The Dalles Tourist Attractions
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The Dalles (pop. 12,000) is located along the Columbia River in the north of Oregon. The name comes from the French word for flag stone, "dalle".The history of the area dates back 10,000 years. It was an important area for the Native Americans. This area of the river narrows and was a regular stopping area for travelers. It developed into a major trading area. Lewis and Clark stopped here during their expedition.
Fort Dalles Museum
The Fort Dalles Museum is housed in the only remaining building of the fort in The Dalles. Established in 1905, the museum displays a variety of pioneer artifacts including several horse-drawn carriages and automobiles from the 1900s.Admission also includes the Anderson Homestead, a collection of log buildings based on Scandinavian architecture and furnished in the period of the early 1900s.
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles features two museums which relay the cultural and natural history of the Columbia River Gorge area. The center also features a living history park where visitors can experience life during the times of the early settlers.
St Peter's Landmark
This Gothic-style brick church was built in 1897 in The Dalles and dedicated the next year. Special features of the church include a six foot rooster perched on top of the church steeple, unique stained glass windows, Italian Carrara marble altars and other carved statues and structures.
Original Wasco County Courthouse
The Original Wasco County Courthouse in The Dalles features films on the history of Wasco County and the Columbia River Gorge.
Wonderworks Children's Museum
The Wonderworks Children's Museum in The Dalles features a variety of hands-on education exhibits in an indoor playroom for children to age four.
Surroundings
Cascade Locks
The town of Cascade Locks is located along the Columbia Gorge, on the northern edge of Oregon. The town was named after the Cascade Locks which were built in the late 1800's.
Cascade Locks Historical Museum
The Cascade Locks Historical Museum in Cascade Locks overlooks the original locks and provides information on local history including displays on river transportation and the locks, the logging industry and American Indians.
Hood River
East of Portland along the Columbia River is Hood River, the chief place in the vacation and winter sports area round Mount Hood (11,235 ft), Oregon's highest peak. From the viewpoint half a mile south of the town on SR 35 there are fine views of the mountain and the beautiful valley of the Hood River.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area follows the course of the Columbia River as it cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range. The gorge formed by the river is known for its spectacular views and numerous waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, the second highest waterfall in the country.The area offers a range of hiking and biking trails, and camping facilities.
Historic Columbia River Highway
The Columbia River Highway runs from Corbett to Dodson and has two parts. The upper level, old Highway 30, is the older and more scenic route while the lower level is Interstate 84. This scenic road provides views of the Columbia River Gorge, cliffs, unusual rock formations and 11 waterfalls.
Mount Hood Railroad
The Mount Hood Railroad in Hood River was built in 1906. It is a National Historic Site. Regular excursions run through the Mount Hood Valley, with visits to Hood River, Parkdale, Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam, and Timberline Lodge. The train also runs special events such as murder mysteries, circus entertainment, and holiday themes.
Bonneville Dam
To the west of Hood River is the Bonneville Dam (salmon ladder) on the Columbia River.
Hood River County Museum
The Hood River County Museum features documents, photographs, artifacts and displays related to the region's history.
Sherman County Museum, Moro
The Sherman County Historical Museum in the small town of Moro features a collection that includes over 15,000 items of American Indian artifacts, farming equipment, military and pioneer items.
Parkdale
Parkdale is located on the northeast side of Mount Hood National Forest. It is commonly referred to as "Mount Hood". The town is serviced by the Mount Hood Railroad which runs through the Mount Hood Valley.
Hutson Museum
The Jesse and Winifred Hutson Museum in Parkdale features American Indian artifacts, a collection of rocks, and items related to the early settlers and history of the area.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Kimberly
The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument features a record of fossil plants and animals that span over 40 million years. The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center has fossil displays and a viewing window into the museum's laboratory.
Gilliam County Historical Museum Complex, Condon
The Gilliam County Historical Museum Complex consists of a number of historic buildings, including a 1920 schoolhouse, an 1890 barbershop, and an 1884 log cabin. The museum collection features artifacts and documents related to the history of Gilliam County, as well as farm equipment and furniture from the early 1900's.
