A tinted photographic postcard. The caption at the top reads "Steamer Dalles City, D. P. & A. Nav. Co., in Cascade Locks, Columbia River." The paddlewheel of the Dalles City is clearly seen as the ship makes her way towards the lock. A few people are visible on the deck of the boat, and others are along both sides of the canal. A series of stairs follows the water. On the near side of the canal a beached rowboat is tied up, and the area is strewn with rocks. Beyond the locks is the roof of a building. In the distance are forested hills and mountains.
