If the best view of the Columbia from a hotel room is important to you, then make reservations at Cascade Locks’s Best Western Columbia River Inn (735 Wa-Na-Pa St., 541/374-8777 or 800/595-7108, www.bestwestern.com/columbiariverinn, $119 and up). Some rooms have hot tubs, and all rooms have microwaves and refrigerators. Many rooms also have balconies. In addition to views, there’s a fitness room with a whirlpool, a pool, and exercise facilities. With the Marine Park down the street, this property is in an excellent location.

Forget health food and haute cuisine until you get to Hood River. In Cascade Locks, you get down-home country cookin’ at a decent price. The Salmon Row Pub (500 Wa-Na-Pa St., Cascade Locks, 541/374-8511, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily, $6–16) is a small dark brewpub whose smoked salmon chowder, pizza, and sandwiches fill you up on the cheap.

East Wind Ice Cream (395 Wa-Na-Pa St., Cascade Locks, 541/374-8380) is a traditional stop for families on a Columbia River Gorge Sunday drive.