Cascade Locks and Stevenson: Washington Gateway Towns
Overview
Cascade Locks and Stevenson serve as practical gateway communities for the Washington segment of the Pacific Crest Trail, clustered around the Bridge of the Gods at the Columbia River.
Key points
- Cascade Locks lies on the Oregon side of the Columbia River at the Bridge of the Gods, directly on the Pacific Crest Trail.
- Stevenson is located across the river in Washington and can be reached by road from the bridge or nearby highway connections.
- Both communities offer lodging, food, basic resupply options, and access to transportation to larger regional hubs.
- Many northbound hikers treat Cascade Locks as the final full resupply in Oregon before entering Washington.
- Some hikers choose to stay or resupply in Stevenson instead, depending on lodging availability, personal preference, and transport options.
Details
At the transition from Oregon to Washington, the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Columbia River via the Bridge of the Gods. Cascade Locks, situated at the Oregon end of the bridge, is directly adjacent to the trail and functions as a combined symbolic milestone and practical resupply point. It typically offers grocery options, restaurants, lodging, and access to regional transportation, subject to the local season and services.
On the Washington side of the river, the town of Stevenson provides an alternative or additional stop. Hikers may reach Stevenson via road connections from the bridge or via local shuttles or hitches along the state highway. Stevenson typically offers lodging, food, and services comparable to a small regional town.
Many northbound hikers complete an Oregon-focused resupply plan in Cascade Locks, then adjust their food carries and gear for the more demanding conditions expected in Washington. Some use Cascade Locks primarily for lodging and restaurants while arranging specific resupply strategies that include packages or targeted shopping. Others may split lodging and services between Cascade Locks and Stevenson depending on availability or personal logistics.
As with all trail-adjacent communities, specific businesses, hours, and services can change over time. Hikers generally confirm current options through official visitor information, guidebook updates, or recent trip reports when finalizing plans.
Related topics
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Illustrative hiking footage
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