Welcome
The Port of Cascade Locks is a municipal corporation, a local governmental entity with taxing authority. There are 23 public ports in the state of Oregon, located along the Pacific coast and Columbia River system. The Port of Cascade Locks is a separate entity from the City of Cascade Locks, although the two agencies do work together closely. The Port’s mission is economic development for the entire port taxing district, which extends from the Columbia River in the north, to the peak of Mt. Hood in the south (map). Because the majority of the Port district is uninhabited National Forest, the Port focuses primarily on the incorporated scenic city of Cascade Locks, Oregon population 1,235.
The Port owns and operates the Bridge of the Gods, an iconic bridge over the Columbia River which serves as a critical transportation connection between the states of Oregon and Washington. The Port owns and maintains the popular Cascade Locks Marine Park which contains riverfront lawns, historic structures, campground, boat ramp, marina, beach, public art, and historical museum. The Port owns the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge paddlewheel river boat, leased to the Portland Spirit for seasonal day cruise operations from Cascade Locks. The Port also has a variety of facilities available for your year-round private special event rentals.
The Port strives to be a “business-friendly engine for economic development.” As such, the Port of Cascade Locks has the authority to buy, develop, lease, and sell property. The Port strives to recruit new businesses to town, while also supporting existing local businesses. Benefits of the Port’s economic development activities include: new family-wage year round jobs, infrastructure investments to support development, resources for new and growing businesses, increased utility revenue to support City of Cascade Locks’ services, increased commerce to local companies, a supportive community partner, as well as enhanced recreation and tourism activities within the region. The Port of Cascade Locks is an active participant in regional conversations pertaining to economic development, transportation, and tourism in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
The Port is governed by a policy-setting board of 5 elected Port Commissioners. The Port Commission holds two regular public meetings per month on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, at 6pm at the Cascade Locks City Hall Council Chambers. On average, the Port employs approximately 20 staff between the full time, part time, and seasonal positions each year. Available employment opportunities are posted year round, as they arise.
For additional information about visiting scenic Cascade Locks, Oregon, please see the “Visit Cascade Locks” page hosted by the Cascade Locks Tourism Committee.
The mission of the Port of Cascade Locks is to:
• Operate in a fiscally prudent manner to ensure its continuity
• Facilitate effective infrastructure and transportation solutions
• Recruit businesses to create family wage jobs and economic growth within the district and region
• Create economic growth opportunities for existing businesses within the Port District
• Enhance tourism and recreation for the Columbia River Gorge region
• Provide leadership and create partnerships within the region for economic development
• Utilize our natural resources
Port 10 Year Vision Statement (11/2013)
In the year 2023…The Port of Cascade Locks, located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, is a business friendly engine for economic development. The Port is responsible for the creation of more than 500 jobs within the community of Cascade Locks in the last ten years. The Port’s success is due largely to collaborative partnerships and grant funding for stable infrastructure. The industrial park is now served by a full interchange on Interstate-84. The Bridge of the Gods is well maintained, adequately funded, and serves as a regional economic resource. The Port’s ongoing efforts have contributed to a vibrant downtown. The beautiful community of Cascade Locks has national recognition as one of the best places to live, work, and recreate.
News
Bridge Strengthening Project Completed
As of October 21st, the Bridge of the Gods (owned and operated by the Port of Cascade Locks), has returned to full legal load limits, allowing freight to flow freely once again between I-84 on the Oregon side and Hwy 14 on the Washington side. This announcement comes a full ten days ahead of schedule, easing the burden to business owners, motor carriers, and the local tour bus industry, all of which have had to use alternate routes since the project started on September 27th.
It was in May of this year that the Port of Cascade Locks (POCL), the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and a Local Bridge […]
Bridge of the Goddess
Bridge of the Goddess Half Marathon & 10k run will be held Saturday, September 11th starting at 8am. This year the event will not be taking place on the bridge, therefore there will be no closures. However, an increase in traffic is expected. Runners will start and end in Marine Park. Come cheer on the runners and your favorite Goddess costume!
Port Welcomes Sailors
Port Commissioner, John Stipan, and General Manager, Olga Kaganova, welcomed 70 Columbia Gorge Racing Association (CGRA) youth participants, marking the start of the CGRA sailing season. Sailors heard about the Port’s mission and were encouraged by comments from Commission Stipan and his special Cascade Locks version of “Sailing Away.”
