Introduction
These pages were created in response to a CGWA membership priorities survey that indicated we need to spend a large amount of our effort on improving river access for windsurfing.
It is worth mentioning that this is not intended to be a windsurfing guide. It won't tell you the best places to sail at certain times of the year. For that type of information and more, please refer to the "Gorge Sailing Guide", compiled by Windance. It is a very comprehensive list of places to windsurf in the Gorge, with photos, descriptions, and directions. You can also check out the CGWA Windsurfing Links page for links to web sites that provide windsurfing and weather information. We do provide a general reference of the most popular windsurfing sites, with clickable links to web pages providing more details about the status of each windsurfing site.
Main Purpose
One of the main purposes of these pages is to provide historical and current data on what has and is happening with access in the Columbia Gorge. More importantly, we would like to have input from anyone who has ideas on windsurfing site development or is willing to help with site development. We have made a list of things that need to be done at each site, but there are probably many other suggestions for improvements that we have not thought about.
The Association will not be taking on each and every site immediately but, over time, depending on the interest or the importance of the situation (storm damage, etc) CGWA will tackle almost anything. Site coordinators (CGWA members) have been or will be designated at each specific location with the purpose of being a liaison between the property owners and the CGWA to maintain these sites and/or make desired improvements.
Major Projects
Each site page describes the major projects being undertake at that site.If you prefer a visual tour of some of the completed projects then check out the Projects Photos in the Photo Gallery. The photos are also included in the Site List pages.
Park Passes and Parking Fees Information
Having a place to park your vehicle is just as important as having access to the river. Several different agencies require parking or day-use passes while at their site. In most cases seasonal passes are also available. See Parking Pass information.
Eastern Sites
April 2003- Due to lack of funding for maintenance, the US Army Corps of Engineers will not be able to place vault toilets at eastern sites this year. It is hoped that funding will improve next year.
Do you have ideas?
We would like to hear from you. Is there something that a particular site needs: a road, more parking, bathrooms? Does any CGWA member possess the expertise to help improve a site? Does any CGWA member own equipment or products that could be used to improve a site? Do you have updated details for a site, such as who owns the property? Would you be willing to organize a work party for a particular site?
We can't do it without your help!
We hope to continue our successful efforts with work parties, but also recruit some windsurfers to do the front end work necessary to establish new sites, especially in the parts of the Gorge that are overcrowded.
Funding for these improvements is always needed! Contact Katie Crafts at 541-386-9225, e-mail: cgwa@gorge.net or make a donation today.