Oregon Columbia River Gorge Sailing Sites

From west to east, the Columbia River Gorge is home to many sailing sites. Below are the most commonly sailed locations. If you are new to the Gorge, any of these will be a good place to start - except the east winds sites. 

A more complete list of locations can be found on the Gorge Windsurfing Association website: http://gorgewindsurfing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/VisitorMag_WindSurfing_LowRes.pdf 

Rooster Rock   Oregon Columbia River Gorge

Located on the Oregon side, about 25 mn east of Portland, this is an East wind site best in the fall. Spring east winds are strong too but don't quite have as much umph as fall east winds. Best when water ... Read More

Season	Wind	Best for	Most suited for
October-April	East	Flat Water, Bump & Jump	Windsurfing, Kiting

Stevenson   Oregon Columbia River Gorge

Located on the Washington side, in the middle of the Columbia Gorge corrider. Cross over from I84 over the Bridge of the Gods which will take you 140 feet above the river, kind of cool. Primarily ... Read More

Season	Wind	Best for	Most suited for
Year Round	West & East	Flat Water	Windsurfing, Kiting

The Hatch   Oregon Columbia River Gorge

Located on the Washington side a few miles west of the Hood River bridge, the Hatchery is the most popular windsurf spot on the Columbia River. For a good reason: it's windy and well exposed, river current ... Read More

Season	Wind	Best for	Most suited for
March - October	West	Swell Riding, Bump and Jump	Windsurfing

Hood River Event Site   Oregon Columbia River Gorge

Located in Hood River, very easy access. If you have never sailed the Columbia Gorge, this should be your first experience. It's where it all begins. Fairly flat and proteted from the chop, wind ... Read More

Season	Wind	Best for	Most suited for
March - October	West (East)	Flat Water	Windsurfing, Kiting

Rowena   Oregon Columbia River Gorge

15 mn east of Hood River on I84. Take the Rowena exit, then make a right after the brige (and after the rail road). Continue to the park. Requires an Oregon Park pass. Bathrooms, grass rigging. ... Read More

Season	Wind	Best for	Most suited for
March - October	West	Swell Riding, Bump and Jump	Windsurfing, Kiting

Lyle Sandbar   Oregon Columbia River Gorge

Park along the road before entering the city of Lyle on the washington side of the river. Watch out when crossing the rail roads. This is a sailing spot for kiters, do not windsurf here. Very ... Read More

Season	Wind	Best for	Most suited for
March - October	West	Flat Water	Kiting

Dougs   Oregon Columbia River Gorge

Great sailing windsurfing spot on the Washington side. Do not kite here, there's no way to launch your kite. Getting there: take the bridge in Hood River, go on Highway 14 about 20 mn. Good ... Read More

Season	Wind	Best for	Most suited for
March - October	West	Swell Riding, Bump and Jump	Windsurfing

The Wall   Oregon Columbia River Gorge

45 mn east of Hood River on the Washington side, very close to Rufus this is a sailing spot for advanced riders and works when clouds are thick in Hood River or when the conditions are just right. Make ... Read More

Season	Wind	Best for	Most suited for
March - October	West	Swell Riding, Big Airs	Windsurfing

Rufus   Oregon Columbia River Gorge

50 mn east of Hood River on the Oregon side, this sailing site can be ripping when the clouds are thick in Hood River. Make the drive if other sites aren't windy. Gravels, easy ... Read More

Season	Wind	Best for	Most suited for
March - October	West	Swell Riding	Windsurfing, Kiting