The Tallest Ice Cream Cones In Oregon Can Be Found At This Iconic Drive-In

by | Apr 8, 2024 | Adventures

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Cheeseburgers, curly fries, onion rings, milkshakes, and towering ice cream cones—if you're cruising in the Columbia River Gorge and are in the mood for nostalgia and classic American food done right, there's a special little spot that's calling your name. The huge ice cream cones here are practically meals by themselves, making Eastwind Drive-In in Cascade Locks a summer ritual for many.

Ice Cream, Shakes, Burgers And More At The Iconic Eastwind Drive-In

Eastwind Drive-In all lit up at night as the last of the light disappears over nearby mountains silhouetted in the distance, fringed in pink light.
Photo by Thomas Bustamante via Google Local.

Eastwind Drive-In is well worth the drive if you're coming in from out of town. This classic spot has got you covered with some of the best double bacon cheeseburgers around, and cool treats rich in tasty flavors. Sometimes people drive in from up to 50 miles away in the summer for the food here, and with good reason.

The outside of Eastwind Drive-In on a cloudy day.
Eastwind Drive-In. Photo by Andrew H via Yelp.

It's pretty common to spot a line of people winding down the sidewalk at this nostalgic drive-in. Locals and travelers alike are more than willing to wait a few extra minutes for the classics served up here.

Legendary Towering Ice Cream And Other Frozen Treats

A really tall blue and white ice cream cone.
Photo by Nicola Y via Yelp.

Eastwind offers up a variety of ice cream flavors, so there's something for the whole family. We suggest trying the Butterscotch cone, the Mocha Cappuccino cone, and the Tropical Orange cone. They also have flavors like blue goo, butter pecan, and black cherry.

A man holds up an ice cream cone next to a tape measure. It's 13 inches tall.
Photo by Mike Weirich via Google Local.

Kids cones are as cheap as two dollars, while their largest size is over ten dollars. When you see how tall the ice cream towers over the cone, you'll understand why it's priced the way it is.

A small ice cream (the ice cream looks to be about 7 inches tall) compared to a large ice cream (this ice cream is a foot tall, or maybe even a foot and a few inches tall).
Small vs large ice cream. Photo by Jay S. via Yelp.

If an ice cream cone isn't your thing, they have tasty sundaes and milkshakes in flavors like blackberry, peanut butter, root beer, caramel, and the classic chocolate, just to name a few.

A flurry in a Pepsi cup with chocolate toppings.
Photo by Sara Diehl via Google Local.

Banana boats, flurries and floats are also on the menu.

Burgers, Fried Mushrooms And Curly Fries

A bacon cheeseburger with lettuce.
Photo by Johnna Rippetoe via Google Local.

While many families stop in just for cool treats on a hot day, plenty of people come to fill up on delicious American classics like the double bacon cheeseburger and a side of onion rings.

A person holds up a big bacon cheeseburger in front of Bridge Of The Gods.
Photo by Angela H. via Google Local.

The majority of what Eastwind serves up are hamburgers, fries, onion rings and ice cream, but there's plenty on the menu if you're looking for something different.

Curly fries.
Photo by Qphoto503 via Google Local.

Mozzarella sticks and fried mushrooms are a delicious way to shake things up if you're tired of tots, fries and rings.

Eastwind Drive-In all lit up at sunset.
Photo by Ernest Plattèl via Google Local.

Not feeling a cheeseburger? Order a grilled cheese or a BLT instead, or grab the classic chicken strip basket, and add a side of curly fries! Whatever you order, just be sure to save room for ice cream.

A bacon cheeseburger with extra bacon, tomato and lettuce.
Photo by Bryan B. via Google Local.

Whether you're craving something sweet or savory, Eastwind is the place to be if you're in Cascade Locks or just passing through. This is more than a meal; it’s a classic American drive-in experience.

Eastwind Drive-In Cascade Locks Information

Eastwind Drive-In during the daytime.
Photo by Carla G via Yelp.
  • Location: 395 Wa Na Pa St in Cascade Locks, Oregon
  • Hours:
    • Saturday and Sunday: 7:30 AM - 5 PM
    • Monday - Friday: 7 AM - 4 PM

Pro Tip: For less of a wait, head over on a weekday and try to get there before or after the lunch rush.

The bright yellow Eastwind Drive-In Menu.
Eastwind Drive-In Menu. Photo by Bryce M via Yelp.

Eastwind Drive-In stands as a shining example of local businesses that we love in Oregon. If you’ve got a favorite spot or business in mind, don’t hesitate to nominate them—they might just be highlighted in an upcoming feature for That Oregon Life. Be sure to stay connected with That Oregon Life on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on remarkable destinations, attractions, and happenings in the Beaver State.


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Written By Jessica Tomlinson

Jessica Tomlinson is a native Oregonian currently living in Southern Oregon. She has been blogging since 2006. She loves nature, photography, hiking, camping, and exploring Oregon's wilds.

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