The windsurfing capital of North America. Real-time wind forecasts for Hood River and the Columbia Gorge — North America's windsurfing and kitesurfing mecca.
2 spots · 2-week forecast · Updated hourly
Sign up free to add your own spots & set wind preferencesLive wind readings and the 7-day windsurfing outlook for 2 spots in Hood River. Wind speeds are in knots, temperatures in °C, and all times are local to the spot. Daily figures cover the sailable window between 08:00 and 20:00. Last updated Aug 13, 2026, 9:44 AM UTC.
Right now at 02:00 local: 4 knots from the SE (129°), gusting 4 knots, air 19°C. SE is a poor wind direction for this spot.
| Day | Wind | Gusts | Direction | Peak | Air | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Aug 13 | 7 kt | 13 kt | WNW (294°) | 18:00 | 33°C | 4% |
| Fri, Aug 14 | 10 kt | 20 kt | WNW (294°) | 18:00 | 35°C | 5% |
| Sat, Aug 15 | 11 kt | 18 kt | W (272°) | 17:00 | 32°C |
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Hood River sits in the Columbia River Gorge, a sea-level gap that cuts through the Cascade Range. When the high desert east of the mountains heats up and a marine layer cools the coast, the pressure differential funnels westerly air down the gorge, often accelerating to 25-35 knots on a typical summer afternoon, and 40+ on the windiest days. Mornings are usually calm and the wind builds through the day, peaking from early afternoon to early evening. Strong easterlies ("east winds") happen too, mostly in spring and fall, and bring different conditions to different launches.
Hood River's most iconic launch and the easiest place to start. Big grassy rigging area, sandy beach, and a designated learning zone. Westerly wind blows side-onshore. Gets crowded mid-summer.
Three miles east of Hood River. Famous for swell and ramps, side-shore westerly wind, and committed conditions. Strong river current and big waves on windy days. Not a learner spot.
About 25 minutes east of Hood River, often the windiest spot in the gorge. The funnel narrows here and gusts can be brutal. Best on days when the rest of the gorge is light.
On the Washington side near Bingen, named for the swell that builds when the wind opposes the river current. Side-shore westerly. Park-and-rig style launch.
Washington side, east of Lyle. Big swell, strong wind, no facilities. A favorite of veteran windsurfers chasing logo-high conditions.
On a typical summer afternoon expect 4.5 to 5.5 m² windsurf sails or 7 to 9 m² kites. Light mornings or shoulder-season days call for 6.0 to 7.5 m² sails or 10 to 12 m² kites. Wingfoilers typically rig 4 to 5 m² in peak season. Water in the Columbia is cold year-round (mid-50s to mid-60s °F in summer), so most riders wear a 3/2 or 4/3 fullsuit, and a hood is common before June and after September.
The Columbia is a working river: barges, fishing boats, and the BNSF rail bridge demand attention. Current runs 2 to 4 knots and combines with wind-driven swell to create steep, square chop. Water is cold enough to be a real hazard if you swim, so always self-rescue with a plan. Late afternoon thermals can build fast and overpower riders who launched in moderate wind.
The Event Site charges a small daily launch fee that funds the park. Parking fills by noon on classic summer days, so arrive early or use the overflow lots. Wind tends to start at the western (downstream) end and fill east through the day. Check the upper gorge sensors (Rowena, Doug's, Maryhill) when the lower gorge is light. The Hood River bridge toll applies if you cross to the Washington side.
| 2% |
| Sun, Aug 16 | 11 kt | 18 kt | W (280°) | 17:00 | 32°C | 1% |
|---|
| Mon, Aug 17 | 12 kt | 19 kt | W (274°) | 15:00 | 32°C | 2% |
|---|
| Tue, Aug 18 | 14 kt | 21 kt | W (273°) | 15:00 | 28°C | 4% |
|---|
| Wed, Aug 19 | 4 kt | 5 kt | SE (131°) | 16:00 | 37°C | 4% |
|---|
Right now at 02:00 local: 8 knots from the WNW (292°), gusting 16 knots, air 20°C. WNW is a good wind direction for this spot.
| Day | Wind | Gusts | Direction | Peak | Air | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Aug 13 | 8 kt | 13 kt | WNW (295°) | 18:00 | 32°C | 4% |
| Fri, Aug 14 | 11 kt | 21 kt | WNW (297°) | 18:00 | 33°C | 6% |
| Sat, Aug 15 | 10 kt | 11 kt | W (269°) | 16:00 | 32°C | 3% |
| Sun, Aug 16 | 10 kt | 13 kt | W (272°) | 15:00 | 32°C | 1% |
| Mon, Aug 17 | 11 kt | 14 kt | W (271°) | 15:00 | 31°C | 2% |
| Tue, Aug 18 | 13 kt | 17 kt | W (273°) | 16:00 | 28°C | 4% |
| Wed, Aug 19 | 4 kt | 8 kt | ESE (103°) | 15:00 | 36°C | 7% |
West end of the gorge, often works on lighter days when the upper gorge is overpowered. Easier launch, less swell.