Cascade Locks, OR - Thunder Island Brewing Co 7.10.18
After the bad experience at Big Horse Brew Pub we decided to leave Mt. Hood and head West towards Portland. We pulled onto the highway and Alexis started searching for other spots to eat and drink. She had been to this brewery off the highway that sat on the water years prior. It did not take her long to remember the name, and once she did, we were headed towards Thunder Island Brewing Company.
Parking is limited adjacent to the brewery so we elected to park a bit further out and walk. Since it was a nice day out everyone was pining for seats on the picnic tables that overlooked the river. We slid into the two end seats closest to the fence, after we politely we asked a group sitting at the table if we could share their area. At this point we were still feeling a little blah from the wings we had previously so we opted for a healthy salad, the Thunder Island Greens. It was a delicious, fresh made salad with organic greens, shredded carrots, cucumbers and homemade dressing that was topped with grilled chicken. To compliment the salad we shared another flight of beer. Sampling beer has become a real adventure for us as well as very entertaining. Until moving to the Pacific Northwest I was a loyal Bud Light drinker. I am not sure Bud Light even exists out here with all the craft brews. Since the move, I have been on an all out search for my favorite brewery beer and taste many at each venue. I tend to favor lighter beers, I still try all the beers that we order in a flight, and laugh as the darker ones always make my face contort with ugly gestures! Today’s top pick was the Easy Climb Golden Ale which they say is their “gateway beer for the new craft beer drinker”.
By the time we finished up our meal, a new group had sat down . They were all in great spirits after a long day out repairing the trails previously damaged by the Eagle Creek Fire. I couldn’t help but eaves drop on their conversation. They were volunteering to refurbish the trails since last years fire that swept through. As we were not fans of all the flight beers (mostly the dark stouts), I leaned over and offered the flight to the group. One woman cheerfully said she would take it and was very appreciative.
On our way out I stopped into the restroom and read all about their Fueled By Beer Project:
“The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It attracts outdoor enthusiast from across the globe. Thunder Island Brewing wasn’t to celebrate and protect this beautiful place by encouraging people to get here sustainable. Hike, bike, paddle, or use anything without a motor to get to Thunder Island Brewing to receive $1 off your tab.”
While a dollar may not seem like much, it can go a long way in efforts to protect the environment. We appreciate their efforts and highly recommend Island Brewing Co to anyone traveling on Route 84.
