The Dalles Riverfront Trail is a worth-it destination run, located a 20 minute drive east of Hood River. The paved multi-use path runs for 7.3 miles from the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center east to Riverfront Park in The Dalles, a historic town along the Columbia River. The landscape is a mix — there are wonderful views of the Columbia River, verdant hills, and some industrial sections. The geography is a transition zone–between the temperate rainforest west of the Cascade Mountains and the arid Shrub Prairie/White Oak forest region to the east.
The west end starts at the parking lot of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, which has wonderful exhibits about the Gorge and the history of Wasco county. There trail is a mix of sections along the river and inland sections. The most scenic part of the trail is toward the western end. The eastern ~2 miles of the trail are close to I-84. Pass through the marina parking lot to continue to the east end of the trail at Riverfront Park.
Pro Tip: The Dalles historic downtown is worth checking out. Fun for a post-run beer at one of the many brew pubs. Also, check out Oregon’s oldest bookstore!
The Dalles Riverfront Trail is a worth-it destination run, located a 20 minute drive east of Hood River. The paved multi-use path runs for 7.3 miles from the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center east to Riverfront Park in The Dalles, a historic town along the Columbia River. The landscape is a mix — there are wonderful views of the Columbia River, verdant hills, and some industrial sections. The geography is a transition zone–between the temperate rainforest west of the Cascade Mountains and the arid Shrub Prairie/White Oak forest region to the east.
The west end starts at the parking lot of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, which has wonderful exhibits about the Gorge and the history of Wasco county. There trail is a mix of sections along the river and inland sections. The most scenic part of the trail is toward the western end. The eastern ~2 miles of the trail are close to I-84. Pass through the marina parking lot to continue to the east end of the trail at Riverfront Park.
Pro Tip: The Dalles historic downtown is worth checking out. Fun for a post-run beer at one of the many brew pubs. Also, check out Oregon’s oldest bookstore!
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