In the days of stern wheeler steamers on the river, this was a busy landing. The name is for Charles A. and Johan Cook, who homesteaded where the town was later built. It was once composed of a schoolhouse, a general store, and a few other buildings, all sitting on a steep hill; today Cook consists of only a few private homes. The town looks down on the Columbia, flowing in blue peacefulness after its turbulent course through The Dalles.