The City of The Dalles, Oregon, is nestled in the foothills along the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Vistas include rolling hills and breathtaking views of Mt. Hood. The Dalles is one of Oregon’s most historical cities and was known earlier in its history as the town at the end of the Oregon Trail. In The Dalles you’ll find museums sharing the rich history, scores of fruit orchards where you can pick fresh produce yourself, recreational areas for hiking and cycling, and kind people ready to welcome you!

Start your weekend strolling along in our beautiful downtown, that is bursting with history, art, charm and delicious restaurants. Pop into one of the local shops like Klindt’s Booksellers & Stationers, Oregon’s oldest bookstore, for gifts for friends and family back home. And make sure to take your photo next to one of the many beautiful murals that are sprinkled throughout downtown. 

Fort Dalles Museum

Take a trip back in time by visiting the Fort Dalles Museum to learn more about The Dalles’ earliest inhabitants and the traders and travelers who came later along the Oregon Trail. From there, head to the Thompson Park Pool & Splash Pad with the kiddos in tow for a family picnic, or simply to enjoy some sunshine and splash in the water. 

If you’re looking for a more adventurous day, you can head to one of the many hiking or biking trails. The Dalles is a beautiful oasis from the cloudier and rainier regions of the state in the west with an amazing 300 days of sunshine – making it the perfect climate for an adventure. 

Tom McCall Preserve

One of the many great hikes begins at the Tom McCall Preserve, or if cycling is your passion, take a ride along the many trails in The Dalles, such as River Front Trail. Now, if fishing is what catches your attention, the Columbia is an angler’s delight for walleye, smallmouth bass, salmon, steelhead, and the river monsters we call sturgeon. . We are a host to four rivers that offer world-class fishing. Rest up that night at the historic Balch Hotel surrounded with the serenity of nature, and maybe even schedule a blissful massage. Or just stop by for wine or cider tasting or a cold brew while you take in the views. 

Spend the following day exploring the East Gorge Food Trail. Start your morning with a great community event at The Dalles Farmers Market for fresh fruits and veggies, local arts and crafts, and artisanal goods from the community. After the farmers market, get a coffee pick me up at Kainos Coffee for delicious specialty coffee that supports many charities. Stop for lunch at The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, where you can learn about the deep history of the gorge and enjoy a lunch at the Rooted in The Gorge Cafe.

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Be sure to stop by the Sandoz Farm stand, where you’ll find delicious seasonal produce and canned goods. Summer is fantastic for all the berries, cherries, and more, but our fall is the perfect season for delicious apples, pears, and fresh cider. Round out your food explorations by savoring either the local wines or craft brews at Freebridge Brewing or the Sunshine Mill Winery, a converted century-old flour mill. Finish the day with a taste of history at the Baldwin Saloon, where every delicious dish is created and prepared with passion and just waiting to make your taste buds dance.

Whether it’s fun family time, food and beverage explorations, reliving history or outdoor activities you’re after, The Dalles is amazing to explore and a great place to create your own adventure.