Windsurfing in Oregon

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1. KOBERG BEACH STATE RECREATION SITE on I-84, 3 miles east of Hood River.

Back in 1915 to 1950 -- a large dance hall and outdoor resort existed at Koberg Beach. It was popular amongst The Hood River residents for many years. When the hydroelectric dams went in, the ballroom/dance hall and the beach had to make way for the rising Columbia River. A great exhibit of how it looked then is at the Koberg Beach exhibit at the Hood River County Museum in Hood River.

Koberg Beach is a stop that serves busy westbound motorists on I-84 with a restroom and a stretch break. An enjoyable beach lies behind the great rock hidden away from the busy highway.

Important facts:
There is no fee to use this park. For information, call 1-800-551-6949.

Services

Picnicking Bird watching Fishing
Windsurfing Beach access Waterways
Rock formations Beach Year-round
Restrooms

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2. Mayer State Park Off I-84, 10 mi. W of The Dalles.

This is a beautiful and peaceful lake in the summertime, surrounded by trees. The Lower Mayer State Park from the top of Rowena Crest and enjoy the breathtaking view of the beautiful lake. Both are actually within Mayer State Park.

You get a great view from top of Rowena. The park features swimming, boating, fishing and picnicking. When the spring wildflowers are in bloom, this is one of the most stunning vistas in the Columbia River Gorge. The timing of the bloom varies, but is normally in March/April.

Important info:
$3 daily day-use fee or buy a 12-month permit for $25, or a 24-month permit for $40. These 1- and 2-year permits are good at all state park day-use areas. For more information, call 1-800-551-6949.

Park rates (subject to rate changes; winter, emergency or other closures)
May 1 to September 30
Daily day use: $3
Yearly day use: $25
October 1 to April 30 (Discovery Season)
Daily day use: $3
Yearly day use: $25

Services

Picnicking Boating Fishing
Windsurfing Swimming Beach access
Lake Dunes Restrooms

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3. Memaloose State Park

11 Miles west of the The Dalles, Oregon

The Chinook Indian tribes of the Columbia Gorge used to lay the bones of their dead on open pyres on Memaloose Island in the middle of the Columbia River near The Dalles. Lewis and Clark called it "the Sepulchar Island."

Today, Memaloose State Park is a virtual oasis of beauty in the hottest part of the Columbia River Gorge.

Directions:

If going east on I-84, turn off at exit 76, the Rowena exit. Turn around and go 3 mi. W. to Memaloose. Follow signs that say Memaloose Rest Area.
If going west: No exit sign but follow sign that says Memaloose Rest Area.

When leaving the park, traveling west from park just get on I-84 and go. If traveling east from park, go 3 miles west to Mosier then turn round and get back on I-84.

Services & Amenities:
Distance Less Than 500 Feet
Berry Picking
Drinking Water
Dump Station
Educational Programs
Environmental Programs
Evening Programs
Fire Rings
Firewood Sales
Fishing River
Group Camping
Horseshoe Pitching
Jogging/Running
Junior Ranger Program
Nature Program
Picnic Tables
Showers
Soda Pop
Telephone
Toilet, Accessible
Toilet, Flush

Phone Park for More Information:
Information: (541)478-3008
Project Office: (541)478-3008

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VIENTO STATE PARK

Campground opens March 14, 2008.

Appropriately enough for a park in the blustery Columbia River Gorge, the park's name, pronounced vee-EN-toe, is Spanish for wind. Just an odd coincidence, actually. In this case, the Viento comes from the first letters of three railroad tycoons - Villard, Endicott, and Tollman -who put the first railroad in the area. Where a railroad station once stood is now the home of one of the Gorge's best kept secrets: Viento is a great place to camp! With modern campsites, Viento almost always has a spot available when other campgrounds in the area are full. No reservations are accepted; camping is first-come, first-served. On weekends in the summer, rangers provide interpretive programs. A fully-accessible restroom is located here. Viento is next to a working railroad line and crossing. Visitors and campers can expect to hear train horns throughout the day and night. Interstate 84 also borders the park. Please call the park office at (541) 374-8811, for more information.

Viento has a day-use area with easy access to the Columbia River and some of the best windsurfing in the Gorge. There's a great picnic area right next to a wonderful, babbling creek - just right for skimming stones and soaking sore feet.

A one-mile trail from Viento to Starvation Creek takes you along a section of the Historic Columbia River Highway. Now a hiking trail, there hasn't been auto traffic here in more than 50 years. If you get a chance to visit, imagine an old Ford Model T twisting around the corners!

(981k; full park brochure and map; requires Acrobat)

(386k; just the campground map; requires Acrobat)

Vital stats
Open mid-March through October. Call 800-551-6949 for exact open and closure dates. $3 daily day-use fee or buy a 12-month permit for $25, or a 24-month permit for $40. These 1- and 2-year permits are good at all state park day-use areas.
Campsites are first-come, first-served. 56 electrical, 18 tent (maximum site 30 feet). (541)374-8811 or (800) 551- 6949.

Park rates (subject to rate changes; winter, emergency or other closures)
May 1 to September 30
Electrical/Water hookup: $16
Tent site: $14
Extra vehicle: $5
Daily day use: $3
Yearly day use: $25
October 1 to April 30 (Discovery Season)
Electrical/Water hookup: $12
Tent site: $10
Extra vehicle: $5
Daily day use: $3
Yearly day use: $25

Services

Camping Accessible camping Tent
Electric Showers Playgrounds
Picnicking Fishing Windsurfing
Beach access Hiking trail Forest
Waterways Mountains Waterfalls
Historic resources Historic trails ADA restroom
Restrooms

Rooster Rock & Rooster Rock State Park

Rooster Rock? Doesn't look like one, but I read that pioneer Emma H. Thompson, said "It has not the slightest resemblance to one, but the top offers an admirable place from which to crow.

In this area there are windsurfers, boats, tugs and barges. Rooster Rock is located 22 miles east of Portland.

Rooster Rock is at Rooster Rock State Park. It has three miles of beach and is one of the most popular swimming areas around this area

The Columbia River Gorge is famous for its great winds. You may see windsurfers as well as Multi-colored kites that also "harness the wind".

The park hasVisit Rooster Rock and Rooster Rock State Park

By Sandra Kennedy
For Oregon.com

Does the rock look like a rooster? "It has not the slightest resemblance to one, but the top offers an admirable place from which to crow", wrote pioneer, Emma H. Thompson.

Overseeing the mighty Columbia River, it looks upon windsurfers, boats, tugs and barges. This dark basalt column, "of irregular conical shape" is located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, only 22 miles from Portland.

Rooster Rock is a part of the Rooster Rock State Park. Take a stroll along the river or access its three miles of beach. This is one of the most popular swimming areas near Portland.

The Columbia River Gorge is famed for its wild winds. As white caps swell, windsurfers ride the waves throughout the year. Multi-colored kites also "harness the wind".

The grounds of the state park has picnic tables and benches, shelters for groups. Two-disc golfing is played on a grassy fairway, with nearby shade trees. Playgrounds for the children on the grass.

Rooster Rock State Park
Troutdale, OR

Tips: Three reservable picnic shelters and two reservable day use areas.

Seasons: Open all year.

Hours: 6am to 6pm.

Park Fees: Day use: $3
Annual day use permit: $25 (good at all state park day use areas) *Disabled vets and active military receive free admission but must get an ID first.

Pets: This park has a designated off-leash area. Pets are not allowed on the beach.

Getting there: I-84, 22 miles east of Portland (exit 25).

Nearby Attractions:
La Tourelle Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
Multnomah Falls & Lodge
Crown Point & Vista House
Sheppards Dell & many others!

Call for Information:
Phone: 800-551-6949
Reservations: 800-452-5687
General Information: 503-986-0707

One interesting Historical note for those that love the Oregon Trail...

"... from the appearance of a rock [Rooster Rock] near which we were encamped on the 3rd of November last [in error, see below] I could judge better of the rise of the water than I could at any point below. I think the flood of this spring has been about 12 feet higher than it was at that time; the river is here about 1 1/2 miles wide; it's general width from the beacon rock which may be esteemed the head of tide water, to the marshey islands is from one to 2 miles tho' in many places it is still wider. it is only in the fall of the year when the river is low that the tides are persceptable has high as the beacon rock. [Beacon Rock, see April 9, 1806 entry] ..." [Lewis, April 6, 1806]

Read the entire story at The Volcanoes of Lewis and Clark
April 6 - 8, 1806
Columbia River Gorge - Cottonwood Beach to Shepperd's Dell






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CAPE KIWANDA STATE NATURAL AREA

Cape Kiwanda is part of the Three Capes Scenic Route (along with Cape Meares and Cape Lookout).

Kiwanda is the smallest of the three, but it's one of the best places to experience spectacular wave action. Pacific City is the home of the Pacific Dory Fleet.

South of Cape Kiwanda is the dory boat launching area.

North of Cape Kiwanda to Tierra Del Mar is a stretch of beach popular with picnickers. Kiwanda provides great hang gliding and kite flying opportunities.

Information:
There is no fee to use this park. For information, call 1-800-551-6949.

Services

Picnicking
Wildlife watching
Bird watching
Marine mammal watching
Boating
Boat ramp
Fishing
Windsurfing
Swimming
Beach access
Special events
Nature programs
Interpretive events
Rock formations
Marine
Dunes
Beach
Year-round

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OCEANSIDE BEACH STATE RECREATION SITE
Located in the center of the community of Oceanside, this park offers some of the best agate hunting during the winter season when the sand is stripped away by ocean currents. During the summer season, the park is a popular place to beachcomb, explore tidepools and surf.

The sky above the park is occasionally filled with colorful hang gliders, paragliders and kites.

Vital stats
There is no fee to use this park. For information, call 1-800-551-6949.

Services

Picnicking Wildlife watching Bird watching
Marine mammal watching Fishing Windsurfing
Beach access Rock formations Marine
Beach Year-round Restrooms

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GOVERNOR PATTERSON MEMORIAL STATE RECREATION SITE
Governor Patterson State Park is a beachcomber's delight. ... miles of flat, sandy beach and just a short hike from the mouth of Alsea Bay where you can windsurf, crab, or just watch the seals. Excellent whale and storm watching. Sunsets are beautiful here and it's a great place to take photos.

Vital stats
There is no fee to use this park. For information, call 1-800-551-6949.

Services

Picnicking Wildlife watching Bird watching
Marine mammal watching Windsurfing Beach access
Marine Beach Restrooms

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MURIEL O. PONSLER MEMORIAL STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT
Picnicking with whale watching, beachcombing and a view of the beach. There are approximately five miles of sandy beach with China Creek to the south of the park.

Vital stats
There is no fee to use this park. For information, call 1-800-551-6949.

Services

Picnic places
Wildlife watching
Bird watching
Marine mammal watching
Native plant Fishing
Windsurfing
Beach access
Waterways
Beach Year-round

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NEPTUNE STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT

Benches set on a cliff above the beach give you an excellent view of Cumming Creek, wildlife and the rock-pounding waves. From this location, you can watch for whales, see a variety of birds, sea lions and the occasional deer in the creek. The creek is also a great place to look for agates. At low tide you can walk to the south to see a natural cave and tidepools.

Vital stats
There is no fee to use this park. For information, call 1-800-551-6949.

Services

Picnic areas
Wildlife watching
Bird watching
Marine mammal watching
Native plant
Fishing
Windsurfing
Beach access
Hiking trail
Rock formations
Beach
Interpretation
Interpretive signs
ADA restroom
Year-round

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South Beach

Services & Amenities:
Distance Less Than 500 Feet
Berry Picking

Distance Less Than 1 Mile
Auto Touring/Scenic Rtes
Beachcombing
Jet Skiing
Kite Flying
Metal Detecting
Rent Horses
Rock Hounding/Collecting
Storm Watching
Surfing
Swimming - Ocean
Windsurfing/Sailboarding

Distance Less Than 3 Mile
Airpor
Bay/Sound
Boating
Clam Digging
Dancing
Dock, Accessible
Dock, Boat
Docks, Fishing/Crabbing
Driftwood Collecting
Emergency Services
Fish Cleaning Station
Fishing - Ocean
Fuel, Boats
Fuel, Vehicles
Hospital
Ice Sales
Information Center
Lighthouse - Viewing/Tour
Sail Boating
Scuba Diving
Snorkling
Whale Watching
Alerts and Important Information
Extra vehicles allowed in each campsite at a fee of $5.00 per night. Additional extra vehicles must park in a designated parking area, away from campsites, also at a fee of $5.00 per night.
All sites at South Beach have electricity and water. There are no full hookups. There is a dump station located at the park.

General Rules
Fees and Cancellation
Getting There:
South Beach
5580 S Coast Hwy
Newport OR 97366

Directions to South Beach State Park
On Highway 101, 1 mile south the Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport, 15 miles north of Waldport. Entrance to park is located on west side of Highway 101. Well signed. View Regional MapMap Driving Route
Phone Park for More Information:
Information: (541)867-4715
Project Office: (541)867-4715

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HUMBUG MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
The park and campground are dominated by Humbug Mountain (elevation 1,756 feet) and surrounded by forested hills. The campground enjoys some of the warmest weather on the Oregon coast as the surrounding mountains offer protection from cool ocean breezes. Many visitors enjoy windsurfing and scuba diving. Hiking to the top of Humbug Mountain is a major activity.

Humbug Mountain Trail Guide

(1.2mb; full park brochure and map; requires Acrobat)

(645k; just the campground map; requires Acrobat)

Vital stats
Campsites are first-come, first-served. 32 electrical, 62 tent (maximum site 55 feet); hiker/biker camp. (541)332-6774 or (800) 551- 6949.

NOTE: The dump station is out of service until further notice. The nearest RV waste dump station is at the Chevron in Port Orford (they charge $3 for the service).

Park rates (subject to rate changes; winter, emergency or other closures)
May 1 to September 30
Electrical/Water hookup: $16
Tent site: $14
Hiker/Biker: $4
Extra vehicle: $5
October 1 to April 30 (Discovery Season)
Electrical/Water hookup: $12
Tent site: $10
Hiker/Biker: $4
Extra vehicle: $5

Services

Camping Accessible camping Tent
Electric Showers Hiker/Biker
Wildlife watching Native plant Fishing
Windsurfing Beach access Walking trail
Hiking trail Interpretive events Forest
Wetland Waterways Mountains
Canyons Marine Beach
Interpretation Evening programs Year-round
Restrooms

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PISTOL RIVER STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT
Pistol River State Park is set in the dunes of the southern Oregon coast. The river supposedly got its name when a militia soldier lost his pistol in the river during the infamous Rogue River Indian War. In March of 1856, a decisive battle was fought here.

The dunes and the river system that feeds them are what make this area unique. During the spring and summer months, the dunes actually grow. The river has changed its course numerous times in recent history and pothole ponds attract waterfowl and shorebirds. This is an excellent birding spot. Ocean windsurfing is so good here national championships have been held three years in a row. The beaches and sea stacks are wonderful.

Services

Picnicking Wildlife watching Bird watching
Marine mammal watching Terrestrial mammal watching Native plant
Boating Fishing Windsurfing
Swimming Beach access Horse trail
Walking trail Special events Nature programs
Athletics Interpretive events Forest
Wetland Waterways Rock formations
Marine Dunes Beach
Interpretation Interpretive tours Interpretive signs
Year-round Restrooms

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MONGOLD (DETROIT LAKE)
Mongold Day Use area is 1.5 miles west of Detroit Lake State Park. It's the only public boat launch facility on the lake featuring a swimming area, grass beach, picnic facilities and restrooms. Mongold is a year-round fee area.

Mongold has 58 single car parking spaces and three fully-accessible parking spaces near the swimming area, and another 25 single car parking spaces at the top of the parking lot. There are 120 vehicle/trailer parking spaces, and three that are accessible to people with disabilities.

Overnight parking at Mongold is permitted only when the visitor is camping on Piety Island.

Vital stats
$3 daily day-use fee or buy a 12-month permit for $25, or a 24-month permit for $40. These 1- and 2-year permits are good at all state park day-use areas. For information, call 1-800-551-6949.

Services

Picnicking Boating Boat ramp
Fishing Windsurfing Swimming
Forest Lake Mountains