FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEBRUARY 7, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT
Genevieve Scholl
Deputy Executive Director
gscholl@portofcascadelocks.org

CASCADE LOCKS, OR – The Thunder Island pedestrian bridge that spans the historic lock channel at the Cascade Locks Marina will be closed to public access for several weeks while crews make repairs to the damage caused by the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge excursion vessel breaking free of its moorings in high winds and blizzard conditions on January 13, 2024. The Sternwheeler drifted into the lock and was trapped against the bridge for approximately 30 minutes, causing damage to the bridge railing, some concrete, and two Native American-owned fishing platforms in the lock.

The parking area around the bridge will be closed and fenced on February 7 for equipment staging, safety and security. Tribal fishers’ access to their fishing platforms within the lock channel will not be impeded during the repair period. Public access to the boat launch and the boat launch parking lot will also remain open. For more information, please contact Port Operations Manager Parker Nelsen via email to pnelson@portofcascadelocks.org.