I was exploring the Columbia River Gorge from Portland to Dalles. I enjoyed my time at the Dalles and explore:1) The Dalles Dam - I was in Dalles on an exceptionally clear day and had some awesome views of Mt. Hood from here as well.2) The Dalles Bridge3) Fort Dalles Museum4) and the excellent museum combination of The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Wasco County MuseumI also enjoyed some shopping as well as lunch at the cafe at the The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center called the Basalt Rock Cafe.All in all it was a very pleasant visit to the Dalles area.
It didn't look like a lot until I got off the freeway and into town. There are quite a few parks, Farmers Market on Saturdays good restaurants with outdoor seating. Really friendly people
This town is famous for being located near the end of the Oregon Trail and has great views from the bluff of the Columbia River. I walk around the historic downtown area (the furthest exit to the west) and then walked around in awe of the preserved historical buildings and thought about Tum Tum Lumber as a business back in the day. There were also some sweet victorian homes throughout. The clock tower was graceful and made a great presence. Do not miss this piece of history. This was a great start to our historic journey down the Columbia River from east to west towards Portland.
Our oldest daughter lived in The Dalles for many years and we visited her several times so were familiar with the area. Nice place to visit.
Even though the Shilo wasn't a great place to stay, the City of The Dalles is a fun place to visit. Going back in a couple of weeks, but staying at a different hotel. Can't wait to go back to the Baldwin Saloon for dinner. Also close to Hood River which is nice.
The Dalles is a town of about 28,000 that is still like it was 30 years ago. There is not much to to there, except see the dam or visit wineries. We were there to visit family, so we got to see a lot of the town. It has a simple downtown from the past, but no Wal Mart in sight. Like a said; It not bad, but not great.
Nice view and rest stop areas. Very touristy shops in the area. Not really a place to bring family. More of a lookout of the Columbia river. Very busy on weekends. Lots of people out with boats fishing and site seeing. A get away spot for some of the bigger cities in the area.
We really enjoyed the Discovery Center which is located on the western side of The Dalles. Learn about the history and environment of the region. Significance of Lewis & Clark, etc. They also have injured raptors and a live bird show. Go!
We drove over for the day from Cascade Locks on our recent trip to the Columbia Gorge... Well, it's a way bigger town than I thought and VERY INDUSTRIAL (which is great). I thought it would be a very cool and recreational town, but not... We stayed about a half hour and was outta of there. Definitely Hood River is the place to be along the Gorge!
This town has nice scenery and parks to go to and very good people here. I just wouldn't move here. The town doesn't have much to offer to kids and more.. =)