EAST GORGE OREGON
Mosier · Rowena · The Dalles · Dufur · Rufus
As you travel toward the eastern Columbia River Gorge, you will begin to see an impressive change in the landscape. The East Gorge in Oregon is in the rain shadow of the Cascades where annual rainfall is just 14 inches at The Dalles. You will notice the dramatic change in scenery as it shifts from temperate rainforests to dry grasslands. Enjoy the sunshine!
Hidden Gems
ART + HISTORY: Take a step back in time and experience a slice of country life at the Dufur Living History Museum. • Sneak a peek at the Old St. Peters Landmark, a 115 year old former Catholic Church complete with stained glass windows and old church bell. • Visit The Dalles School District Archive Museum, honoring both the old and new school districts of The Dalles, Oregon. • Walk around historic Downtown The Dalles to admire the 33 beautiful murals painted by local and out of town volunteer artists.
BIKE + DRIVE: Bike or drive into history with eye-catching views and abandoned homesteads at Eight and Fifteen Mile Loop, also known as Emerson Loop Cutoff.
FESTIVALS: Don’t miss the Northwest Cherry Festival that provides three days of entertainment and fun for the whole family in downtown The Dalles.
WALK: Explore The Riverfront Trail, and enjoy an easy, paved walk along the Columbia River with big views, historic landmarks, and riverside charm.
RAPTOR PROGRAM: Visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to learn about birds of prey including eagles, owls, hawks and falcons.
VIEWPOINTS: Enjoy sweeping views of The Dalles and surrounding area at Kelly View Point with access to Sorosis Park.
Attractions
Historic Columbia River Highway
Between Mosier and Hood River, the five mile Twin Tunnels segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway is a beautiful multi-purpose paved trail with outstanding views of the Columbia River Gorge (no motorized vehicles allowed). The four mile section from The Dalles to Rowena is a scenic drive offering an incredible view of the East Gorge from Oregon’s Rowena Crest.
Tom McCall Nature Preserve
The 271-acre Tom McCall Nature Preserve on Rowena Plateau provides breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge. Wildflowers are abundant in the spring with over 200 plant species. No dogs allowed.
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum
The 48,200 square-foot Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum is situated on a 54-acre point of land adjacent to the Columbia River and the Historic Columbia River Highway. The multimedia, interactive museum inspires appreciation and stewardship of the natural and cultural treasures of the Columbia River Gorge and Wasco County.
Fort Dalles Museum
Fort Dalles Museum, in The Dalles, Oregon, is housed in the former Surgeon’s Quarters; the only remaining officer’s quarters of the 1856 Fort Dalles military complex. One of Oregon’s oldest history museums, it first opened its doors in 1905. Take a tour of the unique collection of pioneer and military artifacts and antique wagons at one of the old west’s most pivotal places in history. You will enjoy viewing the exhibits and walking on the grounds of this military fort, built during the 1800s.
The National Neon Sign Museum
The National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, Oregon is dedicated to providing a dynamic and entertaining environment that promotes an understanding and appreciation of advertising and signage and the unique role it has played in American history. It provides historical, social and cultural relevance through the exhibition of more than 20,000 square feet of electrifying signs, ephemera and interactive displays that date from the late 1800s through the 1960s.
The Riverfront Trail
The Riverfront Trail at The Dalles is a scenic paved pathway along the Columbia River from the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center parking lot east 7.3 miles to the Riverfront Park. There are a lot of interesting things to see in that distance, including the Riverfront Park, the marina, a Lewis & Clark “slept here” campsite, the wild Chenoweth Creek and the lakes and ridges of the wildlife refuge below the Discovery Center. The trail may be windy, but never boring.
The Dalles Dam
Learn about hydropower, navigation, recreation, fish passage and much more at The Dalles Locks and Dam in the East Gorge of Oregon. There’s a 250-gallon cold water aquarium stocked with fish from the Columbia River, a live-camera view of the fish going up the fish ladder, a short film and several interactive displays and activities about the multifunctions of the dam. There is something for everyone, even in January when the Annual Eagle Watch takes place.