64 hood river county visitor guide v hoodriver.org hoodriver.org v hood river county visitor guide 65
84
Rigging
1/2 mile
Launching
Exit 25
Rigging Launching
ROOSTER ROCK, OR
Veer too far from the launch site and you may nd
yourself at a popular nude beach. Conditions can be
demanding; prepare for a long walk to the water
and back to the rigging area, as well as a steep
climb back to the parking lot. East winds can be
VERY strong, with a swift current, especially in fall
and winter.
Location: I-84, exit 25
Managed by: Oregon State Parks
Fee: $5/day, $30/season pass
Parking: Ample parking spaces
Launch: Sandy and spacious
Amenities: Picnic tables, boat ramp, sandy beach,
ush toilets
Did you know?
CGWA contributed to the Rooster Rock Cam, which
you can nd online at www.GorgeWindsurng.org.
1
un
K
K
STEVENSON, WA
(aka Bob’s Beach)
Popular choice for east wind days. A short walk
takes you to downtown Stevenson with ample
shopping and dining.
Location: SR-14 in downtown Stevenson
Managed by: Port of Skamania
Fee: Free
Parking: Ample during west wind days, can get
crowded during east wind days
Launch: Two launches within a mile of each other.
Western launch (“Bob’s Beach”) has a grassy rigging
area with paved steps into river. Eastern launch (the
boat ramp) can be trickier, with large waves often
breaking into launch area.
Amenities: Flush toilets, changing rooms, boat
ramp for easy viewing, picnic tables
Rigging &
Launching
Rigging &
Launching
3/4 mile
Cascade Ave
Russell
14
2
n
K
SWELL CITY, WA
Very large swells on west wind days. This is a site
for experienced sailors. If you drift past the launch
there is no easy exit. This is not a good place for
wandering children or o-leash dogs due to its
proximity to Highway 14.
Location: SR 14, near mile post 56
Managed by: Private owner
Fee: $5/day per person (not per car),
$75 season pass
Parking: Arrive early on windy summer days for a
decent spot. Use caution when pulling o I-84.
Launch: Carpeted rigging area and gradual gravel
slope to the water
Amenities: Porta-potties, small seating area for
good viewing
14
Launching 1/2 mileRigging
14
6
u
CHEAP BEACH, WA
Classic Gorge wind and water conditions. Good
swells and less crowds than the Hatchery. Limited
parking, dicult launch and primitive rigging area.
This is not a good place for wandering children or
o-leash dogs due to its proximity to Highway 14.
Location: SR 14, near mile post 56
Fee: Free
Parking: Very limited
Launch: Sheltered ramp slopes to east and may
require a bit of work to get into windline.
Amenities: None, except some carpeted
rigging mats.
14
Launching 1/2 mileRigging
7
u
84
Exit 56
1/2 mile
Launching
Rigging
Rocks & Pilings
VIENTO, OR
One of the most scenic sites in the Gorge, with
steep canyon walls and stunning views. The site
sits at the base of a state campground. Beginners
can walk upwind to practice water starts, then
drift downwind to the launch site. There are some
submerged rocks, so step carefully.
Location: I-84, exit 56
Managed by: Oregon State Parks
Fee: $5/day, $30/season pass
Parking: Ample
Launch: Rocky beach, easy wade out, beware of
logs immediately under water close to shore
Amenities: Pit toilet, picnic tables
Did you know? CGWA assisted in building this site.
Check out the “Noble Toilets” for a shout out to a
founding CGWA Board of Director.
5
un
K
Home Valley Park Rd
14
Launching
3/4 mile
Rigging
HOME VALLEY, WA
Drop o point for downwinders to Stevenson on
east wind days. Great spot for families visiting the
Gorge, with few crowds and spacious play areas.
Barges pass on the far side of the river. Wind is
lighter and friendlier than Hood River stretch in
west winds. East winds often less strong than
Stevenson.
Location: SR-14 near mile marker 45
Managed by: Skamania County Facilities and
Recreation
Fee: Free
Parking: Ample
Launch: Sandy beach, small wind shadow on east
wind days
Amenities: Porta-potty
4
nl
K
14
Launching
1/2 mile
Launching
Rigging
THE HATCHERY, WA
Hot spot for pros and advanced windsurfers. Bring
your visiting friends and family for spectator-friendly
windsurng at its best. Walk east to the sh hatchery
for a family activity. Swell can get very big during
strong west winds. Make room for freestyle experts
in the jibeatorium o the western most point.
Location: SR 14, near mile post 56
Managed by: Washington State Parks
Fee: $10/day, $30 per annual
Parking: May be full on strong west wind days,
especially weekends.
Launch: Slippery rocks make the launch dicult.
Booties recommended to avoid cuts on feet.
Amenities: Pit toilets, picnic tables,
grassy rigging area
Did you know? CGWA adopted the Hatchery park,
and hosts work parties there each spring and fall.
8
u
BLACKBERRY BEACH, OR
The Gorge’s newest launch, located in Cascade
Locks, OR. Upgraded with new steps from the
parking to the launch site. Wind and water
conditions are similar to Stevenson. Great on an
easterly.
Location: I-84, exit 44
Managed by: Port of Cascade Locks
Fee: Free
Parking: Small lower lot and larger satellite lot
with RV parking available.
Launch: Rigging area is out of the wind on east
wind days. Launch is rocky but doable; beware of
hidden logs and rocks close to shore.
Did you know? The CGWA worked with the Port of
Cascade Locks and other organizations to create one
of the best multi-use sites in the Gorge.
84
Forest Lane
Frontage Rd.
3/4mile
Launching
Rigging
n
K
3
84
84
84
84
84
Stevenson
Carson
White Salmon
Bingen
Mosier
Lyle
Dallesport
Wishram
Biggs
Arlington
The Dalles
Hood River
Cascade Locks
OREGON
WASHINGTON
1
2
3
4
5
13
14
15
17
16
18
20
19
21
22
23
6 7 8
9 10 11 12
u
n
l
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Parking
Restrooms
K
Kite Launch
Camping
Parking fees subject
to change.
Columbia Gorge Windsurng Association
The CGWA was founded in 1987, and together with out members and supporters, has made great strides
toward improving windsurng amenities in the Gorge. Some of our accomplishments include:
• Building Rowena, Viento, Doug’s Beach, Jensen, and Blackberry Beach
• Creating Gorge Groms: providing gear and clinics for local & visiting
• Contributing to the river access ramp at the new Waterfront Park
• Hosting fun events like Windfest, King of the Hook, and swap meets
. . . and much more! See photos from our projects online at gorgewindsurng.org
202 Oak Street, Suite 150
PO Box 182, Hood River, OR 97031
(541) 386-9225
Fax: (503) 213-5956
www.gorgewindsurng.org
facebook.com/gorgewindsurng
@gorgewind
66 hood river county visitor guide v hoodriver.org hoodriver.org v hood river county visitor guide 67
3/4 mile
Wind
Shadow
Wells
Island
Rigging &
Launching
Learning
Area
Rigging &
Launching
84
THE HOOK, OR
The best place in the Gorge for beginners—no
barges, and no swell. Sheltered and conned area
for beginners on the inside, and shallow area on the
outside for practicing beach and water-starts. Also
serves as a launch for advanced sailors who want to
sail o of Wells Island.
Location: I-84, exit 63, western most point along
the waterfront
Managed by: Port of Hood River
Fee: Free
Parking: Ample
Launch: Take your pick of various ramps leading to
the water, both inside the Hook and out.
Amenities: Porta-potties and changing rooms
Did you know? CGWA built the public changing
rooms. This is the site of the Gorge Groms Kid’s
Program!
9
nl
3/4 mile
Swim Beach
Portway Ave
Rigging
Launching
WATERFRONT PARK, OR
New family-friendly community beach, built for a
variety of user groups. Can be a small wind shadow
close to shore. Water is at with small chop for
half of river. Be mindful of the new sandbar by the
White Salmon Bridge.
Location: I-84, exit 63
Managed by: City of Hood River
Fee: Free
Parking: Park along the road, or in the gravel area
of the Jensen Beach parking lot.
Launch: Wide, tiered ramp to the water
Amenities: Flush toilets, kids’ play areas, grassy
rigging area, sandy
beach designated for swimmers.
Did you know? In a joint eort between CGWA,
the Columbia River Gorge Commission, and BNSF
Railroad, $70,000 of the Doug’s Beach settlement
funds were donated to the waterfront park to fund
the windsurng access ramp.
10
n
3/4 mile
Swim Beach
Portway Ave
Rigging
Launching
JENSEN BEACH, OR
Rustic launch conditions along the Hood River water-
front, with benet of close proximity to Waterfront Park.
Location: I-84, exit 63
Managed by: Port of Hood River
Fee: Free
Parking: Plenty available, but often lls up during peak
summer days. Park in western gravel area only; paved
area is reserved for building tenants. Rig in designated
Waterfront Park area, or on limited rigging mats.
Launch: Ramp is steep and slippery, but Waterfront
Park ramp is close and more user friendly.
Amenities: Use Waterfront Park amenities
Did you know? After ooding caused the sandbar to
expand in 2007, and congestion seemed imminent at
the Event Site, CGWA approached the Port and building
tenants to create Jensen Beach as temporary congestion
mitigation. Please help maintain access here by parking
on the gravel area only, and do not camp overnight.
11
n
84
Exit 69
3/4 mile
Launching
Rigging
Rocks &
Pilings
ROCK CREEK, OR
Parking area turns into a protected sh breeding area
during wet winter and spring months. Riparian area
restored by Mosier community, with native plants and
listed species spawning area. Please be respectful of
multi-uses, and be gentle to the plants. Wind shadow
next to shore. Long reach can get choppy depending on
wind direction.
Location: I-84, exit 69
Managed by: City of Mosier
Fee: $5/day, $35/season pass
Parking: Ample, but can get crowded
Launch: Rocky point, but good put-in at sandy cove. Walk
your rig around small point into the windline.
Amenities: Porta-potties, picnic tables, gravel and grassy
rigging areas
Did you know?
As an active member of the Gorge Rec-
reation Coalition in 2000, CGWA helped raise $500,000 in
federal grants to rebuild Rock Creek after massive ooding.
14
n
14
Launching &
Rigging
1/2 mile
DOUG’S BEACH, WA
Bigger swells than Rowena and launch puts you right
into the swells. Beware of shallow water on both sides of
the river and use caution when stepping o the board.
Avoid when wind has a northerly angle.
Location: SR-14, near mile post 74
Managed by: Washington State Parks
Fee:
$10/day, $30 annual
Parking: Gets crowded during peak summer days.
Be careful when pulling o the highway.
Launch: Sandy entry into water.
Amenities: Porta-potties, grassy rigging area, plenty
of picnic tables
Did you know? When the BNSF railroad widened at
Doug’s Beach, CGWA and the Columbia River Gorge
Commission worked with BNSF to ensure that the site
remained open, and created a $200,000 river access
mitigation fund. CGWA adopted Doug’s Beach, and
hosts work parties there each spring and fall.
16
u
84
Exit 76
1/2 mile
Rowena River Rd.
30
Launching &
Rigging
ROWENA, OR
With paved parking, grass to rig on and lots of fun
people, Rowena can get crowded on a summer
weekend. Water can be choppy with small swells
o the beach; for better swells, launch and sail east.
Camping at Memaloose Campground is very close.
Location: I-84, exit 76
Managed by: Oregon State Parks
Fee: $5/day, $30/season pass
Parking: Ample, but can get crowded during peak
summer days
Launch: Wide but rocky and slippery, especially in
the fall. Booties recommended.
Amenities: Pit toilets, picnic tables,
grassy rigging area
Did you know? CGWA worked hard to help build
this site. Board members and volunteers grabbed
shovels and rakes to help with site construction. The
CGWA and CGKA adopted this park in summer 2012.
15
un
K
3/4 mile
Kite
Area
Rigging &
Launching
Portway Ave
EVENT SITE, OR
Very user-friendly. Be sure to check out the safety
zone signs before launching. Congestion close to
shore can be overwhelming. Best to launch and sail
upwind to less crowded waters.
Location: I-84, exit 63
Managed by: Port of Hood River
Fee: $5/day, $50/season pass. Fees are likely to
increase in the 2013 summer season.
Parking: Ample and paved. Curb parking along red
and yellow strips is not allowed.
Launch: Grassy rigging area becomes rocky close to
water. Booties recommended to protect feet from
sharp rocks and debris.
Amenities: Grassy rigging area, ush toilets, cables
to prevent sails from blowing away.
12
n
K
Exit 97
1/2 mile
Launching
Rigging
84
CELILO, OR
Once home to Celilo Falls and the crossroads and
trading hub for native communities. The falls are
now submerged under the river, after construction
of The Dalles Dam in 1957. River is not wide here
and it can get very choppy. Often windy here when
other spots aren’t. Beware of barges coming from
the east as they round a corner. They are not visible
until they are only about 1000 feet away.
Location: I-84, exit 97
Managed by: Oregon State Parks
Fee: Free
Parking: Ample
Launch: Easy
Amenities: One of the best grassy rigging areas
in The Gorge
17
n
Rigging &
Launching
1/2 mile
gravel road
Maryhill
THE WALL, WA
Narrow reach makes for large swells and often swift
current (especially in spring and early summer).
Close enough to go to for an afternoon session, but
with the perk of eastern Gorge conditions. Wind
tends to be less gusty than in central corridor.
Location: East of Maryhill park, on road to
community of Maryhill
Managed by: Corps of Engineers
Fee: Free
Parking: Several parking areas along road and into
shore area
Launch: Varies depending on location. Drive along
the gravel road to see the dierent options.
Amenities: Very rustic. Porta-potty available.
19
uu
84
97
Rigging
Launching
1/2 mile
Avery Rd
MARYHILL, WA
Set up camp and launch from your camp site. Great
place for recreation and wine tasting. Launch puts
you right into the thick of it. Swells can be big on
the Oregon side. Current is swift; don’t drift past the
campground.
Location: SR-14, just east of the Biggs Bridge
Managed by: Washington State Parks
Fee: Free day use area, overnight rates vary by use
Parking: Ample
Launch: Smooth river rock
Amenities: Flush toilets, overnight campground,
changing rooms, grassy rigging area, picnic tables
and shelters, grills
18
un
K
Exit 109
1/2 mile
Rigging &
Launching
Rock Beach Ln.
84
RUFUS, OR
If you are sailing east of Maryhill you are sailing
advanced waters with limited access and exit
options. Rufus can have some of the biggest swells
in the Gorge; if your skills are up for the challenge
you may never want to leave. Give kiters room on
east end; windsurng is best just west of the river
rock berm.
Location: I-84, exit 109
Managed by: Corps of Engineers
Fee: Free
Parking: Ample
Launch: Round, small rocks, some sand, short
bank to scale
Amenities: Vault toilets.
20
un
K
Exit 137
3/4 mile
Rigging &
Launching
84
ARLINGTON, OR
When wind shifts to the eastern corridor, Arlington
oers great swell and a wide reach. Tricky launch
and advanced water conditions are suitable for
competent sailors only.
Location: I-84, exit 137
Managed by: City of Arlington
Fee: Free
Parking: Ample
Launch: The City of Arlington has revamped the
ramp to the shoreline, but remains challenging due
to erosion at the water level.
21
u
K
Launching &
Rigging
1 mile
Roosevelt Ferry Rd.
ROOSEVELT, WA
Great, free camping, free launching, and some of
the nicest wind and water conditions in the Gorge
when the wind moves east. Steady wind, no chop,
rolling swells on the far side of the river.
Location: SR-14, near milepost 133
Managed by: Corps of Engineers
Fee: Free
Parking: Ample, except during peak camping
weekends
Launch: Sandy launch is nice, but beware of small
thorns in the grass. Wade past wind shadow before
beachstarting.
Amenities: Picnic area, ush toilets and showers,
overnight camping in parking lot (tent campers
beware of sprinklers going on in the middle of the
night).
22
un
K
Exit 151
1 mile
Rigging &
Launching
Protected Sailing
84
3MILE, OR
A long drive, but well worth it. Very wide section of
river, always sail with a buddy. When conditions are
right, the wind & water here is unlike any place in
the Gorge. Only head into the main channel if your
skills are advanced or expert.
Location: I-84, Exit 151
Managed by: Corps of Engineers
Fee: Free
Parking: Several areas. Camping and parking for
lagoon at main lot. Follow dirt road southwest from
this lot toward freeway through brush, which turns
to west and ends at base of west jetty.
Launch: Semi-enclosed lagoon is great for begin-
ners. Outside of the lagoon, expect huge, rolling
swells on moderate wind conditions, more severe
on high winds.
Amenities: Porta-potties at main lot, none at
west lot
23
un
K
Columbia Gorge Windsurng Association
www.GorgeWindsurng.org
We need people like you—enthusiastic
windsurfers who want to enhance
Gorge beaches, host kids programs and
community events, and be on top of the
latest Gorge windsurng news. Learn
more about our initiatives and strategies
at www.GorgeWindsurng.org. Become a
member and show your support for Gorge
windsurng!
Individual $25
Family $35
Business $100
Extra Donation $______
TOTAL $______
Pay online at
www.GorgeWindsurng.org
.
Or mail this form and a check to CGWA,
PO Box 182, Hood River OR 97031.
The Columbia Gorge Windsurng Association is a
member-based 501.c.3 nonprot organization in Hood
River, Oregon, dedicated to enhancing the windsurng
experience in the Columbia River Gorge.
Join Now!
14
Launching &
Rigging
E. Marina Way
E. Bingen Point Way
1/2 mile
BINGEN, WA
This is an uncrowded mellow site. Wind shadow
close to shore. Water is at with small chop. Wind
strength and consistency impacted by the Hood
River bridge posts. Good intermediate location.
Watch for barge trac close to shore.
Location: SR 14 milepost 62
Managed by: Port of Klickitat
Fee: Free
Parking: Ample
Launch: Large grassy area for rigging or tossing
around a Frisbee. Gravel ramp slopes into water;
sizeable wind shadow close to shore.
Amenities: Porta-potties
Did you know? CGWA served on a citizen’s advi-
sory committee prior to construction of launch site.
13
n
