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Map › Hood River / Columbia Gorge › Stevenson, WA

Spot · tier 3 · USA

Stevenson, WA

A Washington-side Gorge town about 30 miles west of Hood River where Bob's Beach is a popular windsurf/kite launch; the river widens into a straight reach here that funnels dependable wind, offering a quieter, comparatively mellower alternative to the busier Oregon-side spots.

beginnerfoil

View from Stevenson south over the Columbia River and Bridge of the Gods, the gorge scenery
View from Stevenson south over the Columbia River and Bridge of the Gods, the gorge scenery — LegalTech / CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Similar Columbia River gorge view from Stevenson
Similar Columbia River gorge view from Stevenson — LegalTech / CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Wind

best months
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
season notesPrevailing westerlies average 15-25 mph in the warm season, with occasional strong easterly gap winds during winter weather events.
avg knots13-22
wind nameGorge gap/funnel wind
direction to shorewesterly-dominant
qualitysteady

Water

typemixed
temp summer c18
temp winter c6
wetsuitshorty or 3/2mm through summer
tidesnone (river)
currentsriver current

Levels

beginneryes
intermediateyes
advancedno
notesComparatively mellow afternoon winds relative to Rufus/the Event Site make it a favorite for beginners and foilers avoiding the crowds.

Launch & crowd

descriptionBob's Beach on the north bank of the Columbia, within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
busy months
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
vibequiet, uncrowded compared to Hood River

Hazards

Travel basics

airportPDX (Portland International)
getting therecar, about 30 miles west of Hood River, WA side of the river
accommodationHood River or Stevenson-area lodging
cost levelmid

Nearby: Hood River Event Site (Columbia Gorge Sailpark), Viento State Park

Sources: en.wikipedia.org · iksurfmag.com