Continent
North America
Country
Washington (USA)
Next Big City
Portland
Next Town
Hood River, Stevenson
 
Type:
River
Rider Ability:
Intermediate, Expert
Features:
Toilet, Parking

Water

Type:
Chop, Small wave
Hazards:
Bridge, Stones
Quality:
Cloudy
Best Tide:
Tide independent

A big wide river that flows from the East. Waves develop as wind increases. Lots of space out on the river.

Beach

Type:
Grass, Rocks, Stones
Size:
Small
Hazards:
Rocks, Trees
Beach Users:
None

The launch is a grassy hillside. There is no beach. The rider needs to wade into the rocky shore as a buddy launches your kite from the grass. There is a pretty narrow margin for error here. There is a cove downwind (on West wind days) that you can dump your kite into if you miss the landing area and can't make it back up wind. The wind is funky down there, so it is best to stay upwind to begin with. Best spectator/camera place and friendly locals to help with the launch. Not a good place for beginners.

Weather

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

In summer, bring a rash guard or shorty, in the early spring or late fall, bring all you have to stay warm.

Wind

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

This place is best with a West wind. You can have gusts, but usually very steady. Plan on good wind July and August. Average is 18-20 mph. The best wind in the Gorge blows especially on Easterly wind. The wind here is lighter than locations further east, but therefore steadier.



How to get there

Transport
Car
Access
Short walk

Take I-84 East from Portland, get off the interstate at Cascade Locks and cross the Columbia River (Bridge of the Gods) into Washington. Once on the North side of the river, take S.R.14 East to Stevenson (about 3 miles). You will see the kites in the air along the river. Parking is behind the industrial building on the river.

Extra information

Rules
None

Not a beginner spot due to a very risky launch. For kitesurfers only. Windsurfer go a bit further west.

Nightlife

No information