Cascade Locks Marina Park, next to the Columbia River. For more information visit The Port of Cascade Locks web site. Presented by the Columbia Gorge Lions Club.

This year, Sternwheeler Days will include the first annual Cascade to Crown Bicycle Ride. Join the ride from the beautiful community of Cascade Locks to the panoramic Crown Point & Vista House. To register and learn more, visit www.cascadetocrownride.com