The Dalles, OR, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 13,620, The Dalles is a sleepy inland port that serves as the county seat of Wasco County. The area has a long history as a trading center for Native Americans, but today it's more known for its cherry orchards and as the site of a disastrous 1984 bioterrorism attack. The bureaucratic headaches are endless, from the city's shifting names to the failed U.S. Mint project. And while the climate is temperate, it can fluctuate wildly, with frigid winters, scorching summers, and the ever-present risk of flooding from the Columbia River. This isn't the place for the faint of heart - The Dalles is best suited for hardy, self-reliant types who can handle the region's unique challenges.