The Dalles is a small sunny town, and according to Men's Journal, was considered one of the top up-and-coming towns in the United States in 2008. An article in the AAA magazine 'Via' sums up this eastern Oregon town quite nicely.
It's a town of hard-working people who come together to make extraordinary things happen. Things like:
Located along the banks of the mighty Columbia River, just 84 miles east of Portland, The Dalles is the eastern gateway to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
300 days of sun (annually) nurtures bountiful agricultural products, including world-renowned cherries, grapes and wheat.
Cyclists, geocachers, hikers, hunters, fishers, history buffs, wind sports enthusiasts and wine lovers have discovered The Dalles and its surrounding area.
Steeped in history and culture, the area served as a center of Native American trade for 10,000 years. Lewis & Clark camped along the shores, and pioneers on the Oregon Trail had to make a decision at The Dalles whether to brave a crossing of the Columbia River or to continue by land, up and around 11,000 foot Mt. Hood.
The Dalles' population is just over 13,000 with a service area of approximately 85,000 and is home to Columbia Gorge Community College, which offers the first wind-power training program in the Pacific Northwest, Google's Data Center, numerous orchards, vineyards and wineries, and a thriving business community.
While Portland accumulates 37 inches of rain annually and, nearby Hood River County receives 31 inches, The Dalles receives only 14.41 inches.