Join us for one of the most unique open-water swims in the United States. Swimmers will board the beautiful Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, get ferried to the Washington side of the Columbia River, jump from the side of the Sternwheeler, and swim back to Oregon to Marine Beach Park. The Swim is expected to sell out, we are limited to 450 swimmers. Registration opens on April 1, don’t miss out!

Safety equipment:
New this year, all swimmers are required to swim with a tow buoy. Brightly colored swim caps are required, however we are no longer providing branded caps as part of registration, we’ve received feedback that the one size fits all caps are not ideal. You may still purchase one through our website. Wetsuits are optional. Fins are NOT permitted.

Check-in:
Swimmers may start checking in as early as 6am to get placed into groups. If you want to be with your group please make sure everyone is present during the check-in process.

Bag Check:
As swimmers load the boat they can leave tagged bags with our bag check staff. These items will stay safe and dry and be available for you to pick up when you’re out of the water!

Start time:
8am, however, we often have to delay the start due to wind. We will keep you updated when you are on the boat. Boarding the boat begins at 7:15am.

Address:
299 NW Portage Rd Cascade Locks Marine Park, Cascade Locks, OR 97014

Parking:
There is free parking above the park on Wa Pa Na St.(the main road in Cascade Locks). Parking at the Sternwheeler or anywhere on Port property is $5-$10. You can pay for parking with your phone via the Passport Parking App. Signs with parking codes will be posted in the park.

Time limit:
Swimmers must complete the swim within 1 hour. After an hour a safety boat will pick you up and return you to the dock. 

Safety boats:
We have a variety of safety vessels along the route. Since this is not a timed swim you can rest with a safety boat if needed. The Hood River Sheriff’s Dept will be on hand if a swimmer cannot complete the swim and needs a ride back to the dock.

Water Temperature:
The Columbia River is usually in the low 70’s during this time of year.

Age limits:
Children 10-14 may participate when accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Swim can be a beginner swim or advanced depending on the wind conditions. If the conditions become advanced we reserve the right to withdraw childrens registrations. 

T-shirts:
Shirts are now an add-on to registration. We have found that not everyone wants a shirt, so to cut down on waste we are making it optional.

Food/Coffee:
We will provide snacks in the morning including fruit, muffins, and bagels. Coffee and tea will be available for purchase on the Sternwheeler.

Lodging:
Our official lodging partner is the Hampton Inn & Suites Hood River, 20 minutes away in Hood River. They serve a free hot breakfast 6am-10am and have an indoor pool and hot tub to relax your muscles after the swim.
There are only a few hotels in Cascade Locks itself; we recommend booking as far in advance as you can. There are some campgrounds in the Gorge within 20 minutes.