Yakima to The Dalles: Scenic Drive Along the Columbia River Gorge

The drive from Yakima, WA to The Dalles, OR spans 90 miles along US-97, often bypassed for faster interstates. This stretch is the only direct connection between the Yakima Valley and the Columbia River Gorge, offering a transition from rolling hop fields to basalt cliffs. At mile marker 14, just south of Yakima, the road crosses the Toppenish Creek where Indigenous history and railroad lore converge. The drive takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes without stops, but the journey rewards those who linger. Below, we break down every aspect of this underrated route. The question is it worth driving Yakima, WA to The Dalles, OR is answered with a resounding yes—if you know where to pause.

Whether you're an avid hiker, a history buff, or a family seeking a leisurely day trip, this guide covers things to do between Yakima, WA and The Dalles, OR in exhaustive detail. For a broader philosophy on finding roadside wonders, read our article on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

US-97 is generally safe, but watch for deer and livestock, especially between Satus Pass and Goldendale. Weather can change quickly: summer temperatures exceed 90°F, while winter brings ice on Satus Pass. Infrastructure safety: the road has reflective markers and guardrails in curves, but no median barrier. Locals suggest avoiding the route after dark due to wildlife. Fatigue Management: plan breaks every 45 minutes. The best rest zones include the Toppenish rest area (mile 12, picnic tables, no water) and the Maryhill viewpoint (mile 80, portable toilets).

• Family suitability: Yes, with stops at Goldendale Observatory (kid-friendly astronomy) and the Stonehenge replica (educational).
• Pet-friendly: Most trails and rest stops allow dogs; Maryhill Museum only allows service animals. Leash laws in state parks.
• Hidden off-route spot: Brooks Memorial State Park (mile 55) – a quiet forested detour with a short hike to a waterfall (seasonal).
• Hidden off-route spot 2: Klickitat River Trail (mile 75, unpaved road) – a 5-mile trail along the river, great for birding.

Culinary infrastructure is limited. Goldendale has a Subway and a Mexican restaurant (El Porton). In The Dalles, options expand: try the Columbia Gorge Hotel’s brunch or Spooky's Pizza. Pack snacks for the middle stretch. For local culture, the Maryhill Museum (open 10am–5pm, May–November) houses Rodin sculptures and a chess set collection. The things to do between Yakima, WA and The Dalles, OR are concentrated around Goldendale and Maryhill. With kids, the Columbia Hills State Park offers easy hikes and interpretive signs.

The landscape unfolds in three distinct acts. First, the Yakima Valley: fertile, irrigated farmland tapestry with hops, apples, and vineyards. Around Toppenish, the Yakama Nation Reservation dominates, and you'll glimpse the Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for sandhill cranes. Second, the Satus Creek Canyon and the Simcoe Mountains: open rangeland dotted with basalt outcroppings and ponderosa pines as you climb Satus Pass. Finally, the descent into the Columbia River Gorge: arid, wind-swept, with dramatic cliffs and the mighty river widening below.

• Toppenish: Western art murals and the American Hop Museum
• Goldendale: Goldendale Observatory State Park (stargazing, open April–October)
• Maryhill: Maryhill Museum of Art and the full-scale Stonehenge replica (war memorial)
• Columbia Hills State Park: hiking trails with native petroglyphs at Horsethief Butte

Local commerce is agricultural and artistic. Yakima Valley wine country includes over 80 wineries; the route passes Roza Hills Vineyard near Zillah (slight detour). In Goldendale, the Timber Grind Coffee shop offers fresh-roasted beans. The best stops Yakima, WA to The Dalles, OR include the Maryhill Stonehenge (free, dawn to dusk) and the Brooks Memorial State Park for a picnic. For shopping, The Dalles’ downtown on Second Street features antiques and local crafts.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: none directly on the route, but the Columbia River Gorge is a designated National Scenic Area, and the nearby (100 miles) fossil beds of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument are a tentative UNESCO site. The cultural heritage includes the Yakama people's basket weaving and fishing traditions visible at Celilo Falls (now submerged under The Dalles Dam).

US-97 from Yakima to The Dalles is a well-maintained two-lane highway with a posted speed limit of 60 mph in most sections. The road descends from 1,000 feet in Yakima to 160 feet at the Columbia River. There are no tolls or major construction zones, but winter conditions can slow travel. Gas stations are sparse: after leaving Yakima, the next reliable fuel stop is in Goldendale (mile 60), then again in The Dalles. Fill up before departure; a full tank is sufficient for the round trip. For an EV, charging stations exist in Yakima and The Dalles, but none mid-route.

• Departure: Yakima, WA (I-82/US-97 junction)
• Key junction: US-97 splits with WA-22 at Toppenish (mile 15)
• Major climb: Satus Pass (elevation 3,400 ft) at mile 30; watch for trucks
• Last restroom before The Dalles: Maryhill Museum (mile 80)
• Arrival: The Dalles, OR (I-84 exit 87)

How long to drive Yakima, WA to The Dalles, OR depends on stops. The pure driving time is under two hours, but plan for 3–4 hours to enjoy attractions. The road has ample pullouts and scenic viewpoints. Cell service is spotty between Toppenish and Goldendale; download offline maps. The logistics favor a day trip with a packed lunch.