Gorge Snow Kiting spots

kmorgan · Since 03 Jan 2013 1 Posts Vancouver New Member

Has anyone been to the honey spot or The Dalles Mtn? or even around Mt hood. Looking for a day trip snow kiting spot from Portland.

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

Join the club haha! I haven't snowkited anywhere around here but I know some people have. So far most spots I've heard of require a Sno-mo but I'm sure there are some goods to be had somewhere...

Sella · Thu Jan 03, 13 4:45 pm

Conditions must be just right to hit it. This photo from the HR News by Adam LaPierre on 12/28 was quite tasty.

Rider is gorge local Todd Anderson on the east hills of the Hood River Valley.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1773 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

Looks like he's about 300 feet up!

forrest · Fri Jan 04, 13 10:08 am

There is the occasional snow kiting to be had, but there are a lot more options in Goldendale.

undertow · Since 15 Feb 2008 371 Posts BeaversBurg Obsessed

Car access, or sled?

forrest · Sat Jan 05, 13 9:51 pm

Well, sled for sure... But there are lots of snowy fields. The hard part is the wind, and getting to an area that is exposed enough. The nice thing about that spot that Brad posted near Goldendale is that you could get up there on a cheap old sled.

luke · Since 06 Jul 2005 399 Posts Obsessed

within the Gorge National Scenic Area we have snowkited 10 spots that you drive up to.

Just outside the Scenic Area we've snowkited another 10 drive up spots.

Compared to the summer with limited access and a narrow river, there are huge amounts of snowkite locations here in The Gorge.

Have Fun and see you in the snow.

Very Happy

forrest · Sun Jan 06, 13 5:26 pm

Make a map and prove it! Razz

luke · Since 06 Jul 2005 399 Posts Obsessed

Perfect timing as the grandkids were just heading out the door for a night ski and I love to make maps to help people out.
The map shows the riding spots with the Scenic Area.
In addition outside the Gorge: Glenwood, Centerville, Conboy National Wildlife Refuge, High Prarie Rd., and Indian Rock in Washington
and; Mt. Hood (3 locations), Center Ridge (just east of Dufur), and Grass Valley in Oregon.
Photos of many of the spots have landed in the magazines. An awesome shot of Alex Peterson high above the HR Bridge on Tunnel Road, Aaron Sales in the Simcoes, a few from up on Hood and more.
Lots of good memories snowkiting these spots over the years with friends.
Thanks for reminding me!

WindSki · Since 14 Dec 2012 411 Posts Portland Obsessed

These are all low elevations correct?

Being new I’m avoiding any expert terrain locations as you, in an old thread said are available high on Mt Hood. Any suitable locations up on or by Mt Adams?

From what I have seen / google there are no real access points within the Gorge? Some have said Goldendale, but is this low elevation?

Sella · Sun Jan 06, 13 10:08 pm **Re: Gorge snowkiting**

forrest · Mon Jan 07, 13 2:51 pm **Re: Gorge snowkiting**

Yea, except Indian Rock. 46.015055, -120.852706 is the 5,640 foot butte you'd kite on.

5 mile skin or sled route:
http://goo.gl/maps/I3MV4

You could skin it, and camp up there! There is some wind protection up there in the trees on the ENE side of the butte. How fun would that be! Mini expedition! A GPS with topo (not your phone) is very helpful here.

kt · Since 16 Mar 2005 762 Posts Portland, Or Opinionated

Where were these guys kiting? Looks nice.

http://liquidforcekites.com/snowkiting-in-oregon/

kt

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

Gator · Since 15 Sep 2012 41 Posts Portland

The LiquidForce pics say northern Oregon. I agree about the bat signal. I haven't had a chance to snowkite yet and would love to find a non-expert spot within a few hours of Portland!

strapless101 · Since 17 Aug 2009 82 Posts gorge

looks like 7 mile hill