Cascade Locks and the Bridge of the Gods: Northern Terminus of the Oregon PCT

As the Oregon stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail concludes, the route descends from forested ridges and viewpoints toward the Columbia River Gorge and the town of Cascade Locks. Unlike many resupply nodes that require side trips or hitches, Cascade Locks is effectively on-trail: the PCT passes through or immediately adjacent to town streets and facilities, minimizing off-trail distance for food, lodging, and other needs.

Cascade Locks provides a mix of small-town amenities, including lodging options, restaurants, and grocery or convenience stores that carry enough variety for most hikers to conduct a full resupply. Over time, the community has become increasingly aware of the PCT hiking season, and local businesses often adapt their offerings to accommodate seasonal demand, though exact services and hours still depend on individual operators.

The Bridge of the Gods, a steel cantilever bridge spanning the Columbia River, links Cascade Locks in Oregon with the community of Stevenson and the continuation of the PCT into Washington. Northbound hikers generally cross the bridge on foot to enter their final state, subject to any current regulations regarding pedestrian access, traffic management, or temporary closures. Because the bridge carries vehicle traffic as well, hikers usually follow posted guidance about where and how to walk safely.

From a planning standpoint, Cascade Locks is frequently used as a transition point between the relatively smoother, longer-day terrain of Oregon and the more segmented, alpine-influenced sections of Washington. Many hikers schedule at least one full rest day in town to recover, reorganize gear for more variable weather, and ensure that resupply plans for Washington are well aligned with the shorter distances between some northern resupply points.

The town’s location along a major river and highway corridor also makes it a practical node for mid-hike changes. Hikers may meet friends or family here, arrange transportation to larger cities, or make decisions about continuing, pausing, or modifying their route in light of current conditions.

Environmental factors in the Columbia River Gorge, including strong winds, summer heat, and smoke from regional wildfires, can influence the feel of a stop in Cascade Locks and may affect short-term trail or road access. As with other parts of the PCT, hikers typically monitor official updates from land managers and transportation agencies when planning their approach to or departure from the area.

In combination, the ease of access, available services, and symbolic crossing into Washington make Cascade Locks and the Bridge of the Gods a significant milestone for PCT hikers and the practical endpoint of the Oregon section.