hiking, pnw, Review, travel

The Ultimate Family Stop After Exploring the Gorge ~ Thunder Island Brewing Co

Mountain View from the patio

Looking for the perfect post-hike stop in the Columbia River Gorge? Thunder Island Brewing Co in Cascade Locks offers Mountain View’s, craft beer brewed with adventure in mind, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re coming off the trails near Bridge of the Gods or just exploring the Gorge with your kids, this spot is the ideal place to unwind, refuel, and take in those incredible river views.


This is one of our favorite stops when we are hiking in the Columbia Gorge area. The restaurant/ Brewery is beautiful and who can resist a staircase that reminds you of Dog Mountain? Love it!

Always the more difficult ! Love this reference to Dog Mountain



They offer a great mix of food .. burgers to tofu ! We were pleased with the many choices and having such a large group it really was great we could all order something we liked.


Thunder Mountain Brewery Co perfectly captures what we love most about the Pacific Northwest: community, craftsmanship, and the great outdoors. Whether you’re winding down after a family hike or planning your next mountain adventure, this cozy brewery is the perfect place to raise a glass to good trails and great company.

family adventures, hiking, pnw

Horsetail & Ponytail Falls Hike ~Columbia River Gorge

Horsetail Falls is located in the “Waterfall Corridor “ of the Historic Columbia River Highway. It plunges a 176ft over a basalt cliff and is absolutely breathtaking. This waterfall is easily accessible for all . There is plenty of parking across the street but on sunny days come early because it fills up quickly.

If you want to add another short hike to Pony Tail Falls (Horsetail Falls #438) you will follow the trail to the left . It is a bit steep at first but it’s short so hang with it because when you come around a bend there is a beautiful waterfall that is in sight and feeds the Horsetail Falls. It cascades over a cliff and you can walk behind it . There is a beautiful pool that in the summer we have played in. It’s almost like a hidden pool…So beautiful!

📍Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls
🧭 Cascade Locks , Or
🥾 .8 miles RT ( we came in at 1.04)
🏔️ 301 ft elevation gain ( we gained 294)
⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple

Check out our reel with videos below ⬇️

hiking, Review, travel

But First Coffee ☕️

Randonnee Coffee Co @randonneecoffee was a great place to stop and grab coffee on our way back home from our hiking trip. It was super cute and the baristas were so nice! They even tried to help us plan lunch by recommending a stop ❤️

They offered a great selection of drinks including matcha tea , cappuccinos ,Cortado and so many flavors of lattes …yum! And the food smelled amazing! We could smell bacon just going in the store ❤️


Add this to your list of stops on your next adventure when you are in the Columbia River Gorge area…it’s a must see and offers great coffee❤️