Cascade Locks, OR

Want to experience “The Gorge”?  Well, Hood River is just too windy and crowded for sailboats.  Instead, we have found a much better venue just down the river (to the west) at Cascade Locks, on the Oregon shore.  Cascade Locks has opened its arms to sailing through the Columbia Gorge Racing Assn., which runs all of the regattas here.Cascade Locks 3

The beach is kind of small, but the sailing is epic.  With a steady 10-15k of breeze you will be assured of a full day’s sail every day.  We usually sail on a westerly coming up the Gorge, but an easterly can be just as likely to develop.  The relatively short width of the Columbia River makes for plenty of tacks and gybes and keeps the action in the center of the race course.

Off the water the town has plenty of bars, restaurants, micro-brews, and sight seeing.  A huge RV and tent camping area is located conveniently next to the launch. Cascade Locks 1There’s also a large grass area for rigging up boats.  Skamania Lodge across the river is a fantastic spot to hangout, as is ane vening trip on the sternwheeler out of Cascade Locks.

This site is rated: Advanced. Strong wind, waves, current, shipping traffic, and kiteboard traffic require competent handling of the boat by crew.

4 thoughts on “Cascade Locks, OR”

  1. If anyone from Fleet 72 goes sailing at Cascade Lock let me know. I would like to join you guys. I launch out of Stevenson boat ramp. It’s much better that launching from the Oregon side. I sail their a lot. I am an advanced Hobie cat sailor. I run double trapped up their. If any thinks Cascade Locks is to hard core and find it to be a bit scary, which it can be. Let me know and you can get on my boat and I will give you a lesson. I’ve been sailing their for 12 years straight. I used to sail their with JP and Jim Woods. I don’t see them their anymore. Anyone know what happen to these guy’s?

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    1. Hi David,
      It’s been a long time since you posted the offer above, are you still sailing a Hobie Cat in the Cascade Locks area? I would definitely be interested in sailing with you, and picking up some pointers.

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      1. Hi Ken,

        Your best bet would be to get down to Eugene Yacht Club on Fernridge Lake this weekend. They are having a big multihull regatta starting Friday night and going through Sunday night. Bring your boat and pick up a crew (or sail it solo). Or go down there and try to catch crew on a boat. Chat it up with all of the other multihull sailors after the racing. It is a great way to enjoy multihull sailing, learn to get better, and generally have a good time.

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