Continent
North America
Country
Oregon (USA)
Next Big City
Portland
Next Town
Hood River
 
Type:
River
Rider Ability:
Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Features:
Shop, Rescue, Shower, Toilet, Food

Water

Type:
Flat, Chop
Hazards:
Currents, Ships, Stones
Quality:
Cloudy
Best Tide:
Tide independent

Water is flat to choppy, no tide, chop is small waves in the channel when the wind picks up. Usually out of the West/Southwest.

Beach

Type:
Grass, Sand
Size:
Small
Hazards:
Stones
Beach Users:
None

Best beach in all of Hood River. Sandy, with some rocks. Nice grassy lawn with picnic tables from the hotel. Easy launch, no crowds.

Weather

Spring:
Normal, Thick
Summer:
Shorts, Shorty
Fall:
Normal, Thick
Winter:
Thick

Air temps are 60's°F in April and warming into May with June, July and August the warmest. In August it gets into the 90's°F. Too cold and no wind in the winter. We snowboard, ski, or snow kite.

Wind

Best Months:
May, June, July, August, September
Wind Type:
Thermal
Best Direction:
E
Main Direction:
E, W

The Gorge! Sometimes it nukes. Summer is usually average of 25 mph and consistent. It is a thermal wind.



How to get there

Transport
Car
Access
Short walk

From Portland, Oregon take I-84 east toward Hood River. Within approximately one hour from the west side of the city of Portland, Oregon you will come to the town of Hood River. There are only three (3) exits for Hood River. Exit numbers 62, 63 and 64. You will take exit # 64, (the third exit) also noted as Government Camp / White Salmon. At the stop sign at the base of the off ramp you will take a left hand turn heading north and go under the freeway toward Washington. Take your first left (not the westbound freeway ramp) into the Port of Hood River Marina. You will see a large concrete sign at the entrance. Drive straight down this road and follow the signs to windsurfing schools. There are three small buildings on a grassy area just in front of the marina. These buildings are wood and are approximately 14" wide by 24" long. Check in at the first little building in the Hood River Marina to find out where and how the wind is for the day. The building is Grey in color with red trim. The site is behind the Best Western Hotel (one block away) or in front of the marina.

Extra information

Rules
Zones

No kiting directly in front of the marina, only off to the side. No license needed. Go whenever the wind blows. No fees at the marina. McDonalds, Starbucks, Riverside Grill, restaurants all within a football field or so walking distance.

Nightlife

Hood River is a small town. Go to downtown which is less than a 1/4 mile away and walk to the nightlife and shopping.