The Dalles Dam/Seufert Park
If you're visiting around New Year’s Day, Seufert Park near The Dalles Dam is a prime location to witness Bald Eagles gathering in the trees—an unforgettable sight for birdwatchers and photographers alike. Throughout the year, the area is also home to Ospreys, Double-crested Cormorants, and a variety of gulls soaring above the Columbia River.
Getting There:
From I-84, take Exit 87. Just before crossing The Dalles Bridge, turn east onto Bret Clodfelter Way. Follow the signs to the park for easy access and scenic river views.
Riverfront Park
While you’ll spot the usual variety of waterfowl here, the real gem lies just east of the parking lot. A short walk takes you into a lush riparian area—ideal for birding and nature photography. Recently, a rare Northern Waterthrush was spotted here, making this a must-visit stop for bird enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of something special.
Getting There:
From I-84, take Exit 85. Drive north and turn right into the park entrance. Bring your binoculars and enjoy a peaceful stroll along the river.
Klindt Cove
Klindt Cove is a scenic gem along the Riverfront Trail, offering a peaceful stretch teeming with wildlife. As the trail follows Chenoweth Creek for about a quarter mile, it becomes a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. A cluster of large wooden pylons in the river is a favorite perch for Great Blue Herons, and it’s not uncommon to spot Osprey, Spotted Towhees, Northern Flickers, and a variety of sparrows. Lucky visitors have even reported seeing mink crossing the trail!
Getting There:
From downtown The Dalles, drive west to Webber Street and turn north. Cross the railroad tracks (the road becomes River Road), then turn right onto Klindt Drive. Continue until you see the sign for “Riverfront Trail Parking and Access.” Park there and follow the Riverfront Trail westward toward the Home At Last Humane Society to reach Klindt Cove.
Discovery Center Trail
This scenic, handicap-accessible paved trail winds through the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center grounds, offering breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge. It’s the perfect spot to relax and watch for birds, barges, and passing trains. A peaceful pond along the trail often hosts Mallards and other local wildlife, making it an easy and enjoyable nature walk for all ages.
Good to Know: The trail is free and open to the public, even if you're not visiting the museum.
Directions:
From I-84, take Exit 82. Turn south after exiting and drive a few hundred yards. At the “T” intersection, turn right (west) and continue for several miles until you see the sign for the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Follow the sign and park in the free lot. The trail entrance is located behind the Discovery Center.
Mayer State Park
Just 7 miles west of The Dalles, Mayer State Park offers sweeping views of the Columbia River and fantastic birdwatching opportunities. Along the river and nearby ponds, you’ll spot a variety of waterfowl, and in the surrounding trees and skies, keep an eye out for Lewis’s Woodpeckers, Violet-green Swallows, Vaux’s Swifts, White-crowned Sparrows, warblers, and Red-winged Blackbirds.
Directions:
From I-84, take Exit 76. Head north toward the river, then turn left into Mayer State Park. Drive to the paved parking lot and park. Waterfowl are commonly seen north of this area.
To explore further, walk westward along the paved road. You'll pass a large pond before the trail curves north to meet the river. From there, the path loops west and circles back around. Stay on the wide, main trail, as side paths may lead through areas dense with poison oak.
Hess Park
Hess Park
Located just across the Columbia River in Klickitat County, Washington, Hess Park is a peaceful cultural park nestled beside The Dalles Lock and Dam. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching year-round.
In winter, look up into the tall poplar trees—you might catch sight of Bald Eagles perched majestically above. During the spring and summer, the area comes alive with Western Kingbirds, Northern Orioles, Western Meadowlarks, Belted Kingfishers, Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, and a variety of ducks.
Directions:
Cross The Dalles Bridge into Washington. Take the second right—a sharp 120-degree turn—into Hess Park.
Festival Park to the Dock
Nestled in historic downtown The Dalles, the new boat dock near Lewis & Clark Festival Park is a fantastic spot for viewing waterfowl—and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a river otter! Just a few hundred yards west lies Rock Fort, the very site where Lewis and Clark are believed to have camped during their legendary journey.
This scenic riverside stop is perfect for a quiet moment in nature or a bit of birdwatching with a side of history.
Directions:
Head into downtown The Dalles and turn north on Union Street. Cross the railroad tracks and park in Lewis & Clark Festival Park. From there, it's just a short walk to the boat dock.
Home At Last Trail
This scenic stretch of trail winds along Chenoweth Creek, offering rich opportunities to spot a variety of bird species—and if you're lucky, even a red fox or two. One of the highlights is a massive Osprey nest perched atop a pole just west of the first bend in the trail—so have your binoculars ready!
Directions:
From I-84, take Exit 82. Turn left onto River Road after exiting. Look for Home At Last Humane Society on your left. Just west of the shelter, there’s a gravel parking lot. Park there and follow the trail westward along the creek.
Sorosis Park
Perched high above The Dalles, Sorosis Park offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Columbia River’s historic bend, the rooftops of downtown, and the churning waters near The Dalles Dam to the east. It’s not just a feast for the eyes—this park is also a fantastic birdwatching spot.
Keep an eye out for Western Bluebirds, Common Flickers, Lewis’s Woodpeckers, Ring-necked Pheasants, Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, and American Kestrels soaring or foraging in the area.
Directions:
From Union Street, turn right on 14th, then left onto Lincoln Street, which becomes West Scenic Drive. The park will be on your right. From the main parking lot, walk southward around the park until you find the dirt trails leading up the hill behind the park—an excellent area for spotting birds and enjoying the view.
Rowena Crest/Tom McCall Wildlife Preserve
This breathtaking viewpoint offers one of the most iconic vistas in the Columbia River Gorge—and it’s also a fantastic location for birdwatching. From the overlook, you’ll see swallows swooping gracefully to catch insects in the air, while Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, Horned Larks, Western Meadowlarks, and American Kestrels are commonly seen soaring above the cliffs or perched nearby.
Venture west from the parking area into the Tom McCall Wildlife Preserve, a scenic trail system that leads to a small kolk lake, often home to Red-winged Blackbirds and Mallard ducks. Spring and early summer are especially stunning, with bursts of wildflowers and sweeping views.
⚠️ Note: Be aware that rattlesnakes and poison oak are present in this area. Stay on designated trails and watch your step.
Directions:
From I-84, take Exit 76 and head south. Turn west onto Highway 30, the Historic Columbia River Highway. Drive through the famous Rowena Loops (you may recognize them from car commercials!) until you reach the top and enter the Rowena Crest Viewpoint. On the west end of the viewpoint, you'll find a small parking area and the entrance to the trail leading into the preserve.