Oregon Tips: Coast and Gorge ?

[Jason]

Hey Fellow Junkies,

We are going on a family vacation to take the kids to the Oregon coast.  I'm looking for tips for kite locations that any of you have kited and recommend.  We don't have any definitive plans, but will likely start near Astoria and end up at Crater Lake after 4 or 5 days.  We're probably just passing through the gorge on the way there so maybe time for a session somewhere.  I've never kited there either.

How about SUP locations for the kids?  Thanks!  Jason

PS  I was able to get an hour on Bear Lake a few days ago.  Definitely a spectacular spot to kite and I must go back.

[Jason Brickner]

We are at Manzanita now. Been windy 4 out of 5 days. Had to take a break today.  Tired. Best place on the north coast for kiting. Problem is, when it’s windy, it too cold on the beach for everyone else.  Windchill. 

Hopefully someone comments on Floras Lake in the south. 

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From: kiteboa...@googlegroups.com <kiteboa...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Jason <jasonw...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 4:44:28 PM
To: kiteboardidaho <kiteboa...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Oregon Tips: Coast and Gorge ?

 

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[Thomas Cavaiani]

I have been to Floras Lake a number of times.  It is a great spot for kiting and learning to kite.  Very consistent wind and much warmer (5 to 10 degrees) than the northern coast.  The lake is just inland from the Pacific Ocean so it gets the same wind, but is quite protected, shallow, and sandy.

The Curry County campground is just above the Lake.  Probably best to book a spot ahead of time because it is quite a popular area for kiters and windsurfers.

Will Brady and his sons run a concession on the lake, rent windsurfing gear, and give lessons for windsurfing, kiting, foiling, and efoiling.  If you don't care to rough it at the campground, you can stay at the Floras Lake Bed and Breakfast also run by the Bradys.  There are also a number of rental properties surrounding Floras Lake (check AirBnB).

Bandon is 14 miles to the north and also has accomodations and numerous restaurants.  The only restaurants near Floras Lake are in nearby Langlois, about 3 miles away.  These restaurants have limited hours of operation.  There is a nice little market in Langlois that has a very good selection of groceries.  There is also a liquor store in the market.

Those are some highlights.  One last thing, Floras Lake is about a 3 hour drive from Newport (central coast) and may be longer depending upon the traffic on the coast highway.  If you have never done this drive it is incredibly scenic with lots of things to see along the way.  Well worth spending a couple of days driving. 

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Thomas Cavaiani

[Craig Walker]

Hey Jason, 

Nice pic! Fort Stevens near Astoria can be really good to kite. Nice shallow start then head out to the surf. You can drive down on the beach, set up and go. There is a lake in the park nearby that would be great for the family to SUP too. Fort George Brewery in Astoria has great beer, is dog friendly, and the best fish and chips in town. We go every year.

Enjoy,

Craig

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[Will Hise]

For Hood River, if you've never been and you are kiting (rather than windsurfing or winging), I would recommend doing a day at the Event Site. This is the spot in Hood River, just off the freeway. There is a paid parking lot that is currently about $16 for all day. Worth it if you've got family and are going to just hang out and enjoy the scene. Large grassy area for chatting, watching and pumping, but you can not launch or land from the grass right now. You will cross the stream over to the sand bar where you can finish rigging and launch/land. I know the map shows the sandbar underwater but it's not. It's a very easy spot and you have a lot of options once on the water. You can hit the slider park downwind if you yank your fins. You can hang right around the sandbar. You can ride upwind to the White Salmon bridge area and ride some swell. You can go further upwind to the Hatchery or Swell City. Loads of room.

Just keep your head on a swivel for speed bumps (I mean wingers) or other water users. The downwinders are the hardest to see and they sneak up on you fast! Also, there are barges that come through from both directions and you best get out of their way. There was yet another incident last weekend and the locals are getting worried about repercussions. There are lots of other spots in the Gorge depending on the wind and day, but this is one of the best to start out. Don't forget to look up as you can see 2 volcanos and it's just damn beautiful! 

There's food, coffee, and beer all walking distance from Event Site at the Waterfront Park and lesson shops right there as well for the kids. 

Hope you have a great time! Oregon coast is one of my favorite places in the world to kite! 

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[Jon Bolt]

Around the HR sandbar & event site is usually annoyingly gusty.  Strong & gusty.  Go upwind of Well's Island for smoother stuff....it's where the instructors take students.  There are large shallow areas where students can stand up.

Rufus below the John Day Dam tends to be smoother.  Downriver within view is the Maryhill bridge.  Cross it and there is Peach Beach camping & RV site.  Just up the hill is a pretty much life size, I think, replica of Stonehenge, constructed by a farmer long ago.  Killer views from there.  History of the structure & why he did it is chiseled in the stone and on plaques. Halloween there would be wild I'm sure.:It's a quick side trip off the freeway if you don't have time to kite.

https://www.maryhillmuseum.org/outside/stonehenge-memorial

Also, farther up the hill, the Maryhill Museum of Art is a special attraction:

https://www.maryhillmuseum.org/

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[Thomas Cavaiani]

I agree with Jon.  Maryhill is definitely worth a visit.

Thomas Cavaiani

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