The Dalles Dam is a prime winter location for migrating bald eagles. Follow the Eagles East to The Dalles and see for yourself by participating in the 9th Annual Eagle Watch Event at The Dalles Lock & Dam on Saturday, January 19th, from 9 AM – 3 PM. There will be a presentation involving two rescued eagles and plenty of opportunities for families and birders alike to get a “bird's eye view” of the migrating bald eagles. If you’ve never seen a bald eagle swooping overhead with a fish in its claws or a convocation of eagles jockeying for a prime perch then you may be in for a treat. Before you arrive be sure to stop by Grinders and get some hot cocoa with sprinkles to keep your hands warm while you take turns holding your binoculars. It may be chilly out, so be sure to bundle up for the trip!
If you miss the presentation, or when you’re done watching the wild eagles at The Dalles Dam, take the whole family to The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center for a chance to experience one of their Raptor Programs. See some amazing raptors and maybe even get a selfie with them. Check out the interactive exhibits and kid’s room at the Discovery Center and have lunch at their Basalt Rock Café. Then take your kids to Wonderworks Children’s Museum to do a fun eagle craft project or go on a hike at Eagle Caves. Treat your family to dinner and even more fun at Spooky’s Pizza for family-friendly service, a video game arcade, and great pizza and sandwiches.
Make a trip of it and spend the night in ‘The Barn’ at Cousins Country Inn. Kids and adults alike will be drooling over the giant cinnamon rolls baked fresh every day at Cousins Restaurant. Can’t eat a whole one? Order the mini center rolls because everyone knows the center is the best part anyway.
Take a late morning stroll downtown and visit Klindt’s Booksellers, the oldest bookstore in Oregon to discover local authors and books of all shapes, sizes, and subjects. Once you’ve got reading material for the trip home or for the park bench. Try your hand at Disk Golf at Sorosis Park, skating at The Dalles Skate Park or hiking along the Riverfront Trail to make sure everyone has a chance to get some fresh air and exercise.
Come to visit the Eagles, stay to explore the possibilities. With all the breweries, wineries, museums, spas, hiking, biking, fishing, and learning opportunities -you just might find yourself migrating this way more often.
For more information about dining, lodging, activities, and The Dalles visit ExploreTheDalles.com!
