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The Dalles with Mt. Hood in background

The Dalles with Mt. Hood in background
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LIFE IN THE DALLES

History

The Dalles has a unique history and heritage that dates back over 10,000 years. Once one of the largest population centers in the Pacific Northwest, The Dalles continues to be the economic hub for the Mid-Columbia region. Lewis and Clark camped in The Dalles in both 1805 and 1806 with their expeditions paving the way for the overland Oregon Trail in 1843. At The Dalles, Oregon Trail emigrants made the fateful decision of whether to take the treacherous Columbia River or the mountainous Barlow Road on the last and most daunting leg of their trek to the rich farmland of the Willamette Valley.

The Dalles is located within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, carved by the Missoula Floods during the last ice age over 15,000 years ago. Populated by numerous Native American tribes The Dalles was a gathering place for natives to peacefully trade, fish, and socialize. In the early 1800’s they were joined by fur traders, boatmen, and missionaries. Settlers came next to build the neighborhoods and business districts of The Dalles.

Today

The Dalles remains the trading hub for the region. Development has largely been dependent upon transportation and access to markets both west and east of The Dalles. Agriculture has been the backbone of industry with sweet cherries, grains, and apples leading the way. Manufacturing has also served as a dominant industry with a strong presence still evident today. As manufacturing began to leave America’s shores, The Dalles had the vision and foresight to diversify it’s economy. With the Port of The Dalles in the lead, the community set out to develop industrial land to grow and recruit businesses to supplant the departure of heavy manufacturing. Success is evident through the more than 50 businesses and 1,500 jobs located at the Port of The Dalles Industrial Area, including Google and PowderPure.

The Dalles also boasts many recreational opportunities. Bicycling, fishing, rock climbing, hiking, swimming, boating, rafting, windsurfing, and kiteboarding are just a few of the outdoor options at our doorstep!

Living Here

CLICK FOR DETAILED COMMUNITY PROFILE

Scroll below to review demographics and financial details for Wasco County, Oregon.

Housing

Apartment Rental: $550/month (avg.)
Single Family House Rental: $730-$1,187/month
Median Home Price: $178,600
Residential Tax Rate: varies, $15-21.00 per $1,000 assessed value
Residential Electric Rates:
Northern Wasco PUD = Facilities charge of $11.25/month plus energy charge of $0.0530 per kWh
Wasco Electric Co-op = Basic charge $21.50/month plus $0.0815 per kWh

Residential Phone & Internet Services:
http://www.centurylink.com
http://www.charter.com
http://northstate.net

Hospitals

Mid-Columbia Medical Center (MCMC) is the region’s largest hospital, serving emergency needs and complete diagnostic care with private practitioners and specialists. MCMC is a Planetree affiliate hospital – the first in the nation to adopt this patient-centered care system throughout its entire operation. As such, MCMC attracts professional visitations from around the world. MCMC also operates the state-of-the-art Celilo Cancer Center and the Water’s Edge Health and Wellness Center (open in Spring 2010).

Schools

The Dalles area is served by the North Wasco County School District 21 as well as the Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC). CGCC works with local companies to provide customized training programs to help employees become more capable and efficient. Three private Christian schools also serve the area, St. Mary’s Academy, Sonrise Academy and Columbia Lutheran School.

National Scenic Area

The Dalles is situated within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, an area known around the world for its seemingly limitless recreation activities and astounding scenic beauty. The Gorge is much more than a summer-only recreation paradise. Hiking, biking, windsurfing, skiing, and fishing can be done year round and mild summer weather allows the entire family to enjoy outdoor activities.

Weather in The Dalles

In the Spring, The Dalles has warm days and cool evenings interspersed with occasional rainfall. Summer temperatures rise steadily through August but humidity remains low. Clear, blue skies and cool, starry evenings persist through autumn, with intermittent rain beginning later in the season. In the winter, several feet of snow fall on Mt. Hood but the lower elevations in the Gorge stay mostly dry.

Area Ave. Yr. Precip
The Dalles 14.52″
Portland 35.98″
Seattle 37.13″
Los Angeles 18.67″
San Francisco 23.64″
Boise 11.58″

 

Season Average Precip Avg. Snowfall Avg. Daily Hi Temp Avg. Daily Low Temp
Spring 2.64″ 0″ 65° 40°
Summer 0.94″ 0″ 86° 56°
Fall 3.46″ 1″ 67° 40°
Winter 7.48″ 5″ 47° 29°

Life in The Dalles

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Twitter Feed

  • RT @CRGNSA: The @CRGNSA trail crew removed 20 logs along 11 miles of loop hikes near the recently opened Larch Mountain Picnic Site recentl… over a year ago
  • Be careful out there! https://t.co/o6G60x6NU3 over a year ago
  • Sweet! https://t.co/lnnn1gVxSA over a year ago

Upcoming Events

Feb
10
Wed
5:30 pm Port of The Dalles Commission Me... @ Port of The Dalles
Port of The Dalles Commission Me... @ Port of The Dalles
Feb 10 @ 5:30 pm
 
Mar
10
Wed
5:30 pm Port of The Dalles Commission Me... @ Port of The Dalles
Port of The Dalles Commission Me... @ Port of The Dalles
Mar 10 @ 5:30 pm
 
Apr
14
Wed
5:30 pm Port of The Dalles Commission Me... @ Port of The Dalles
Port of The Dalles Commission Me... @ Port of The Dalles
Apr 14 @ 5:30 pm
 
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Testimonials

Wonderworks is grateful to the Port of The Dalles for their partnership in securing a permanent home for our museum. The collaboration between our two groups will help ensure the success of our community organization for future generations.
Erin KovalchukWonderworks Children's Museum
The Port of The Dalles website is solidly built on the world’s leading open source platform. We’ve assembled some great features to help the Port of The Dalles manage their website and day to day operations! We have enjoyed working with Andrea and her team for more than 12 years!
Tyler BarnesElev8brand.com
The Dalles still really works for us because it’s centrally located. It’s a hub for not only the state, but the Northwest.
Chris ZukinMeadow Outdoor Advertising
The commissioners and councilors that I have had the privilege to interact with have been dedicated representatives of, and always conscience of, the public and the public trust.
Bob McFadden
I had great help from the people from the Port and the people in The Dalles. I was able to qualify for the enterprise program and get a decent last rate on the building. Hopefully, we will have some great employees from this area as well.
Jenny HoganNuCulture Foods, Inc.
We built our first building here in 1981. The Port has always worked very well with us. We’ve never had and stumbling blocks, no barriers to growth. They’ve been a partner, not an opponent.
Chris ZukinMeadow Outdoor Advertising

Port of The Dalles and Downtown

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Port of The Dalles

Administrative Offices
3636 Klindt Drive
The Dalles, Oregon 97058
Phone: 541-298-4148
Email: info@portofthedalles.com

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