New Wind - The Columbia River Gorge

...:: T H E.. G O R G E ::

Sites in the Gorge
As a world-renowned outdoor recreation Mecca, the Columbia River Gorge is an ideal place to pursue all levels of kiteboarding. As the only sea-level passageway through the Cascade mountain range, the Columbia River Gorge forms a natural wind tunnel that accelerates the wind providing an amazing variety of wind strengths and water conditions. The west winds that the Gorge is famous for are primarily driven by the pressure differential created when the warm desert inland draws the cool marine air of the pacific coast through the Gorge. When the west winds occasionally take a break, the easterly winds in the western Gorge come to save the day providing an unbelievable number of kiteable days.

Although the Gorge is windy year round, the best months for kiteboarding are May through October. If you are planning a vacation, June through September is the most consistent. River and wind conditions do change daily, however, the right conditions for your ability level can be found somewhere, regardless of the day.

The following site listings and descriptions are to help you choose where to kiteboard in the Gorge. You will find information on what to expect of the wind and water conditions, recommended ability level, directions, amenities, launch conditions, downwind retrieval sites, and tips regarding site specific protocols and cautions for each specific area. Sites are listed from west to east and photographs are included where available.

*Note: This is not a complete list. We have tried to include sites where we have launched or where other Gorge kiters frequent. It will be updated as new and existing launches become frequented by kiteboarders. As always, respect other water users and before kiteboarding in the Gorge, please read the Gorge Safety Guidelines and Protocols.

Top Spots
Stevenson
The Sandbar (Kite Beach)
The Hook
Rufus
Roosevelt

Call us if you want to get the scoop on the latest hot-spots.