SheSue Experience

Every year in the tiny town of Cascade Locks, Oregon they hold Sternwheeler Days. Based right in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, summers turn Cascade Locks into a haven for tourists. In the center of town is the Bride of the Gods. Millions of years ago, the bridge was a land mass that crossed the Columbia River. There are Native American legends behind the development and destruction of the bridge. Scientists think it eventually washed away. Today stands a toll bridge linking Oregon to Washington.

Sternwheeler Days had a small carnival with a few kiddie rides, ponies to ride and 20 or so crafters booths and food booths. On Thunder Island, a small island just off the mainland, the “Mountain Men” gathered and set up camp. The Mountain Men are a group of people who love history. They all dress up in period costume, set up tents much like there would be in history and perform their various crafts such as blacksmithing, leather work, woodworking, quilting etc. You can wander among the tents and visit with the people, many working their crafts. On the river, they had a small canon set up which they demonstrated setting off and let you light it.

On a small stage a band played. A bingo game was in constant play. On Saturday morning a parade wound it’s way through town. Along the main street, you could find fresh fish for purchase.

A channel between the mainland and Thunder Island is the site of the original Cascade Locks where ships would pass. Today, about 5 miles west is Bonneville Dam with modern locks. Just outside the locks you can see the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler with the Bridge of the Gods in the background. Did I mention that you can ride on the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler? Isn’t that what the fair is all about. The Sternwheeler offers sightseeing, brunch and dinner cruises on the Columbia River every day from May through October. It is a beautiful way to see the Columbia River Gorge from the river.