Columbia Gorge Economic Development Association

About :: City Information

The Dalles, Oregon

About the City

The Dalles gets it name from the French words, "le dalle," meaning "the trough," in this case, the trough of the Columbia River. Before the dams, The Dalles was a dangerous point for boats running the river due to whirlpools and rapids. The Dalles is one of the oldest inhabited locations in North America, serving as a center of Native American trade for at least the past 10,000 years. Lewis and Clark arrived in The Dalles in 1805, and the first homes were erected in 1838.

By the middle of the 19th Century, The Dalles was considered the end of the overland Oregon Trail; from here, settlers made a choice to either brave the Columbia River or take the Barlow pass to cross the Cascades and reach the Willamette Valley in western Oregon.

The Dalles is still considered the prominent marketplace lying along the Columbia River/I-84 corridor which connects the Intermountain, Mid-West, West Coast and Pacific Rim markets. Because of its geographic location and proximity to a variety of transportation options, The Dalles is a prime location for any business with market access concerns.

In general, The Dalles is an excellent place to do business with low utility rates, a diverse and abundant workforce, a community which supports business and growth, and land which is available and ready for development.

Of course The Dalles is also a wonderful place to live. This historic town offers character, quality and hundreds of amenities at a very affordable price. The seasonal climate here is outstanding with warm summers, beautiful green springs, and a mild fall and winter. Recreationalists would be hard pressed to find a region offering a wider range of opportunities within an hour's drive; including, fishing, windsurfing, rafting, kayaking, hiking, waterskiing, snow skiing, golf, tennis and mountain biking.

To find out more about The Dalles contact:

Columbia Gorge Economic Development Association (888) 760-3936
The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce (541) 296-2231

Just the Facts

  • 1999 Population - 11,765 (PSU estimate 7/1/99)
  • 2000 Projected Population - 11,637
  • Per Capita Income 1994 - $17,645
  • Average Single Family Home - $77,000
  • Average Temperature - JANUARY- 36.5, JULY- 73.9
  • Annual Precipitation - 13.97"
  • Location - Eighty miles east of Portland in Oregon State along the banks of the Columbia River and Washington State. Adjacent to Interstate 84 and State Highway 197.

    DISTANCE TO PORTLAND - 80 miles
    DISTANCE TO BOISE - 350 miles
    DISTANCE TO SEATTLE - 261 miles
    DISTANCE TO SPOKANE - 260 miles

  • Business Relocation Resources - Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (541) 296-2266 , Port of The Dalles (541) 298-4148 , The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce (541) 296-2231

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