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.