There are many things to do in The Dalles, including fabulous places to eat, drink, and play. Situated along the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, it offers epic outdoor adventures.
The Dalles sits nestled at the eastern end of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The area, located along a profitable waterway for over 10,000 years and one of the oldest inhabited areas in the Western Hemisphere, is rich in history. The Dalles has always been a desirable destination and boasts breathtaking scenery. There are many things to do in The Dalles, and it is the perfect place for epic outdoor adventures.
The Fort Dalles Museum. Photo by Tracy Ellen Beard
The Dalles History
On October 25-28, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition Corps of Discovery camped at Rock Fort Camp, now The Dalles. That expedition marked this spot as a prime place for future explorers. The population grew from the early 1840s when pioneers began crossing the Oregon Trail through 1868, the end of the Gold Rush in Wasco County. Thousands of people settled in The Dalles, but when gold fever died in 1870, the county’s population dropped to fewer than 3,500.
Today, agricultural businesses, wineries, breweries, and restaurants drive the local economy, and the area continues to be a mecca for outdoor adventures. Cyclists and mountain bikers flock to the site, hikers and rock climbers pepper the hillsides, and the Columbia River boasts every water sport imaginable, fishing still being one of the most popular activities.
The Sunshine Mill Artisan Plaza and Winery. Photo by Tracy Ellen Beard
The Dalles Dam Visitor Center
Begin your discovery at The Dalles Dam Visitor Center. This facility focuses on the area’s history and explains the reason for the dam’s construction and its unfortunate effects on Celilo Falls. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the dam, completing it in 1957, and continues to operate it today. Unfortunately, the dam’s construction destroyed the horseshoe-shaped Celilo Falls and two nearby ancient Indigenous villages. Tribes that fished and traded there for thousands of years took a heavy blow to their livelihood. On the pro side, the dam provides the Pacific Northwest with a reliable water source for hydropower, navigation, recreation, fish passage, irrigation, and flood mitigation.
The Dalles Dam. Photo courtesy of iStock by Getty Images julof90
The Fort Dalles Museum
The Fort Dalles Museum is one of the oldest history museums in Oregon. The museum resides in the former officer’s quarters of one of the only remaining buildings from the 1856 Fort Dalles military compound. Filled with pioneer and military artifacts, visitors can get lost in history for hours, but do not miss a visit to the outbuildings where a fantastic collection of antique wagons is stored.
Mail trucks in the Fort Dalles Museum. Photo by Tracy Ellen Beard
If the museum does not provide enough history, visit the restored 1895 Anderson Homestead just across the lawn.
The Anderson Homestead. Photo by Tracy Ellen Beard
The Dalles Murals
Meander around downtown and admire the murals. In August 2022, The Dalles Main Street and its associates partnered with a group of artists known as the Walldogs. Hundreds of painters, Walldogs, came from around the world and painted 18 new murals with the community’s help. These artists painted magical recreations of scenes from historical events, daily life, agriculture, and animals in the area. Look for early Native Americans fishing and trading, settlers farming, and pioneers scouting out unfamiliar territory. There are a few murals with vibrantly colored scenes of wildlife.
City planners focus on giving historic buildings new purpose and life through other forms of commerce. The old icehouse and mint now function as popular pubs. In 1876, the Baldwin brothers, James and John, opened the Baldwin Saloon. Over the years, it served as a steamboat navigation office and a coffin storage site. Today, the restaurant serves drinks and delicious food prepared from scratch. The Celilo Inn overlooks the Dalles Dam and the scenic Columbia River Gorge.
One of many murals in The Dalles. Photo by Tracy Ellen Beard
The National Neon Sign Museum
In August 2018, David Benko opened the National Neon Sign Museum, where visitors discover the evolution of the electric sign. The museum has one of the world’s largest collections of neon storefront signs and an enormous array of related artifacts. Benko describes the simplicity of the original signs, from only one color and one word through the progression of the signs. The number of words increased, and assorted colors were added over the years.
National Neon Sign Museum. Photo by Tracy Ellen Beard
Music in The Dalles
Visitors can find music almost every night in The Dalles. Bargeway Pub and Catering on the river features live music, the speakeasy at Kainos Coffee has jazz bands playing and open mike nights, and Zim’s Brau Haus Restaurant and Sports Bar boasts R&B music and other styles. Check out who plays where in The Dalles on one of these platforms, Little music city or the Community Calendar.
Walk in The Dalles or Fish on the River
Walk along the ADA-accessible paved 10-mile Riverfront Trail or discover the 33 different stops along the self-guided walk in the Historic District.
A hike along the waterfront. Photo by Tracy Ellen Beard
Spend some time fishing—a year-round activity where there is always something in season to catch: bass, salmon, or sturgeon. Fish from the banks or venture out on a guided trip.
Fishing in the Columbia River. Photo courtesy of Tracy Ellen Beard
Challenge yourself on a catch-and-release monster sturgeon trip. It is exhilarating to reel in one of these prehistoric beasts, ranging from 7 to 12 feet long.
The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum
Tour the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, with its interactive display highlighting the natural and cultural history of the area from the Ice Age through the Lewis and Clark expedition.
The Discovery Museum. Photo by Tracy Ellen Beard
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Visit The Dalles
There are many things to do in The Dalles, including fabulous places to eat, drink, and play. When planning your next trip to The Dalles, Oregon, or nearby Washington, let Wander With Wonder help you design your next outdoor adventure.
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