The Columbia River Gorge acts as a natural wind tunnel. The Gorge is approximately 80km long and cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range, creating a pressure differential that produces reliable westerly winds from May through September. According to Columbia Gorge Wind Report, average summer winds range from 15-30 knots, with thermal enhancement peaking between 1-6 PM.
The river current flows west at 1-3 knots, while the wind blows east. This opposing current helps riders stay upwind easily, making it an ideal spot for learning to foil and progressing to river swell riding.
Detailed Wind & Conditions Chart
| Month | Wind Days | Avg Wind Speed | Peak Hours | Air Temp | Water Temp | Wetsuit | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2-4 days | 10-18 kts | Variable | 5°C | 6°C | Drysuit | Expert |
| February | 3-5 days | 10-20 kts | Variable | 8°C | 6°C | Drysuit | Expert |
| March | 8-10 days | 12-22 kts | 12-5 PM | 12°C | 8°C | 5/4mm + hood | Advanced |
| April | 12-15 days | 14-24 kts | 12-6 PM | 16°C | 10°C | 4/3mm + boots | Intermediate |
| May | 18-22 days | 16-26 kts | 12-6 PM | 20°C | 12°C | 4/3mm | All Levels |
| June | 24-27 days | 18-28 kts | 1-7 PM | 24°C | 14°C | 4/3mm or 3/2mm | All Levels |
| July | 26-29 days | 20-30 kts | 1-7 PM | 30°C | 18°C | 3/2mm | All Levels |
| August | 25-28 days | 20-28 kts | 1-7 PM | 30°C | 19°C | 3/2mm | All Levels |
| September | 18-20 days | 16-24 kts | 12-5 PM | 24°C | 16°C | 3/2mm or 4/3mm | All Levels |
| October | 10-12 days | 14-22 kts | 11-4 PM | 16°C | 12°C | 4/3mm | Advanced |
| November | 4-6 days | 12-20 kts | Variable | 10°C | 10°C | 5/4mm + hood | Expert |
| December | 2-4 days | 10-18 kts | Variable | 6°C | 8°C | Drysuit | Expert |
Data compiled from iWindsurf and The Gorge is My Gym historical records.
Primary Spots
The Hook (Hood River Marina)
A protected lagoon created by a breakwater. Perfect for beginners with flat water and easy beach access. Wind is slightly lighter here (subtract 3-5 knots from main channel readings). Free parking at the marina. Note: Sailboats have right of way; stay clear of the entrance channel.
The Event Site
The main launch for experienced riders. Strong current, river swell up to 1.5m in 25+ knot winds. Side-shore wind. Parking €5-8/day. Hot showers available. This is where most rental centers are based.
The Hatchery (Underwood, Washington Side)
Massive river swells for advanced wave riding. Cross the bridge to Washington. Less crowded than Oregon side. Wind wraps around the point; expect gusty conditions. Launch from the boat ramp.
Alternative Spots
Stevenson (Washington)
15 minutes east. Works when Hood River is too windy (30+ knots). Protected bay offers gentler conditions with consistent 18-22 knots.
Mosier (Oregon)
25 minutes east. Lighter wind spot (12-18 knots) for big boards and light wind gear. Beautiful scenery, free parking.
Rufus (Oregon)
1 hour east. Desert conditions, warmer water (add 3-5°C), flatter river. Less consistent but worth it on big wind days when the main Gorge is maxed out.
Best Time to Visit
Optimal: July and August. Nearly guaranteed wind (26-29 days/month), warmest water (18-19°C), long daylight hours (sunset at 8:30 PM). Book accommodation 3-4 months in advance.
Budget: June or September. Excellent wind probability (75-80%), cheaper accommodation (30% less than peak), fewer crowds.
Experienced only: April-May for cold water training, October for autumn colors and lighter crowds.
Freshwater Buoyancy
Critical Note: River water is fresh, making it approximately 2.5% less buoyant than saltwater (Science of Buoyancy - NOAA). You will need a slightly larger board (add 8-12L) compared to your ocean setup. Most riders use 90-110L boards in the Gorge versus 75-95L in saltwater.
Gear Strategy
Bring or Buy. Oregon has no sales tax. Many riders fly to Portland and buy gear at Hood River shops (Big Winds, Gorge Performance), saving 8-10% compared to California or Washington. If bringing gear, ship boards ahead via BikeFlights to avoid airline fees.
Recommended Quiver: 4.5m and 5.5m wings cover 75% of summer conditions. Board: 90-100L for most riders.
Accommodation & Dining
Hotels & Lodges
- Luxury: Columbia Cliff Villas - Spectacular views, condos with kitchens. $250-400/night.
- Mid-Range: Hood River Hotel - Historic downtown hotel, walkable to restaurants. $140-220/night.
- Budget: Vagabond Lodge - Clean, simple, blocks from Event Site. $80-120/night.
Vacation Rentals
VRBO Hood River offers many options. Expect $150-300/night for 2-bedroom units in summer.
Camping
- Viento State Park - Right on the river, $20-35/night. Reserve Oregon
- Tucker County Park - Washington side, less crowded. $25-40/night.
Restaurants
- Solstice Wood Fire Cafe - Farm-to-table, excellent pizza. $15-25/meal. Visit Solstice
- Double Mountain Brewery - Local favorite, great beer and pizza. $12-20/meal.
- Sixth Street Bistro - Upscale dining, fresh Columbia River fish. $25-40/meal.
- Boda's Kitchen - Healthy wraps and bowls. $10-15/meal.
Schools & Rentals
Full-Service Centers
- Big Winds: The Gorge institution since 1984. IKO certified instructors. Private lessons $100/hour, 2-day beginner course $450. Rentals: Wing + Board $85/day, wetsuit included. Weekly package $425. Visit Big Winds
- Cascade Kiteboarding/Wingfoiling: Specialized foil coaching, small group lessons. 3-hour session $250 (includes gear). Advanced river swell clinics available. Visit Cascade
- Gorge Performance: Premium gear rental and sales. Duotone, Cabrinha, Naish inventory. Rental $80/day (wing + board). Visit Gorge Performance
Rental Only
- Hood River Waterplay: Budget rentals. Wings from $40/day, boards $35/day. Weekly rates $200 (wing + board). Visit Waterplay
Travel Logistics
Getting There:
- Portland International Airport (PDX): 100km, 1h15min drive. Car rental recommended.
- Direct shuttle service: Columbia Gorge Express runs from PDX to Hood River ($20 one-way).
Transport:
- Car rental: Budget $40-60/day. Essential for accessing multiple spots.
- Local bike rentals available for getting around town.
Barge Traffic: Barges use the Columbia River as a commercial waterway. They have right of way and cannot stop quickly. Stay 200m clear of barge traffic. Columbia River Barge Safety.
Local Rules & Etiquette
- Right of way rules: Starboard tack has priority. Riders on waves have priority. Kitesurfers need more space; give them wide clearance.
- The Event Site fills up on peak summer weekends. Arrive early (before 11 AM) to secure parking.
- Check Washington or Oregon regulations depending on which side you launch from.
- Wind picks up after 1 PM. Morning sessions require bigger wings (add 1-1.5m²).
Resources
- iWindsurf Gorge Conditions - Real-time wind readings from multiple sensors
- Columbia Gorge Wind Report - Live conditions and webcams
- Hood River Event Site Webcam - Live view of the Hatchery/Event Site
- Gorge Wind Forecast - The legendary "Temira's Forecast"
- Port of Hood River - Bridge traffic and rules
- Hood River County Tourism
- Wind Alert Gorge - SMS wind alerts