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Sunshine Mill in The Dalles
Region

The Dalles

Explore the sunny and historic Columbia River Gorge town of The Dalles.

Updated June 1, 2022 2 min read

Know Before You Go

For information regarding what trails and campsites are open, please visit the U.S. Forest Service; Ready, Set, Gorge; Friends of the Gorge. For road conditions and closures, visit ODOT.

Head east from Portland and you’ll see the landscape shifts dramatically. Sweeping dry grasslands and jagged rocky outcroppings dominate a golden horizon. Driving on I-84, you’ll reach Rowena Crest Viewpoint, part of Mayer State Park, where you can hike amid colorful wildflowers to lofty 1,700-foot McCall Point for panoramic views of Mount Hood and the Columbia River. Continue to the town of The Dalles, 84 miles (135 km) east of Portland, and you’ll learn:

It’s Sunny

The Dalles only gets 15 inches of rain per year. It is the closest point to Portland with this kind of arid climate, meaning sunny days and rolling hills for cyclists and explorers.

Many of the historic buildings are working businesses, so visitors can take a step back in time while having fun in the present.

It’s Historic

As one of the oldest settlements on the West Coast, The Dalles is steeped in history, and the residents are proud to preserve it. A visit to the Wasco County Historical Museum and the Fort Dalles Museum reveal collections of well-preserved buildings, wagons and artifacts that give insight into the cultural history of the Gorge and the settlement of the American West.

The picturesquely situated Columbia Gorge Discovery Center sheds light on how this beautiful gorge came to look the way it does today, from the turbulent volcanic eruptions and Ice Age “mega-mammals” of the prehistoric era to the explorations of Lewis and Clark and the hearty pioneers who followed throughout the 19th century. Additionally, their Raptor Program brings rescued birds of prey (who cannot survive in the wild) up close for visitors to see.

It’s Vibrant

There are plenty of opportunities for sipping and snacking inside the handsomely restored Sunshine Mill, a century-old, 125-foot-tall former wheat mill that now houses two wineries: premium Quenett — the barbera and zinfandel are highly acclaimed — and more affordable Copa Di Vino, which produces everyday wines in single-serve bottles. You can sample wines, order appetizers in the Boiler House Bar and admire artifacts and photos documenting the building’s history.

The Celilo Inn, a renovated motel, sits high on a hill with sweeping views of the gorge, an outdoor pool and hip decor. In the summertime, they offer free shuttle service to guests who have tickets to summer concerts at Maryhill Winery. Near the winery, visitors can also check out the Stonehenge Memorial, a World War I memorial and an astronomically aligned replica of England’s famous standing stones.

Attractions, History, Museums, Outdoors, Region

More of the Gorge

Discover these gems within the Columbia River Gorge.

Go To Columbia River Gorge
Oregon’s tallest waterfall, Multnomah Falls, cascades down sheer cliffs, through bright green plants, passing under a footbridge ending in a dark blue pool.

Multnomah Falls

Located just 30 miles (48 km) east of downtown Portland, Oregon’s tallest waterfall attracts visitors of all ages and abilities for stunning year-round sights of cascading water with complimentary flora and fauna.

the vista house is in the distance, framed by brush and tree branches on three sides in the foreground

Crown Point Vista House

Called the crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge, the Crown Point Vista House is a century-old observatory, rest stop and museum. Enjoy a 360-degree of the gorge and a bird’s-eye view of the Columbia River.

Two people view a waterfall from a wood deck

Waterfalls Near Portland

Some of the most picturesque waterfalls line the Columbia River Gorge, just a short drive from Portland. But these cascading natural wonders are even closer to Portland from the Willamette River to the Cascade Mountain Range.

Bonneville Dam

Admire wonders of engineering and migrating salmon at this historic landmark on the Columbia River.

Read more

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