Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

Located just west of The Dalles, Oregon, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum is the official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This 48,000 square foot exhibit wing holds interpretive displays which describe the tremendous volcanic upheavals and raging floods that created the Gorge, explanations of why ice ages occur, how the mighty Columbia River sculpted the ecology of the region for a unique and spectacular diversity of vegetation and wildlife. Native American cultures are represented along with more recent Euro-American activities.

One of the more unique exhibits at the Discovery Center is the Cargo of Lewis and Clark Exhibit, which allows visitors to examine why and how the Corps of Discovery acquired and packed over 30 tons of supplies for the journey and how difficult it was to transport the cumbersome cargo.

The Discovery Center, parking, and interpretive trails are fully accessible. The interpretive programs are also designed for visitors of all abilities. The Discovery Center also serves as the trailhead for the fully accessible, 8 foot wide, paved, rolling Riverfront Trail.