Central Gorge

Over the millennia, the Columbia River has shaped a wide gorge through the Cascade Mountains on its way to the Pacific. It not only marks the state line between Washington and Oregon but also forms a wind tunnel conveying air masses between the moist, cool Pacific and dry, hot backcountry. In summer, an amazing combination of westerly winds and opposing river current allows permanent beam reaches over some nice river swell. Windsurfers descended on the Gorge in the ’80s and have recently been joined by as many kiters, but the local blend of hippy lifestyle and industrial melting pot remains intact. Altogether there are over 50 spots on the Columbia River Gorge, but the core area is between Stevenson and The Dalles.