Celebrate the grand opening of a new section of the Columbia River Highway State Trail with a whole weekend’s worth of outdoorsy Oregon fun Sept. 13–15.

The Friends of the Gorge invite attendees to stay at the Eagle Creek Campground for the fall group campout, where they’ll offer evening campfire presentations and guided day hikes that explore the new trail.

Start your Saturday with an authentically retro breakfast at Cascade Locks standby Charburger, a 50-plus-year-old joint that Breakfast in Bridgetown writer Paul Gerald describes as “like eating in a vintage postcard”—you’ll need that sturdy diner fare to get through a schedule packed with activities. Or skip the greasy spoon and head out to the highway early (8 a.m.) for the Columbia Gorge Running Club’s 5K/10K Fun Run/Walk.

The trail’s grand opening and dedication ceremony will be held at the new McCord Creek Bridge near John Yeon Trailhead at 11 a.m., hosted by the Oregon Department of Transportation. Then head to the Cascade Locks Cruise-In Car Show, which will follow an exclusive route through the Oneonta Tunnel and where spectators get goodie bags and the first 50 vintage vehicles get dash plaques. That evening, browse the fine art at the Historic Highway Inspired Art Show reception (5 to 8 p.m. at Lorang Fine Art and Gorge-ous Gifts).

Turn in early, because your Sunday is going to be an athletic one: take a walk over the nearly 2,000-foot-long Bridge of the Gods for a car-free hour starting at 10 a.m., then choose from 10-, 28-, 48-, or 62-mile routes at the Cascade to Crown Bicycle Ride, which starts and finishes at Marine Park (riders get lunch at the finish line!). Spend your Sunday afternoon taking advantage of the brand new and surely thrilling Cascade Locks Quilt Block Trail: a series of painted quilt blocks adorning community homes and businesses all recorded on a map by the Bridge of the Gods Quilters for your touring pleasure.

Additional entertainment includes live music, a wine and beer garden, boat rides, commemorative souvenirs, and more. Click here for more details and updates.