The Dalles

The Dalles is located in Wasco County east of Portland, between Mosier and Biggs along Interstate 84, within the Columbia River Gorge Nat'l Scenic Area. This community is lying on a great crescent bend of the Columbia River. The Dalles was an outgrowth of its location. The river narrows and once spilled over a series of rapids, which the French voyageurs christened les Dalles, or the trough.

Much of the town's past lingers in its many 19th century homes and churches, as well as its local museums. A variety of historical murals depict the town's Oregon Trail heritage. Recreational activities include nearby Deschutes River State Park, where Whitewater Rafting, Fishing, and Wind Surfing in the Columbia are popular.

The Dalles marks the fork in the trail for Oregon Trail emigrants. Those who chose the overland Barlow Road and the Applegate Trail trail segments bypassing or around Mount Hood turned south here, while the rest continued down the Columbia River to the Lewis and Clark Portage.

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The Most Anticipated Upcoming Oregon Events Are: Holiday Music Festival La Grande December 5 thru December 6 2009 Wine Country Thanksgiving Portland November 27 thru November 29 Quilt Run 101 The Oregon Coast February 5 thru February 15 Rotary Holiday Home Tour La Grande December 12 Champoeg Holiday Gathering St. Paul December 5

Other upcoming events include: Quilt Run 101 The Oregon Coast February 5 thru February 15 Facing Statehood Salem continuing thru May 31 Cardboard Songsters Concert Cannon Beach November 28 Hometown Holiday Toledo December 12 Northern Lights Christmas Tree Farm, A Winter Tradition Pleasant Hill November 24 thru December 24