Wind and water on the Columbia in Hood River
Hood River's setting on the Columbia River is a large part of its reputation. This page gives facts from reference and official sources and points to the agencies that keep the current details.
Why the Gorge is windy
Wikipedia's article on the Columbia River Gorge says the gorge runs more than 80 miles and has walls up to 4,000 feet high. It explains that differences in air pressure on either side of the Cascades create a wind tunnel effect, and that the strong winds draw windsurfers and kiteboarders. Wikipedia's article on Hood River says tourism first boomed after the area was discovered for windsurfing, with kiteboarding more recent, and gives the city the nickname "Windsurfing Capital of the World."
The Port of Hood River and the waterfront
The Port of Hood River is a public agency. Wikipedia says it was founded in 1933. The Port says it operates the Hood River Marina and the waterfront shoreline, and it also oversees the Ken Jernstedt Airfield and the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge.
The Port describes its waterfront as a multi-use area for active and passive enjoyment of the Columbia River. It says Waterfront Park, which the Port donated to the City, is now a multi-use, family-friendly park. It calls its Event Site a world-class site for windsurfing, limited kiteboarding and events, with water access. Other waterfront places on its page include:
- The Hook, with a protected cove for beginning windsurfing lessons.
- The Spit, a popular kiteboarding spot where the Port warns that strong currents and unpredictable changes in water depth require extreme caution.
- Nichols Basin, a protected cove, beach and launch site for small non-motorized watercraft.
- Marina Park, with lawn, beaches and trails.
The Port also says extreme caution is required at the Hood River confluence. Anyone new to the river should read the Port's waterfront page before going out.