East Wind Downwinder Question...

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

What are the options for an East wind down winder ending up in Rooster?

Thanks,
R Very Happy

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot

All kinds of options if you have a boat, but if your accessing by land there are 3 I know of. Super, super, secret spot (SSSS) and I'm not going to tell you about that one--it is the longest by at least double.

Dalton Point (boat launch) 3.5 miles or so depending on where one gets out on the Rooster beach. Drive about 1 mile or so east of Dalton point and turn into the Mulnomah Falls parking lot that is inbetween the west and eastbounds lanes of i-84, make the quick 180 degree turn at the west end of the parking lot and now your heading westbound on i-84.

Bridal Veil overpass. About 2.5 miles. Park south of the eastbound i-84 hwy, walk over the overpass and make your way down the bank to the southern shores of the Columbia.

The latter two typically have wind shadowed launches. Dalton has all kinds of rocks hidden in the shallows and probably some broken glass.

There are also takeout points beyond Rooster. If you want to add another mile or so and have someone pick you up at the view spot/historical turnout on the westbound i-84. The view spot bulges out north into the river creating a wind shadow just downwind. West of the view spot is shoreline and beach THIS TIME OF YEAR and or whenever the water levels are low. Same goes for just west of Corbett exit. There are shallows there and beach. Let it be know that the farther west one goes of Rooster, the wind typically drops in MPH. Sometimes Rooster is too much and these areas are just right. These two spots aboveforementioned are best if you have some non-kiting friends to help launch and land. The island across from Corbett exit is sick with shallows and butter, just ask NAK or MARK.

IT is blowing out there right now, probably 9m to 7m sle. I saw some poleboards on the cam.

K2 · Since 30 Apr 2009 274 Posts Hood River, OR Obsessed

Dalton to Rooster, there is a little parking lot called Dalton off of I84 but you can only get to it from the westbound lane on 84 so keep that in mind. Nice little place to pump up your kites and it's a few miles east of Rooster but the wind has always been really flukey at the launch so be cautious.

KP · Since 05 Apr 2011 23 Posts

Did a ten mile? or so from Ainsworth a while back. The land owners at the obvious spot right in Ainsworth, I think it's a campground, were super friendly and open to us parking there and kiting.
The launch sucks!! Rocks everywhere, squirelly wind and MUCH lighter than the big wide river just downwind. But doable with some skills. Much easier today on new kites, I was on a C 9M, launch was 10-12kts, at Rooster it was 35+!!
Of course that was one day, another could be completely different.

Skamaniac · Since 10 Oct 2008 76 Posts Gorge

KP I live across from Ainsworth and yes that wind is typical. Saint Cloud park on the washington side 4 miles east would be a better lauch unless the eastwind has some north in it and as long as the water is low (Gusty lauch but good wind as soon as you get out 100yds). Sandy/muddy lauch and wind will increase typically 10kts at Rooster

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

I'm heading out for a Rooster down-winder. If you would like to join drop me a pm. I'm gonna head over to the spot K2 described around 3ish for a nuketoberfest.

Cheers,
Ron Very Happy

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

Wow, what a terrific day!!! Got to Rooster and nobody was there, wtheck?