The Dalles is a sunny gateway to the Columbia River Gorge—compact but lively, with riverfront trails, excellent fishing and rafting, wineries, a historic downtown with museums and shops, and year-round festivals and outdoor recreation that make multi-week stays engaging rather than dull.
Within easy reach, Hood River (about 22 miles) adds wind- and kite-sports, breweries and dining, and Portland (roughly 75 miles west) offers full big‑city amenities for day trips.