Seventy-five miles east of Portland, The Dalles is on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, a canyon known for its scenic cliff views. The Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead tells the story of the city, starting with its roots as a Native American trading center and home to the Wasco tribe. Famously the ending point of the Oregon Trail, The Dalles is now known for the orchards of sweet Bing cherries surrounding the city. In addition to the Oregon Cherry Growers, prominent employers include Adventist Health Columbia Gorge and North Wasco County School District, rated C-plus on Niche.
The Dalles’ population peaked at just over 16,000 in 2021; the count is now closer to 15,700. “It’s a lowkey, friendly place – not as touristy as the other towns along the Gorge,” says Cody Cornett, Broker at Copper West Properties in The Dalles. “It’s a small-town vibe with an incredible downtown. It has the potential to continue to grow and absorb the influx of people coming to the Gorge.” Drawn to the city’s affordability, Cornett explains, “People from Texas, the Midwest, Seattle, Portland and California prefer the Dalles over other Gorge communities because it’s drier and has more sunshine.”
The Dalles is a small, laid back city located in the Columbia Gorge.
North Wasco County School District is a large employer in The Dalles.
The Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead provdes a history of the city and it's origins.
Adventist Health Columbia Gorge is a prominent employer in The Dalles.
1/4
Sunny days on the Columbia River
Kayakers and anglers searching for salmon can access the Columbia River from the boat launch ramp at The Dalles Marina. The paved Riverfront Trail runs parallel to the river, connecting hikers and bikers from the marina to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum. The museum highlights the landscape and history of the Gorge, including its part in the Lewis & Clark Expedition. A new playground is in the works at Sorosis Park, the city’s largest park, which also has a rose garden, disc golf and tennis courts.
The Dalles experiences wet winters, dry summers, windy springs and short autumns. There is a significant flood risk from the riverbank up to 4th Street and State Route 30. The city’s wildfire risk is lower than surrounding rural areas. The Dalles experiences about 300 days of sun and 14 days of rain annually, allowing the Bing cherry orchards to thrive in a 200-day growing season.
The Dalles Marina offers a boat launch for recreation on the Columbia River.
The paved Riverfront Trail runs parallel to the river in The Dalles.
The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum highlights the history of the Gorge.
Sorosis Park is the largest park in The Dalles.
1/4
Downtown offerings include the Northwest Cherry Festival
Downtown blocks are walkable and centrally located. Second and 3rd Streets are lined with saloons, coffee shops and locally owned restaurants, while the greater downtown area boasts antique shops, the National Neon Sign Museum and live performances at Granada Theatre. The Northwest Cherry Festival transforms downtown every April; the outdoor market, community fair and cherry pie eating contest celebrate The Dalles as the biggest producer of sweet cherries per capita. Meanwhile, the west side of town has supermarkets, chain restaurants and a movie theater.
Downtown blocks in The Dalles are walkable and centrally located.
Second and 3rd Streets in The Dalles are lined with shops and saloons.
The National Neon Sign Museum is a popular attraction in The Dalles.
The Granada Theatre in The Dalles hosts live performances.
1/4
From midcentury homes to house boats on the marina
The median single-family home price in The Dalles is about $400,000, on par with the national average. Sales prices in the city increased 3% over the course of 2024. “It’s a really nice blend of classic midcentury homes and a growing inventory of new constructions built in 2000 and later,” Cornett says. “Most are on larger parcels, so you’re not packed in there.” Prices peak at about $750,000. Plenty of cottages and bungalows sell for under $250,000, including boat houses docked in The Dalles Marina. Manufactured homes in the rural northwest city outskirts cost under $200,000.
The median single-family home price in The Dalles is about $400,000,
The Dalles offers boat houses docked in The Dalles Marina.
Prices on newer construction peak at around $750K in The Dalles.
Sales prices in The Dalles increased 3% over the course of 2024.
1/4
Interstate 84 extends through The Dalles
Interstate 84 runs east-west through the city, connecting it to Portland. I-84 parallels the Columbia River, as does U.S. Route 30, a scenic two-lane road that preceded the Interstate. U.S. Route 197 crosses the river into Washington. Gorge Translink buses transport passengers throughout The Dalles and other cities along both sides of the Columbia River, from Portland to Goldendale. The Union Pacific Railroad Rail Yard transports freight. “The train tracks run parallel to the main roads in town, so traffic backups at rail crossings are not an issue,” Cornett says. “We don’t have traffic or parking problems.”
Crime rates and urban development
According to FBI statistics, crime rates fluctuate in The Dalles. Violent crime trends below the national average, while property crime typically remains above state and national figures. Urban renewal projects include funding of up to $10,000 for residential and commercial properties downtown. In 2020, The Dalles received a grant from the EPA to fund brownfield revitalization.
Written By
Laura Copan
Photography Contributed By
Brian Lee
Video By
Jason Jacot
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John DiPalma,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
This property offers a unique setup with two residential homes on one private lot. The main home is a 3-bedroom, 2-bath manufactured home, and the second home is a 1999 stick-built 1-bedroom home. The total square footage, bedroom count, and bathroom count include both homes/buildings.Enjoy stunning territorial and river views from this peaceful, private setting. With tons of potential, this
This beautiful new Curtis Home located in the Park Place neighborhood offers versatile living across two levels in a thoughtfully designed floor plan. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a den, and a bonus room, this home provides flexible space for work, play, and relaxation. The open-concept layout brings the kitchen, dining, and living areas together for seamless daily living. A walk-in pantry
This bright and inviting home is perfectly situated on a spacious corner lot, offering a functional layout with plenty of room to live, work, and entertain. Recent updates include roof and deck repairs, the beautifully updated kitchen features stainless steel appliances, abundant cabinet and counter space, a center island, and direct access to the backyard creating the perfect setting for
Fully furnished! Everything inside and outside comes with this amazing boat house. Located on C finger, this place is ready for summer fun! Featuring two bedrooms with closets, 2 full bathrooms, and a full kitchen that opens to the living room. Every piece of decoration, furniture, and kitchen items comes with the home so you can start immediately enjoying The Dalles Marina in your Oregon coast
Spend your summers on the water. This fully furnished floating home combines an updated interior with the convenience of a large covered 35' x 14' boat well, creating the perfect basecamp for fishing, boating, and relaxing on the river. Inside, you'll find modern updates throughout, including a mini-split system for efficient year-round comfort, updated finishes, and a clean, hang out and relax
Well-kept family home built in 1989 offering comfort, space, and functionality. This stick-built home features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, including a primary bedroom with its own full bath for added privacy and convenience.The open kitchen flows seamlessly into the living room, creating a welcoming layout that’s perfect for everyday living and gatherings. A heat pump provides efficient heating
Some properties offer views. Others offer shop space. It's rare to find both done this well.Set on almost 5 acres with panoramic views of Mount Adams, the Columbia River and the surrounding orchards, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers nearly 1,900 square feet of comfortable living with scenery that steals the show from nearly every room. The updated kitchen, wet bar and spacious living area are
Spacious 5-bedroom, 3 full bath home on a corner lot offering a rare amount of living space, flexibility, and off-street parking in the heart of The Dalles. Fresh interior paint, with three finished levels, this home provides room for everyone to spread out while still feeling functional and connected.The upper level features 3 bedrooms and a full bathroom, while the main level includes a bright
Looking for space without being too far out of town? This one sits on nearly half an acre and is surrounded by over 200 acres of Wasco County land, giving you that wide-open feel without the long drive.The lot is flat, usable, and fully fenced with plenty of room for RVs, boats, trailers, or whatever else you’ve got. Easy access right off Seven Mile makes it convenient, while still feeling like
Completely remodeled in 2020, this move-in ready stick built home offers the hard-to-find combination of modern finishes, usable outdoor space, and a shop that's ready to work. Nearly every major component was updated including the roof, interior and exterior paint, windows, plumbing, portions of the electrical system, flooring, kitchen, and both bathrooms. Inside you'll find 3 bedrooms, 2
.20 Acre lot waiting for a new home to be placed on it! You could build lower for privacy or a multi level home with plenty of yard space. Water, sewer, and electricity at the established sidewalk in front of the property.
Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, The Dalles offers a unique blend of small-city convenience and outdoor lifestyle, with access to world-class recreation, wineries, arts, and year-round events. This Craftsman home is well positioned to enjoy it all, set near downtown amenities, parks, and the Columbia River.Inside, the home offers over 5,500 square feet across three finished
This lovely contemporary home is better than new with updates including landscape enhancements, window coverings and finishing touches throughout. The open concept of the main level is a great space with access to the backyard patio off the kitchen and a hall half bath makes it great for entertaining. The kitchen has a well planned layout with a pantry, dining area and floating island. The
This well kept custom built home has Columbia River gorge views from many vantage points. Enjoy the beauty of the gorge from the primary suite, kitchen, living room and the front porch. There is a heater on the porch so you can enjoy the outdoors on those chilly days. The vaulted ceilings and spacious open floor plan with LVP flooring on the main level is great for entertaining. The
Tucked on the quiet dead-end stretch of East 16th Street, this well cared for 1948 home offers space, privacy, and future potential on nearly half an acre across two tax lots. The 3 bed, 2 bath, 2,035 sq ft layout includes comfortable main-level living with plenty of modern updates and a finished basement for added flexibility. Mature trees frame the front yard, while the covered back deck
Property Id: 2101762Stunning views, private fully furnished two bedroom 1.5 bath townhouse. This mid-term turnkey rental is everything you had hoped for and more. Clean and quiet, fully furnished from kitchware to linens. This unit is perfect for your to rest in between work days or play days. 3 month minimum and $375 cleaning fee.
Property Id: 2435271The Dalles, 2 bedroom, 2 full bathroom mid term turnkey furnished apartment for rent. 3 month stay minimum. Upstairs, private deck, fully furnished and all the comforts of home in this unit. There is ample parking. close to down town resteraunts and stores. Easy access to the freeway for either to head East or West. Right across the street from a premier winery and
Enjoy stunning Columbia River views from this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in The Dalles. The home has been freshly painted inside and out and offers a comfortable, functional layout with extensive built-in cabinetry and storage throughout. Easy walking all around the area, a 15-20 minute walk to downtown.Up on Scenic Drive with beautiful views of The Dalles, the Columbia River,
$1,995 per month
3 Bedroom | 2 1/2 Bath Townhouse in The Dalles, OR.
This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhouse in The Dalles offers convenient access to local amenities, with shopping, restaurants, parks and recreational areas nearby. Located close to downtown and near Mills Creek, the property provides easy connections for errands and outings. Bright living spaces and a practical layout make this residence suitable for a variety of needs, while the proximity to
$2,000 per month
Pet Friendly |Stylish 3 Bedroom | 2 Bath Duplex in The Dalles – Great Location & Modern Comforts
Discover comfort and convenience in this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath duplex located in the heart of The Dalles. Just minutes from shopping, dining, downtown, and recreational spots, this home offers an ideal blend of style and functionality.Inside, you’ll find a spacious living room perfect for relaxing or entertaining, along with three well-sized bedrooms and two full
2 bedroom, 1 bath duplex home for rent in The Dalles. Living Room, dining area, kitchen laundry area on main level. Upstairs 2 bedrooms. All major appliances included, including washer and dryer. No smoking/vaping. One pet up to 30lbs permitted upon approval, and will require an additional deposit.Lease Term: 1 YearSecurity Deposit: $1,800Utilities: Tenant Responsibility
Split Level home in The Dalles, OR. This spacious house features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Upstairs you'll find a defined, comforting living room where you can enjoy views of the town, river and Mt. Hood, with the adjoining kitchen and dining room mere steps away. The dining room opens to the covered deck and backyard patio for outdoor dining or relaxation after a hard day's work. The
Located in the exclusive Lone Pine community on the shore of the Columbia River, this three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath residence blends low-maintenance living with pleasing finishes. Life in the Dalles doesn't get much better than this! Housing a family room, two bedrooms, two full baths, and laundry area, the main level has a blend of easy-care laminate flooring and carpeting
Move-In Special: Get $300 OFF your first month’s rent!This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a comfortable, easy-flow layout with plenty of space to live, relax, and entertain.Step outside and enjoy a large fully fenced yard perfect for gatherings, pets, or simply having room to breathe. With two private decks, you’ll have multiple spots to unwind, host friends, or
Conveniently located 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment in the charming city of The Dalles, OR. This apartment offers a comfortable and convenient living space for anyone looking for a cozy home. Step inside and be greeted with newer laminate flooring that adds a touch of lightness and beauty to the entire space. The apartment also features an additional separate, lockable storage/laundry
This beautifully updated single-story home blends modern interior finishes with an expansive, park-like outdoor oasis. Perfect for both relaxation and entertaining, this property offers a seamless flow, thoughtful upgrades, and plenty of room to stretch out. Exterior photos are current, interior photos are from the most recent sale (no modifications, post will be updated with actual
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
