The Dalles

Day Trips

Start your morning with a freshly brewed coffee from a cozy downtown café as the sun rises over the Columbia River. Explore the scenic byway along the Historic Columbia River Highway, pausing at viewpoints that frame the river in golden light. Let the tranquil waters and rugged cliffs set the tone for an adventure-filled day.

Stop at Vista House to wander its historic halls and take in panoramic views of the gorge carved by wind and water. Continue on to roadside waterfalls like Latourell Falls, feeling the mist on your face as you hike to hidden viewpoints. Savor a picnic lunch on a shaded trail bench amidst towering evergreens.

Return to The Dalles as the sky flushes with sunset hues reflecting off the river’s gentle curve. Dine at a riverside restaurant where locally sourced ingredients showcase the flavors of the gorge. End the night strolling along the riverfront park, listening to the lapping waters under a canopy of stars.

Begin your day wandering the brick-lined streets of downtown The Dalles, admiring stately buildings that whisper tales of the pioneer era. Pop into preserved storefronts turned boutiques, discovering handcrafted goods and regional art. Savor a specialty pastry at a century-old bakery while soaking in the early morning atmosphere.

Dive deeper into the district’s past with a guided walking tour that highlights key landmarks like the Carnegie Library and the grand Hotel The Dalles. Pause for lunch at a locally owned bistro, sampling seasonal farm-to-table dishes with a view of the bustling main street. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring antique shops and hidden alleyway murals.

Toast the day at a historic tavern featuring local craft beers and live acoustic music. Settle onto a terrace table as the lantern-lit storefronts cast warm glows on the sidewalk. Cap off the night with a leisurely stroll under vintage streetlamps, imagining the city’s rich heritage come to life.

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast of farm-fresh eggs and artisan bread before heading to Fort Dalles State Historical Site. Wander the reconstructed parade grounds and original officer quarters, picturing daily life at this mid-19th-century military post. Engage with interactive exhibits that bring frontier stories to light.

Walk next door to the nearby museums, including the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, where hands-on geology and wildlife displays offer immersive learning. Grab lunch at the center’s café, enjoying river views framed by interpretive windows. Spend the afternoon watching educational films on local ecosystems and Native American heritage.

Return to town for dinner at a rustic grill known for its slow-smoked meats and local microbrews. Afterward, attend a ranger-led ghost walk through the fort’s shadowed pathways, listening to chilling anecdotes under a moonlit sky. Feel the echoes of history around every corner as you conclude your day.

Rise early to join a farm-to-table breakfast at an orchard café, sampling fresh-pressed apple cider and berry-topped pancakes. Then set off to explore the Columbia Gorge Fruit Loop, winding through rows of cherry trees and hops fields. Stop at family-run farms to pick ripe peaches and snap photos of vine-laden pergolas.

Enjoy a casual riverside picnic featuring cheeses, cured meats, and freshly picked fruit you gathered yourself. Continue along the loop to boutique vineyards, where guided tastings highlight crisp whites and robust reds. Take a scenic detour to a flower farm, strolling among lavender fields and sunflowers in full bloom.

Head back to The Dalles for dinner at a farm-centric restaurant, savoring seasonal specials born straight from the nearby fields. Pair your meal with a flight of local ciders and wines. Unwind on a patio under string lights, reminiscing about the day’s colorful harvest.

Grab a take-out latte and breakfast burrito before driving east to the Rowena Crest overlook. Stand atop the windswept plateau as golden light floods the rolling wheat fields below. Breathe in the crisp morning air and watch cyclists tackle the famous switchbacks on the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Lace up your hiking boots for the Rowena Plateau Trail, traversing wildflower-strewn slopes with sweeping canyon views. Midway, pause on a rocky outcrop for a packed lunch while hawks circle overhead. Continue the loop to a hidden lava flow parking area, marveling at ancient volcanic rock formations.

Descend back into The Dalles as twilight paints the sky in pastel hues. Dine at a popular pizza joint where wood-fired pies and local draft beers bring a relaxed vibe. Finish the evening with a rooftop view of the illuminated river bridge.

Begin with a hearty brunch of smoked salmon omelets at a riverfront eatery, then head upriver to the Celilo Park interpretive site. Explore exhibits that honor the legacy of the once-mighty falls and the rich fishing traditions of the local tribes. Listen to storytellers sharing firsthand accounts of life along the river.

Join a guided canoe paddle on the calmer waters above The Dalles Dam, learning about salmon migration and tribal stewardship. Enjoy a shore-side picnic featuring fry bread and berry preserves. Visit a nearby indigenous cultural center to view traditional art and handcrafted jewelry.

Return to town for dinner at an upscale fusion restaurant celebrating Pacific Northwest and Native flavors. Engage in a meet-and-greet with local artisans displaying woven baskets and beadwork. Cap off the evening by the riverbank fire pit, roasting marshmallows as you reflect on the day’s cultural insights.

Depart before dawn for a short drive to the trailhead, arriving just as first light brushes the peaks. Tackle the steep ascent to Dog Mountain, rewarded by a panorama of alpine meadows and the winding Columbia below. Celebrate your summit with granola bars and scenic snapshots of wildflower-studded hillsides.

Descend into the valley and stop for lunch at a roadside deli known for gourmet sandwiches. Savor every bite as you relax under the shade of towering pines. Spend the afternoon exploring a nearby waterfall trail, cooling off in misty spray pools.

Return to The Dalles for a casual dinner at a barbecue smokehouse, enjoying tender brisket and tangy coleslaw. Grab a seat by an open window to catch the breeze and distant train whistles. End your night with a craft cocktail at a speakeasy-style lounge downtown.

Fuel up with specialty espresso drinks and croissants before heading to the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum in nearby Hood River. Wander among gleaming vintage cars and fully restored biplanes that hark back to aviation’s golden era. Watch mechanics fine-tune an antique engine, experiencing history in motion.

Drive back to The Dalles for lunch at a riverside café, indulging in fresh salads and artisan sandwiches. Visit the Dalles Art Center to view rotating exhibitions of regional painters, sculptors, and photographers. Participate in a hands-on workshop, crafting your own pottery or brushstroke masterpiece.

Dine at a sleek bistro offering small-plate tasting menus paired with boutique wines. Wander the gallery walls illuminated by soft track lighting as you sip a local pinot noir. Conclude the evening with live jazz performances in an intimate loft setting.

Kick off with a farm-fresh breakfast scramble at a local diner before setting out on a self-guided brewery tour. First stop at a riverside taproom where award-winning IPAs and porters flow freely. Chat with the head brewer about unique hop varieties grown in the Gorge.

Continue to a second craft brewery housed in a converted warehouse, sampling experimental saisons and barrel-aged stouts. Order a gourmet lunch of beer-infused sausages and pretzels fresh from the kitchen. Wrap up the tasting at a third stop featuring sour ales crafted with wild-harvested berries.

Return to The Dalles for dinner at a gastropub that curates its menu around local brews. Take part in a beer pairing dinner, where each course is expertly matched to a signature pint. Cap off the night leaning against a reclaimed-wood bar, swapping stories with fellow beer enthusiasts.

Enjoy a leisurely brunch at an alfresco patio café overlooking the river, indulging in benedicts and fresh fruit. Pick up a gourmet picnic basket from a specialty market stocked with local cheeses, cured meats, and artisan bread. Head to Riverfront Park to choose the perfect shaded spot under willow trees.

Relax by the Columbia River, sampling your picnic spread as boats drift by under a cloud-dappled sky. Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards for a gentle paddle, feeling the soft sway of the current beneath you. Capture candid photos of the steel bridge arching gracefully overhead.

Board a small sunset sailing cruise for a tranquil evening on the water, with the gorge walls glowing amber in the fading light. Sip sparkling wine as the sky transforms into a vibrant canvas of pink and purple. Disembark under a blanket of stars, cherishing your final night in The Dalles.