The Dalles
cityThe Dalles, Oregon, nestled in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, boasts a rich history as a Native American trading hub dating back over 10,000 years. Located 75 miles east of Portland, it serves as the county seat and largest city in Wasco County, with a population of approximately 15,835 in 2026. The city's strategic location along the Columbia River has made it a significant inland port and a gateway to the Inland Empire. Key industries in The Dalles include healthcare, technology (with a Google data center), agriculture (particularly cherries, pears, and apples), and tourism. The Mid-Columbia Medical Center, School District #21, and Oregon Cherry Growers are among the top employers. The Dalles' economy is also supported by its role as a regional center for retail, services, and government. What makes The Dalles distinctive is its blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. From its days as a major stop on the Oregon Trail to its stunning location in the Columbia River Gorge, the city offers a unique quality of life with access to outdoor activities like hiking, biking, windsurfing, and fishing. The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Fort Dalles Museum highlight the area's rich history and culture.
The Dalles, Oregon
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 4169850
- Country
- United States
- County
- Wasco County
- Region
- Columbia River Gorge
- Elevation
- 266 ft
- Total Area
- 20.61 sq mi
- Land Area
- 20.35 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.26 sq mi
- Latitude
- 45.594564
- Longitude
- -121.178682
- Climate
- The Dalles has a moderately continental climate with cold, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. It is often classified as semiarid, with some characteristics of midlatitude oceanic and Mediterranean climates.
- Notable Features
- Columbia River · Columbia River Gorge · Mount Hood · Mount Adams
- Neighboring Areas
- Dallesport, WA · Chenoweth · Rowena · Lyle, WA · Dufur
- Population (2020)
- 16,010
- Est. Population (2026)
- 15,835
- Median Age
- 38.5
- Median Income
- $62,830
- Poverty Rate
- 11.02%
- Owner-Occupied
- 67.5%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The Dalles is a moderately diverse city. The population is approximately 75.6% White, 21.4% Hispanic, 5.5% Multiracial, with smaller percentages of Native American, Black or African American, and Asian residents.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- North Wasco County School District 21
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Water · Sewer · Parks & Recreation
- Economic Profile
- Regional trade center · Inland port · Diversified employment opportunities
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting · Technology
- Major Employers
- Mid-Columbia Medical Center · School District #21 · Oregon Cherry Growers · Google · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Schools
- 7
- Students
- 2,774
- Teachers
- 423
- Graduation Rate
- 81.8%
- School Districts
- North Wasco County School District 21
- Colleges & Universities
- Columbia Gorge Community College
- Transportation
- I-84 · US 30 · US 197 · Columbia River Highway · The Dalles Municipal Airport
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Pacific Power · Natural gas · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Mid-Columbia Medical Center · Columbia Gorge Regional Airport
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area · The Dalles Riverfront Park · Sorosis Park
- Parks & Trails
- The Dalles Riverfront Trail · Sorosis Park · Numerous hiking trails in the Columbia River Gorge
- Founded
- 1850
- Incorporated
- 1857
- Named After
- The name comes from the French word "dalle," referring to the basalt rocks along the Columbia River.
- Historical Significance
- The Dalles has been a significant trading center for Native Americans and Euro-American settlers, serving as a gateway to the Inland Empire and a major transportation hub on the Columbia River.
- Key Events
- Native Americans used the area as a trading center for over 10,000 years. · Lewis and Clark camped near Mill Creek in 1805 and 1806. · Fort Dalles was established in 1850 to protect American settlers. · The Dalles served as the terminus of the Oregon Trail. · The Rajneeshees poisoned restaurant salad bars in The Dalles in 1984.