Beer Guide 2015: Thunder Island

By Parker Hall

Thunder Island 

515 NW Portage Road, Cascade Locks, 971-231-4599, thunderislandbrewing.com. 1-8 pm Sunday-Monday and Thursday-Friday, noon-9 pm Saturday.

[GREAT VIEW] Walking to the front door of Thunder Island Brewing on a misty day is quite an experience. Situated in an oddly classic looking industrial building next to a railroad line and the Columbia River, you'll catch a glimpse of any passing ships and the shimmering steel of the Bridge of the Gods. This small-town brewery grew over the past year and now offers a small selection of freshly made pub food and, on my visit, four house-brewed beers. The IPA was unpleasantly bitter and lacked floral character, but the 5 O'Clock Pale was refreshing, with orangey zest. You'll be hard pressed to find Thunder Island in Portland, so pencil this in as the place to stop if you find yourself at Multnomah Falls, unwilling to drive all the way to Hood River.

DRINK THIS: The 5 O'Clock Pale Ale, a classic, light, and refreshing pint for the end-of-day lounge.

WWeek 2015

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