The stars seem to shine brighter at this campground on the east end of the Columbia River Gorge, 11 miles west of The Dalles. Campsites look over the river and the park’s namesake, Memaloose Island, a place sacred to the indigenous people of the Columbia River Gorge. They would lay the bones of their dead on open pyres on the island.

Also buried there is an early settler and town promoter of The Dalles, Senator Victor Trevitt. A granite monument visible from Memaloose campground marks his grave.

Today, the park is a gateway to exploring The Dalles and the east end of the Gorge. Visitors will enjoy spring wildflowers and the cooling shade of the maple, willow and cottonwood trees. On summer nights, the park’s grassy meadows are the perfect spot to observe the nightly celestial performance.