Hi Jake,
Safe places to Kite? Hmmm, a lot of people Kite the Sand bar which is just now making
an appearance, after some very high water, and there's currently a movement a foot
to make the Event Site a Kiting also location, but just be aware that there are a lot
of Kiters there. Other places which are popular are Rufus and the launch between The Boat
Ramp and Bob's Beach in Stevenson.
The Vagabond Hotel is a nice place to stay and
reasonable, if you can get a room up at the top with a view it's pretty spectacular.
September is usually good until about mid month, then a little more iffy after that.
The water actually stays pretty warm though September (and October) near 70 degrees.
One of the unique things about the Gorge, is that it has enough current to develop good swells,
but if you've never spent time with current, it's a different experience. If you're down in the
water, even at low current locations, you're going to travel away from your launch.
It is an amazing place, and quite windy, but for beginner Kiters, I'm not sure how friendly
it is. Maybe somebody who is a recent convert like Dave Griffiths or Jim Hornbeck, could
chime in with real experience.
Other physical things to do: Bike, kayak, hang glide, SUP, hike, Summer Snow Ski (some years).
Or, you can sample various wines, and micro brew beers.
It's all good in the Hood.
-Craig
Jake-wright wrote:hi everybody, I've never been to the Columbia river gorge before and from what i hear its quite the place. I'm trying to talk my wife into an anniversary trip up there so i could at least see it and hopefully kite there. What are your opinions on a safe location to kite, nice place to stay, and also is September a good month for wind up there? i assume the water is quite cold by then, but I'd brave it if it is do-able.