Just across the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks is the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center at Stevenson WA - http://www.columbiagorge.org It has some very interesting displays and history of the area.

I was disappointed in the train ride from Hood River. It really does not go to Mt. Hood, just up the hills as far as Parkdale through a good deal or forested area and orchards. You can see the mountain at times, but you are not really up close. I would opt to drive up to Timberline via Hwy 35 from Hood River. Timberline Lodge is a beautiful old lodge built in the 1930s by the WPA.

Any of the boat trips from Cascade Locks would be enjoyable.

In just two days i would not do both train and boat ride, if you will have car,

Gorge can take a full day without any hikes, maybe some short walks, Several waterfall, Bonneville Dam. fish hatchery. Discovery center in the Dalles. Timberline Lodge.

But curious rest of trip. two total days in Portland???

I completely agree with Kitters about the train ride! We took it a couple of years ago and were very disappointed.

@Oregonpoppa..my mother can walk a little ways but all the guides I seem to find seem geared towards hikers. I wish we could but strenuous hikes will not be on our schedule.

Thanks for the advice about the train...I wondered about that. We might have to check out these salmon.

@phirl We are passing thru from Crater Lake to Seattle. Wish we had more time.

The activities and sights I mentioned don't involve any hiking.

Today and tomorrow are the Sternwheeler Days Celebration. I am not sure when you are going to be here.

From Cascade Locks, back west about 9 miles, is Multnomah Falls. Our second tallest year round running waterfall. Take the Exit for Ainsworth State Park to enter and park on the old scenic highway next to the Fallsand Lodge. (food only)

The Sternwheeler has river rides with meals or without. THey sell drinks onboard.

I agree about going to the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center just over the Steel Bridge of the Gods up by Skamania Lodge. There is a sign on the (veer to ) left, and as you pass the Lodge, you will go in to the second drive on the right.

Fantastic film on how the Gorge was formed during the Ice Age in the back of the first floor and up to the mezzinine. There is a WWI Bi-plane hanging from the ceiling. A steam powered Donkey. From the logging on Larch Mountain. Many interesting documents, antiques, letters from during the age, and machinery.

We just spent 3 hours there today.

Also, I guess the steam train that goes to Parkdale is whatever you are expecting. We just loved it. They have train robberies, dinner excursions, Thomas the Tank for the kids, Polar Express for Christmas, and more. We got good pictures of the Mountain, and a few clouds made the picture more interesting.

But the train is in Hood River, and you asked about Cascade Locks. If you want a decent meal and a good view, we like the Char Burger there. Not classy but picturesque. They have big windows where you can laze awhile and watch the commerce on the river while you eat.. Good Burgers IMO. Old fashioned Chili Sizes too.Gift shop to the left inside of the door.

Marine Park next to the Sternwheeler if you desire a picnic.

If you could get to Bonnyville Dam on the Oregon side, you could see the fish in the ladder and a prehistoric fish named Herman. You can take quarters for the hatchery fish.

On the WA side, westbound, there is Bonnyville Hotsprings Resort and spa. While I assume you have lodging, you may want to take a swim in the hotsprings pool. It's a nominal fee for that.

If you can tell me in what direction you would be willing to go, perhaps I could offer more.

min

Just for clarification, in case any visitors to the area might wonder, "Bonnyville" is just min's folksy way of spelling Bonneville.

Yep, sorry about that. They probably figured out that already.

min

Aye, and 'tis a bonny dam indeed . . .

;-)