The Dalles Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the scenic Columbia River Gorge in the state of Oregon, The Dalles is a charming city that offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and outdoor adventures. With its picturesque surroundings and fascinating landmarks, this region never fails to captivate visitors.

One of the main attractions in The Dalles is the Columbia River, which runs right through the city. The river provides a stunning backdrop for various recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. Visitors can also explore the river by taking a leisurely cruise or a thrilling jet boat ride, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of this majestic waterway.

For history enthusiasts, The Dalles offers a glimpse into the past through its numerous historical sites. The Fort Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead give visitors a chance to step back in time and learn about the region's pioneer heritage. The museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts and exhibits that depict the early settlement days. Meanwhile, the Anderson Homestead showcases a meticulously reconstructed 19th-century farmhouse, providing an authentic experience of pioneer life.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the breathtaking scenery that surrounds The Dalles. The region is home to several stunning parks and trails, offering endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. One popular destination is the Tom McCall Preserve, known for its vibrant wildflower displays during the spring season. Another must-visit spot is the Rowena Crest Viewpoint, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge and the surrounding hills.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, The Dalles also boasts a vibrant downtown area filled with charming shops, art galleries, and local eateries. Visitors can stroll along the streets, exploring unique boutiques and finding one-of-a-kind treasures. The city's culinary scene is also worth exploring, with a variety of restaurants offering delicious farm-to-table cuisine and local wines.

Alternative names: Population: 15.3 thous.Area: 6.61 mi²Elevation: 102 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 45°36'9"N, 121°11'10"W

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OregonUnited States

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The Dalles Top Attractions

The Dalles Attractions - What to See and Explore

The Dalles offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Old St. Peter's Landmark, Fort Dalles Museum, Columbia Hills State Park. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum is the official interpretive center and history museum about the Columbia River Gorge located on 54 acres in The Dalles, Oregon.
Museum • Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Old St. Peter's Landmark
Old Saint Peter's Landmark, commonly referred to simply as Old St. Peter's, is a historic building located at the corner of 3rd and Lincoln Streets in downtown The Dalles, Oregon. It was built in 1897 and dedicated on March 17, 1898 as St.
Museum • Military museum • History museum
Fort Dalles Museum
The Lewis Anderson House, Barn and Granary is a historic ensemble of buildings, currently located in The Dalles, Oregon, United States.

State park • Body of water • Historical place
Columbia Hills State Park
Columbia Hills State Park is a Washington state park located 6 miles east of Dallesport on SR 14 in Klickitat County. The park occupies 3,338 acres on Horsethief Lake, an impoundment of the Columbia River, and was created in 2003 with the merger of Horsethief Lake State Park and Dalles Mountain Ranch.
Bridge
The Dalles Bridge
The Dalles Bridge is a bridge on U.S. Route 197 that spans the Columbia River in the United States between The Dalles, Oregon and Dallesport, Washington.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Granada Theater
The Granada Theater, located on 2nd and Washington streets in The Dalles, Oregon, United States, was built in 1929. The exterior of theater is in the Moorish Revival style. This theater is said to have been the first theater west of the Mississippi to show a "talkie".
Playground • Park
Sorosis Park
Sorosis Park is municipal park in The Dalles, Oregon, United States. The 45 acres in size and has tennis courts, a playground, disc golf course, horse shoe toss, picnic tables, shelter, bbq pit, softball fields, volleyball sand court, and a running trail.
Museum
Original Wasco County Courthouse
The Original Wasco County Courthouse is a historic former courthouse, located in The Dalles, Oregon, United States. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places under the name First Wasco County Courthouse, and is also listed as a contributing resource in the National Register-listed Trevitt's Addition Historic District.
Museum • History museum
Rorick House Museum
The Rorick House Museum, also known as the Malcolm A. Moody House, is a museum located in The Dalles, Oregon, United States. The building was originally built in 1850 as a two-room residence for non-commissioned officers from Fort Dalles, this is the oldest remaining house in The Dalles.
Concerts and shows • Music venue • Entertainment
The Dalles Civic Auditorium
The Dalles Civic Auditorium is a historic building on the National Register of Historic Places located at the corner of Fourth and Federal streets in The Dalles, Oregon.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Celilo Falls
Celilo Falls was a tribal fishing area on the Columbia River, just east of the Cascade Mountains, on what is today the border between the U.S. states of Oregon and Washington.
Forts and castles
Rock Fort Campsite
The Rock Fort Campsite is a natural fortification on the south shore of the Columbia River in The Dalles, Oregon, United States.
Church
Indian Shaker Church and Gulick Homestead
The Indian Shaker Church and Gulick Homestead are an ensemble of historic buildings in The Dalles, Oregon, United States. Built by Henry Gulick directly on the Columbia riverbank in the 1890s, it is the only remaining 19th century fishing homestead in Oregon.
Neighbourhood
Trevitt's Addition Historic District
Trevitt's Addition Historic District is a neighborhood, primarily residential in character, located in The Dalles, Oregon, United States.
45°36'9"N • 121°11'35"W
Bennett–Williams House
The Bennett–Williams House is a historic house, located in The Dalles, Oregon, United States. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is also listed as a contributing resource in the National Register-listed Trevitt's Addition Historic District.
Art gallery • Classes and workshops • Shopping
The Dalles Carnegie Library
The Dalles Carnegie Library is a historic former library building located in The Dalles, Oregon, United States. It is one of the thousands of libraries whose construction was funded by Andrew Carnegie.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Cushing Falls
Cushing Falls, is a waterfall located south of Seufert County park on the shore of the Columbia River, just east of Dalles, in Wasco County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.
Tudor Revival architecture
Heimrich–Seufert House
The Heimrich–Seufert House is a historic house in The Dalles, Oregon, United States.
45°36'4"N • 121°11'13"W
Edward French House
The Edward French House is a historic house located in The Dalles, Oregon, United States. Originally dating from circa 1865, it was acquired by the French family in 1892 and renovated by them in the Italianate style in circa 1900.

Things to See and Do in The Dalles by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in The Dalles.

Culture

Granada Theater
The Dalles
Concerts and showsTheater
The Dalles Civic Auditorium
The Dalles
Concerts and showsMusic venueEntertainment
The Dalles Carnegie Library
The Dalles
Art galleryClasses and workshopsShopping

Other categories

Museum

Day trips

The Dalles – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of The Dalles, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Oneonta Gorge (Cascade Locks), Mount Adams (Mount Adams Wilderness), Trillium Lake (Government Camp).

43 milesW
Natural attraction, Hiking trail, Geologic formation
Oneonta Gorge, Cascade Locks
Nestled in the verdant embrace of the Columbia River Gorge, Oneonta Gorge offers a breathtaking natural spectacle that captivates the hearts of adventurers and nature lovers alike. This hidden chasm, located near Cascade Locks in the United States, is renowned for its...
44 milesN
Natural attraction, Volcano
Mount Adams, Mount Adams Wilderness
Mount Adams, located in the Mount Adams Wilderness in Washington State, stands as a majestic peak in the Cascade Range and is the second-highest mountain in the state. At 12,280 feet, this potentially active stratovolcano offers a challenging climb and breathtaking...
35 milesSW
Scenic lake and outdoor recreation area
Trillium Lake, Government Camp
Nestled in the shadow of Oregon's majestic Mt. Hood, Trillium Lake is a gem of natural beauty that beckons outdoor enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Located near the quaint mountain village of Government Camp, this serene lake offers a picturesque retreat from the...
24 milesSW
Winter sport, Park, Outdoor activities
Cooper Spur ski area, Parkdale
Nestled in the shadow of Oregon's majestic Mount Hood, the Cooper Spur ski area is a hidden gem for winter sports enthusiasts looking to escape the larger crowds of more commercial resorts. Located near the quaint town of Parkdale, Cooper Spur offers a serene skiing...
34 milesSW
Winter sport, Ski area, Mountain
Snow Bunny, Government Camp
Snow Bunny is a small snow play area in Mount Hood National Forest on the south face of Mount Hood in Oregon, United States, about 65 miles east of Portland.