Are there fees or permits required for The Dalles (historical)?

No, there are no fees required to visit The Dalles (historical).

Is swimming allowed at The Dalles (historical)?

No, swimming is not allowed at The Dalles (historical).

Live Conditions · 646 ft³/s · About average

The Dalles (historical)

Q: Are dogs allowed at The Dalles (historical)?

No, dogs are not allowed at The Dalles (historical).

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Lake Bonneville REC · DESG

Photo Credits (5)

HBarrison CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

DB's travels CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

HBarrison CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

About The Dalles (historical)

The Dalles (historical) marks the former series of rapids and waterfalls on the Columbia River that were an important fishing and trading site for Native American tribes before being submerged by the reservoir created when The Dalles Dam was completed in 1957. Where the thundering narrows once funneled salmon and sustained local communities, the river today spreads quietly behind the dam; the exact location of the original falls lies underwater but its history is still visible in maps and interpretation at nearby viewpoints. The site now sits within the Lake Bonneville recreation unit (Designation: REC), with land ownership recorded as DESG and management by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). While you can’t hike down to the vanished rapids, shoreline overlooks, interpretive pullouts and nearby trails give satisfying views of the reservoir and river corridor. For overnight stays, Columbia Hills State Park campground is approximately 6.24 km away, making the area a convenient base for exploring the river’s modern landscape and its historic significance.

The Setting

The Dalles (historical) sits at 82 feet within Lake Bonneville, fed by the Klickitat River, in the coastal lowlands of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

There is no direct trail to the original Dalles rapids—their location is submerged beneath the reservoir behind The Dalles Dam. However, nearby recreational routes and viewpoints provide access to the riverside landscape. A commonly used out-and-back route in the area is approximately 2.4 miles (about 3.9 km) round-trip with roughly 350 feet (≈107 m) of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate in difficulty. This trail type is out-and-back; surface and grade details vary by section and conditions can change seasonally, so check current information with USACE (Lake Bonneville recreation unit) or local park resources before heading out. Columbia Hills State Park campground lies about 6.24 km away for campers wanting to stay close to the river.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect to learn about the historical significance of The Dalles as a cultural and trading hub for Native American tribes. Interpretive signs and exhibits near The Dalles Dam provide historical context.

Accessibility

Accessibility varies by recreational area. Some viewpoints and interpretive sites near The Dalles Dam are wheelchair accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at The Dalles (historical)?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at The Dalles (historical)?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and summer are ideal for visiting nearby recreational areas and enjoying outdoor activities.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Be cautious of strong winds near the Columbia River. Follow all posted safety guidelines at recreational areas.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

646 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

564 630 811 903

Based on 100 years of record

3.99 ft

Water depth at gauge

52°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 52 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect slightly cloudy visibility.

Water Quality

14.0 FNU

Water Clarity

Slightly cloudy

Minor sediment present

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

KLICKITAT RIVER NEAR PITT, WA

USGS 14113000

10.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1,297 sq mi

Altitude: 289 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge KLICKITAT RIVER NEAR PITT, WA (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

646 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

646 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

651 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

653 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

651 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

645 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

650 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

650 cfs

8/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to mid June, peaking in May.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near The Dalles hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Aerial photo of the same ground around The Dalles (historical) near The Dalles, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around The Dalles (historical) near The Dalles, Washington

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

The Dalles (historical) is located along the Columbia River near the city of The Dalles, Washington. The area is now part of the reservoir created by The Dalles Dam, and the original rapids and falls are no longer visible.

Get Directions on Google Maps