Bridge of the Gods Oregon
Iconic steel truss bridge spanning the Columbia River, a historic crossing and key point on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Bridge of the Gods Oregon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic steel truss bridge spanning the Columbia River, a historic crossing and key point on the Pacific Crest Trail.
"Awesome vibes — a perfect mix of breathtaking scenery and peaceful energy."
🚶♀️ Share the Road
No dedicated pedestrian path! Stay to the railing and be aware of vehicle traffic. Cars are generally courteous.
🚗 Parking Pointers
If backpacking, research multi-day parking. Nearby camping can be loud due to trains.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Columbia River Gorge Views
Mid-span of the bridge
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge, a truly inspiring and refreshing sight.
Pacific Crest Trail Crossing
Bridge deck
Walk in the footsteps of PCT hikers! This iconic bridge marks a significant point on the trail, connecting Oregon and Washington.
Bridge Side Restaurant
Cascade Locks, Oregon side
Enjoy a meal with a view at this historic restaurant, offering stunning river vistas and a perfect spot to relax.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Crossing Considerations
Parking & Trail Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Share the Road
No dedicated pedestrian path! Stay to the railing and be aware of vehicle traffic. Cars are generally courteous.
🚗 Parking Pointers
If backpacking, research multi-day parking. Nearby camping can be loud due to trains.
📸 Scenic Stop
Great spot for photos and a quick stop. The views of the Columbia River Gorge are stunning.
🍽️ Lunch with a View
Bridge Side Restaurant offers great food and incredible views of the river.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Share the Road
No dedicated pedestrian path! Stay to the railing and be aware of vehicle traffic. Cars are generally courteous.
🚗 Parking Pointers
If backpacking, research multi-day parking. Nearby camping can be loud due to trains.
📸 Scenic Stop
Great spot for photos and a quick stop. The views of the Columbia River Gorge are stunning.
🍽️ Lunch with a View
Bridge Side Restaurant offers great food and incredible views of the river.
🚶♂️ Walk Across
Walk to the Washington side and back for a short, scenic adventure. It's about 1/2 mile round trip.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Bridge of the Gods for its breathtaking Columbia River Gorge views and the unique experience of crossing a historic toll bridge. The adjacent Bridge Side Restaurant is a popular spot for dining with a view. Some find the shared roadway with vehicles a bit nerve-wracking, and parking can be a concern for backpackers.
"Cool, scenic toll bridge ($3 each way) In the Cascade Locks area that crosses over the Columbia River Gorge and connects Oregon and Washington. I love all the different style bridges in Oregon/Portland area and there is just something very special about this particular bridge that spans the Columbia River. Scenic views from the bridge itself, but also a sight to just admire from the various vista points and from Thunder Island Brewing Company which is nearby. This bridge has also been on the big screen and people may recognize it from "Wild" w/Reese Witherspoon or "Twilight"."
Chris Westwood
"Visited the Bridge of the Gods and absolutely loved it! The spot has such awesome vibes — a perfect mix of breathtaking scenery and peaceful energy. Standing near the bridge, you get sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge that are just stunning.
Right next to it is the Bridge Side Restaurant, which makes the experience even better. After taking in the views, it’s a great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a meal while still soaking in the beauty around you.
Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area — it’s one of those places that feels both refreshing and inspiring."
Sid
"The drive out to it had beautiful scenery and the bridge itself is impressive. There was a path off the side of the parking lot that led down to the train tracks below the bridge. That was a cool place to view the bridge and get some extra steps in. The café and gift shop next to it unfortunately weren't open and we didn't want to pay for a tour or toll so we didn't drive across. But the views and reading of the story of the bridge were enough."
Jenny Futrell-McCool
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bridge of the Gods is located in Cascade Locks, Oregon, spanning the Columbia River to Washington. It's accessible via I-84 on the Oregon side and SR-14 on the Washington side. Many visitors drive to the Oregon side in Cascade Locks to access the bridge and nearby amenities.
Public transportation options directly to the Bridge of the Gods are limited. It's primarily accessed by car. If you're hiking the PCT, you'll reach it on foot.
Yes, cyclists can cross the Bridge of the Gods. However, like pedestrians, you'll be sharing the road with vehicles, so exercise caution.
There are parking areas in Cascade Locks, Oregon, near the bridge. For multi-day parking, especially for backpackers, it's advisable to research specific arrangements in advance as options can be limited.
Absolutely! The Bridge of the Gods is a prominent landmark within the stunning Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, offering spectacular views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, the Bridge of the Gods is a toll bridge. There is a toll for vehicles crossing. Pedestrians and cyclists also pay a toll to cross.
Tolls vary for vehicles. Pedestrians and cyclists typically pay a smaller toll. It's best to check the official Bridge of the Gods website for current toll rates.
The Bridge of the Gods is generally open 24/7 for vehicle traffic. Pedestrian and cyclist access may have specific hours, so it's wise to confirm if you plan to cross outside of typical daylight hours.
Tolls are typically paid at the toll booth upon crossing. Advance ticket purchase is generally not required for pedestrians or cyclists.
While crossing the bridge has a toll, there isn't a separate entrance fee for the immediate area around the bridge itself. However, if you plan to visit nearby attractions like Multnomah Falls, separate fees or permits might apply.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk or bike across the bridge, enjoy the stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge, and experience a key point on the Pacific Crest Trail. There's also the Bridge Side Restaurant for dining. 
No, there is no dedicated pedestrian walkway. Pedestrians share the road with vehicles, so it's important to stay close to the railing and be aware of traffic.
Originally a natural stone bridge formed by a landslide, the current Bridge of the Gods was built in 1926. It's a significant crossing on the Columbia River and holds cultural importance for Indigenous peoples.
While it's a shared roadway, cars are generally courteous. Stay to the far right railing and be mindful of oncoming traffic. It's not recommended for those who are very nervous around cars or tight spaces.
Yes, the Bridge of the Gods is a major landmark on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). You can access sections of the PCT from here for hiking. There are also smaller walking paths near the bridge offering scenic views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Bridge Side Restaurant (formerly Char Burger) is located right next to the bridge on the Oregon side, offering meals with river views. Other dining options are available in Cascade Locks.
Bridge Side Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, offering a variety of American cuisine.
While there aren't designated picnic areas directly on the bridge, you can find scenic spots in Cascade Locks or along the Columbia River Gorge for a picnic.
Dining options are more concentrated on the Oregon side in Cascade Locks. You'll find more choices there compared to the immediate Washington side.
If you're hiking the PCT, you'll need to carry your own food. The Bridge Side Restaurant is a convenient stop for resupply or a meal after completing a section.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the bridge itself, capturing the expansive Columbia River Gorge, and from viewpoints in Cascade Locks looking towards the bridge. The surrounding natural beauty offers many angles.
Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting for the bridge and the gorge. Midday provides clear views, but can be harsher. Consider the season for foliage and water levels.
Yes, you can take photos while walking across, but be extremely mindful of traffic. It's best to pause safely near the railing to capture your shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities and the Forest Service regarding drone usage in the Columbia River Gorge area to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the gorge and bridge. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or wildlife. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a stop at the Bridge Side Restaurant for a kid-friendly meal with a view. The town of Cascade Locks also offers other attractions like the Sternwheeler boat ride, which goes under the bridge, providing a different perspective and a fun activity for the whole family.
[^Reviews]🚶♀️ Backpackers & PCT Hikers
Parking can be a key consideration. If you're planning to leave a vehicle for an extended period, research multi-day parking options in Cascade Locks well in advance, as availability can be limited.
🚗 Road Trippers
Don't miss the views from the bridge itself – it's a great spot for photos. Consider stopping for lunch at the Bridge Side Restaurant to enjoy the atmosphere and river vistas.
[^Reviews] It's a quick but memorable detour that adds a unique element to your journey. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bridge of the Gods: A Historic Crossing
Today, the bridge serves as a vital transportation link between Cascade Locks, Oregon, and Stevenson, Washington. It's also a celebrated point along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a long-distance hiking trail stretching from Mexico to Canada. For PCT hikers, crossing the Bridge of the Gods often signifies reaching a significant milestone, marking the transition between Oregon and Washington and the final stretch of their arduous journey.
Visitors can experience the bridge by driving, cycling, or walking across it. However, it's important to note that there is no dedicated pedestrian walkway. Those on foot or bike share the roadway with vehicles, necessitating caution and awareness of traffic. The toll for crossing contributes to the maintenance of this historic structure.
Experiencing the Bridge: Tips from Travelers
When visiting, be prepared for a shared roadway. As one reviewer noted, 'There are no designated walkways for pedestrians so you’re sharing the road and the cars were courteous of being in there.' It's recommended to stay as far to the railing as possible and be mindful of vehicles.
Many visitors combine their bridge visit with a meal at the Bridge Side Restaurant (formerly Char Burger) on the Oregon side. This spot is praised for its history, stunning river views, and convenient location, making it a perfect place to relax after taking in the scenery.
[^Reviews]The Bridge of the Gods and the PCT
Reaching the Bridge of the Gods is a significant achievement for PCT thru-hikers. It often symbolizes the final push towards completing the trail, evoking bittersweet emotions as the journey nears its end. The experience of crossing this historic bridge after thousands of miles is described as surreal and deeply rewarding.
While the bridge itself is a crossing point, the surrounding area offers access to various sections of the PCT for shorter hikes or backpacking trips. Hikers should be aware of the shared roadway and toll requirements when planning their passage.
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