Wasco County, Oregon Travel Guide
Discover Wasco County, Oregon: A blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant communities, perfect for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and wine tasting.
Nestled in the heart of Oregon, Wasco County is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant communities. This county is home to a variety of landscapes, from the rolling hills of the high desert to the lush forests of the Cascade Mountains. Wasco County offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. One of the highlights of Wasco County is the Columbia River Gorge, a stunning natural wonder that provides ample opportunities for hiking, windsurfing, and scenic drives. The Historic Columbia River Highway is a must-see, offering breathtaking views of the gorge and access to numerous waterfalls. For those interested in history, The Dalles, the county seat, boasts several museums and historic sites, including the Fort Dalles Museum and the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Wasco County is also a great destination for wine enthusiasts. The region's climate is ideal for vineyards, and visitors can explore several local wineries that offer tastings and tours. Additionally, the county hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from local agriculture to the arts. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors, delve into history, or simply relax with a glass of wine, Wasco County has something for everyone.
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Wasco County.
- Visit in late spring or early fall for the best weather and fewer crowds.
- Make sure to bring a camera for the stunning views along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes when exploring the waterfalls and trails in the Columbia River Gorge.
- Check out local events and festivals for a unique taste of Wasco County culture.
- Plan a visit to a local winery for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting.
Top City Travel Guides in Wasco County
The cities of Wasco County, and the easiest places to base yourself.
Destinations in Wasco County
Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.
Explore Wasco County: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More
Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more
Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Wasco County
Top-rated picks
Best Attractions
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All Attractions
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Explore the breathtaking vistas and diverse outdoor adventures at Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, a nature lover's paradise in Oregon.
Multnomah Falls
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Multnomah Falls, a stunning waterfall and hiking haven in the heart of Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge.
Smith Rock State Park
Experience the stunning landscapes and adventurous spirit of Smith Rock State Park, a premier destination for outdoor activities and breathtaking views in Oregon.
Memaloose State Park
Discover the serene beauty of Memaloose State Park, a must-visit destination in Oregon for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Best landmarks in Wasco County
Top-rated picks
Best Landmarks
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Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Explore the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon, a paradise for hikers and nature lovers with stunning waterfalls and scenic vistas.
Multnomah Falls
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Multnomah Falls, Oregon's tallest waterfall, surrounded by lush forests and scenic hiking trails.
Vista House at Crown Point
Explore the stunning Vista House at Crown Point, a historical landmark offering breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon.
Smith Rock State Park
Explore Smith Rock State Park, a stunning Oregon destination for outdoor activities, breathtaking views, and unforgettable natural beauty.
Best restaurants in Wasco County
Top-rated picks
Best Restaurants
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Cousins' Restaurant & Saloon
Discover the charm of Cousins' Restaurant & Saloon in The Dalles, Oregon—where traditional American cuisine meets warm hospitality.
Multnomah Falls Lodge
Experience breathtaking views and exquisite dining at Multnomah Falls Lodge nestled in Oregon's scenic Columbia River Gorge.
Skyway Bar & Grill
Discover Skyway Bar & Grill: A delightful American restaurant offering great food, live music, and breathtaking views in Zigzag, Oregon.
Bette's Place
Experience a delightful breakfast at Bette's Place in Hood River - where hearty meals meet friendly service.
Best bars in Wasco County
Top-rated picks
Best Bars
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Cousins' Country Inn
Discover the charm of Cousins' Country Inn, where comfort meets delicious American cuisine in the heart of The Dalles, Oregon.
Cousins' Restaurant & Saloon
Experience the charm of Cousins' Restaurant & Saloon in The Dalles, where traditional American cuisine meets a vibrant bar atmosphere.
Ferment Brewing Company
Experience the finest craft beers and delightful dining at Ferment Brewing Company in Hood River, Oregon, where quality meets breathtaking views.
Rivertap Restaurant and Pub
Experience the best of The Dalles at Rivertap Restaurant and Pub, where delicious food meets local craft brews and vibrant live music.
Best shops in Wasco County
Top-rated picks
Best Shops
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Coastal Farm & Ranch
Explore Coastal Farm & Ranch for a unique blend of Western apparel, local goods, and the spirit of Oregon's countryside.
The Outpost
Explore The Outpost in Madras, Oregon, a department store filled with unique finds, local crafts, and friendly service, perfect for all your shopping needs.
Govy General Store
Discover local treasures and mountain essentials at Govy General Store in charming Government Camp, Oregon.
Maupin Market
Discover local flavors and fresh produce at Maupin Market, your go-to grocery store in the heart of Oregon's scenic landscapes.
Explore Wasco County on the Map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Wasco County, mapped for you.
Wasco County Essentials
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Wasco County is located in the northern part of Oregon, United States. The nearest major airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), approximately 90 miles west of the county. From Portland, you can rent a car and drive along Interstate 84, a scenic route along the Columbia River Gorge, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, Amtrak offers train services from Portland to The Dalles, the county seat of Wasco County.
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Within Wasco County, renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the area. Public transportation options are limited, but The LINK Public Transit provides bus services in The Dalles and surrounding communities. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available but may have limited availability outside of The Dalles. Biking is also a popular mode of transportation, especially for exploring the scenic routes.
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The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and shops. ATMs are available in major towns like The Dalles and Maupin. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting rural areas or smaller establishments that may not accept cards.
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Wasco County is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure personal safety. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight in your vehicle and be cautious when walking alone at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
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In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The Dalles has a hospital, Mid-Columbia Medical Center, which provides emergency medical services. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in The Dalles and other towns.
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Fashion: Do dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable. Avoid overly casual attire when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and greet the driver when boarding. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake or a nod. Don't be overly familiar with strangers. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like cherries and wine from the Columbia Gorge region. Don't forget to tip your servers, as it is customary in the United States.
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To experience Wasco County like a local, visit the farmers' markets in The Dalles for fresh produce and local crafts. Explore the historic downtown area of The Dalles and visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum. Engage with locals at community events and festivals, such as the Cherry Festival in April. For outdoor enthusiasts, don't miss hiking in the Columbia River Gorge or rafting on the Deschutes River.
When is the best time to visit Wasco County?
Useful Local Phrases for Wasco County
You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.
— Eve
Here are the phrases I use most often in Wasco County. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️
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- HelloHi
[hai] - GoodbyeSee ya
[si ya] - YesYep
[yep] - NoNah
[nah] - Please/You're welcomeNo problem
[no prob-lum] - Thank youThanks
[thanks] - Excuse me/SorrySorry
[sor-ree] - How are you?How's it going?
[how's it go-ing] - Fine. And you?Good. You?
[good. you?] - Do you speak English?Do you know English?
[do you know ing-lish?] - I don't understandI don't get it
[i don't get it]
- HelloHi
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- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?
[can i see the men-u?] - I don't eat meatI'm a vegetarian
[i'm a veh-ji-tair-i-an] - Cheers!Cheers!
[cheers] - I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?
[can i get the check?]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?
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- Help!Help!
[help] - Go away!Leave me alone!
[leave me a-lone] - Call the Police!Call the cops!
[call the cops] - Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
[get a doc-tor] - I'm lostI don't know where I am
[i don't know where i am] - I'm illI'm not feeling well
[i'm not feel-ing well]
- Help!Help!
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- I'd like to buy...I'm looking to buy...
[im look-ing to buy...] - I'm just lookingJust browsing
[just brows-ing] - How much is it?What’s the price?
[what's the price?] - That's too expensiveThat's a bit pricey
[that's a bit price-y] - Can you lower the price?Can you give a discount?
[can you give a dis-count?]
- I'd like to buy...I'm looking to buy...
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- What time is it?What’s the time?
[what's the time?] - It's one o'clockIt's one
[it's one] - Half past (10)Half past ten
[half past ten] - MorningMorning
[mor-ning] - AfternoonAfternoon
[af-ter-noon] - EveningEvening
[eve-ning] - YesterdayYesterday
[yes-ter-day] - TodayToday
[to-day] - TomorrowTomorrow
[to-mor-row] - 1One
[one] - 2Two
[two] - 3Three
[three] - 4Four
[four] - 5Five
[five] - 6Six
[six] - 7Seven
[seven] - 8Eight
[eight] - 9Nine
[nine] - 10Ten
[ten]
- What time is it?What’s the time?
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- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
[where's the...?] - What's the address?What’s the address?
[what's the ad-dress?] - Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?
[can you point it out?] - When's the next (bus)?When’s the next bus?
[when's the next bus?] - A ticket (to ....)One ticket to...
[one tick-et to...]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
History of Wasco County
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Long before European settlers arrived, Wasco County was inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Wasco and Warm Springs tribes. These tribes were part of the larger Chinookan-speaking people. They relied on the abundant natural resources, including salmon from the Columbia River, for sustenance and trade. The Dalles, a significant location within Wasco County, served as a major trading hub for various tribes in the region, fostering a rich cultural exchange.
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In 1805, the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through what is now Wasco County as they journeyed towards the Pacific Ocean. Their encounters with the indigenous tribes in this area were critical for their survival and success. The explorers documented their observations of the local geography, flora, fauna, and the cultures they encountered, providing valuable insights into the region's early 19th-century state.
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By the early 19th century, The Dalles became a focal point for the fur trade. The Hudson's Bay Company established Fort Dalles in 1838, boosting its significance as a trading post. Trappers, traders, and missionaries frequently passed through this area, further embedding The Dalles in the broader commercial and cultural networks of the time.
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The mid-19th century saw an influx of settlers traveling the Oregon Trail, with many passing through Wasco County. The Dalles was one of the last major stops on the trail before pioneers navigated the treacherous Columbia River or the Barlow Road to reach the Willamette Valley. This migration brought significant demographic changes and led to the establishment of permanent settlements.
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Wasco County was officially established on January 11, 1854, originally encompassing a vast area that extended to the Rocky Mountains. Over time, its boundaries were reduced as new counties were carved out. The county's establishment marked the beginning of structured governance and development in the region.
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The late 19th century brought the railroad to Wasco County, dramatically transforming its economy and connectivity. The Oregon Railway and Navigation Company completed a line through The Dalles in 1882, facilitating easier transport of goods and people. This development spurred growth in agriculture, commerce, and the overall population.
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Celilo Falls, located on the Columbia River, was one of the most significant fishing sites for Native American tribes for thousands of years. However, the construction of The Dalles Dam in 1957 submerged the falls, drastically altering the landscape and affecting traditional fishing practices. This event highlighted the tensions between development and Native American rights, leading to ongoing legal and cultural battles over fishing rights and resource management.
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In recent decades, Wasco County has seen efforts to balance modern development with cultural preservation. The Dalles has become a hub for renewable energy projects, particularly wind farms, while maintaining its historical sites and museums. The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Wasco County Historical Museum play pivotal roles in educating the public about the region's rich history and diverse cultures.
Neighbouring Regions of Wasco County
The closest regions to Wasco County, if you have time for more than one.
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