Major city · United States
The Dalles
Spend a half‑day visiting the Fort Dalles Museum and The Dalles Dam; add a night if you want windsurfing, hiking or a river‑front dinner.
The Dalles sits at the Columbia River’s east‑side gateway to the Gorge, 85 mi from Portland. Its main draws – historic Fort Dalles Museum, the hydro‑dam visitor centre and nearby state‑park trails – fit in a few hours, but wind‑surf and river‑based recreation benefit from an overnight stay.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Oct (warm, low rain, windsurf season)
- avoid Nov–Mar (cold, limited outdoor activities)
- Airports
- PDX · DLS
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for The Dalles911 ▾
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about The Dalles, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyThe Dalles is generally safe; watch river currents, keep valuables in sight in downtown bars, and lock car doors on I‑84 rest stops.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police / fire / ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPDX Portland International Airport (about 85 mi (≈1 h 30 min) west via I‑84).
- Getting aroundThe town is compact; walk or bike to most sights.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (café)$2–$4
- BeerBeer (draft)$4–$6
- Museum or sight ticketFort Dalles Museum entry$5–$7
- Budget bedMotel 6 private room, a night, per roomUS$55
- Mid-range bedThe Dalles Inn double, a night, per roomUS$120
- High-end bedThe Dalles Inn double, a night, per roomUS$180
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$50 · Mid US$100 · High US$150
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PDX Portland International Airport (about 85 mi (≈1 h 30 min) west via I‑84) · DLS The Dalles Municipal Airport (general‑aviation field, 2 mi north of town)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Apr
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Jul (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
The Dalles: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
12 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
10 rd
Mar
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
7 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
5 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
7 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is compact; walk or bike to most sights. Interstate 84 runs through town; rent a bike or use rideshare for farther parks.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
goDoor to door: 15 min
Walk 10 min north from downtown
Entry $9 adults, $5 youth.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
goDoor to door: 45 min
Drive 30 mi east on I‑84, 10 min on local road
Hiking and river access; no fee.
Dufur (for a small‑town vibe)
skipDoor to door: 30 min
Drive south on US‑197, 15 mi
Only if you have extra time; limited attractions.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
The Dalles Inn
Historic inn downtown, easy walk to museum and riverfront.
Motel 6 The Dalles
Budget chain, parking and easy I‑84 access.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $50–$80 excl. bed
- Mid
- $80–$130 excl. bed
- High
- $130+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| The Dalles Inn double1 × 1 night × US$120 | US$120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$100 | US$200 |
| Car rental (compact, 1 day)2 × US$60 · check | US$120 |
| Wind‑surf lesson (2 hr)2 × US$95 · check | US$190 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$63 |
| Trip total≈ US$347 per person per day, bed included | US$693 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (café) | $2–$4 |
| Beer (draft) | $4–$6 |
| Meal at a casual restaurant | $10–$18 |
| Fort Dalles Museum entry | $5–$7 |
| Dam visitor centre entry | $8–$10 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- River currents can be strong; heed local windsurf safety notices.
- Dam visitor centre hours vary seasonally; check before you go.
Emergency numbers
- Police / Fire / Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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The DallesThe Dalles
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulate in Portland; other nations in Portland or Seattle.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Car rental (compact, 1 day): about $55, includes unlimited miles (check)
Say or show
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for The Dalles. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct (warm, low rain, windsurf season) · avoid Nov–Mar (cold, limited outdoor activities) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a night for windsurf lessons at The Dalles Dam.
Sources
Ask about The Dalles
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