The Dalles OR (Oregon)

The Dalles OR is a Columbia River cruise port and town in Oregon USA (Wasco County's largest) with total area approx 17 km2 (7 mi2) and population around 15,000. The current-day town was initially founded as a major Indian trading center. The region is among North America's most significant archaeological areas, with artifacts dating back 10,000 years.

Town's name was first mentioned in 1814 by a fur trader in reference to the main rapids in Columbia River. River's rapids here were the largest and longest of the 4 "great portages", where boats had to unload and transship their furs.

Northwest Cherry Festival is an annual event held in April. Points of interest include the Discovery Center (official interpretive center for Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area), Pulpit Rock (used by Methodist missionaries to preach to Indians), Fort Dalles Museum (Oregon state's oldest history museum / located in Surgeon's Quarters and built at Fort Dalles in 1856).

In 2006, Google Corporation started building its Project 02 (data center) along Columbia River in The Dalles. The location was chosen due to its underutilized fibre optic capacity and hydroelectric power supply. The new complex includes two main buildings plus two cooling plants (each 4 stories high). Google employs here around 150 contractors and employees.

As cruise port, The Dalles OR is included in the schedules of USA's largest river cruise companies - ACL (American Cruise Lines) and AQSC (American Queen Voyages/Steamboat Company).

Next tables show ships' itineraries as ports sequence.

(AQSC American Empress) 8-day itinerary between homeports Clarkston and Vancouver, prices from ~USD 2300 pp

(ACL American Pride, American Song) 11-day Portland to Clarkston, prices from ~USD 5100 pp

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