Bridge of the Gods
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes to this location:
- Cascade Locks West Loop Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 45.66235, -121.90135
- Elevation: 175 feet
Description
The Bridge of the Gods spans the Columbia River in the town of Cascade Locks, four miles upriver from Bonneville Dam. It is a toll bridge operated by the Port of Cascade Locks. The toll, as of 2022, is $3 for passenger cars and light trucks traveling in either direction. The bridge was originally constructed by the Wauna Toll Bridge Company, and opened in 1927. When Bonneville Dam was built, the bridge was raised 36 feet and lengthened to account for the higher water levels.
For Oregon hikers, the bridge offers easy access to several hikes in Washington such as Hamilton, Table, Wind, and Dog Mountains. Of note, it is also part of the Pacific Crest Trail, and the lowest point in the entire trail system.
The bridge is named after a huge landslide that dammed the Columbia River at this same location. When the area is seen from the tops of viewpoints like Table Mountain or Wauna Viewpoint, it's not hard to imagine the landmasses on the Oregon and Washington side having been connected. Current scientific dating indicates that the landslide occurred sometime in the 15th century, about 600 years ago. Previous estimates have varied from between 800 and 300 years ago.
The name "Bridge of the Gods" comes from a Native American legend, which is described nicely on the Port of Cascade Locks website.
More Links
- "Bridge of the Gods" (The Columbia River: A Photographic Journey)
- Bridge of the Gods (modern structure)(Wikipedia)
- Bridge of the Gods (land bridge)(Wikipedia)