Stay connected in the wind. This forum is for anyone who rides the wind, winter or summer, on whatever board suits their fancy. Share the stoke, find out where people are going, ask any question, share your discoveries, and discuss any esoteric idea you may have related to the pursuit of wind. Please keep it positive.
I'm going out o the gorge with Marc July 23 to 29: my first time! We are flying out, renting a panel van and were going to camp somewhere...anyone recommend a good (close) campground? What is "Tuckers Park"?
I am really looking forward to going...as I skipped out of work for a few hours to sail (8.5 conditions !) I realized i haven't sailed anything less than a 6.6 this season. The wind hasn't been THAT bad, but my timing has. So heres hoping for sumthin' better!
wow, not sure why there haven't been more responses to this one.
There are numerous places to camp, on the river or close by. The only downfall of camping down near the river is that there is a highway on both sides and trains on one side, so the noise is sometimes a bit more than you'ld find in other places. Having said that I have camped at MaryHill and sailed right out of my campsite before breakfast, come in eaten breakfast and went back out...very cool.
Tucker is a very nice campsite about 5 miles from the town of Hood River between the town and Mount Hood. It is on the Hood River, which runs quite fast and musically amoungst the evergreens. Other than the river, it is quite and restfull.
There are also numerous other places along the Gorge, which is some 100 miles long. Tucker is also somewhat centrally located which helps, since you will most likely find yourself heading to different spots along the Gorge depending upon wind.
It has been a few years since I ended my yearly pilgramage to the Gorge, so I am probably not the best one to advise. I know Tucker is great, though I will let others comment on other spots. I hope to get back soon.
Thanks, Tighe -
There DO seem to be a lot of options, but I was trying to figure out the subtleties based on web info...not easy always: you get most of the idea but lose out on one critical aspect (like Trucks barrelling by your tent site at all hours!)
Tucker - no train noise, sound of the Hood River, nice set up - and right about now a whole lotta Minnesoooodans.
Viento - easy trip into Hood River, nice facilities, you can sail right from the park, the trains will wake you up every time they come through with their horns blaring at 3 am.
Memaloose - East of HR. I've heard it's a nice set up and not as noisy train-wise.
MaryHill - I second Tighe's comments. The only down side is if you're getting a lot of wind in the Corridor you might be driving West quite to get to the wind. Then again, if it's blowing out East your in a good location.
Here's the deal on Tucker (541-386-4477). They said first come, first served, but also said it should be easy to find a spot when we arrive mid week next week. It is on "B" 4 miles south of Hood River. (they have showers, as if you are not gonna get wet enough otherwise.)
Tucker Park is a good starting point because it is central and quiet. After a day or so you will be so tired you can sleep "on" the tracks which run on both sides of the river.
I have a van and I don't cook in camp so I can camp almost anywhere. Saturday it was windy out east(50 miles east of HR) so I slept at the Wall. I like the Wall because you get the full Gorge atmosphere there and I like to leave the city behind. The wind shook my van all night and I woke up looking at the white caps on the river.
If you go the free route there are coin showers at Maryhill, Peach Beach, and the Hood River marina.
Get a Gorge Guide at Windance. Check the wind on their computer. Be flexible and try not to over plan. The wind can show up anywhere within a 150 miles of HR. As a rule of the thumb the swells get better the farther east you go. Like Jim Oakes, a MN transplant says, 3 mile Canyon 90 miles east of HR has swells almost as good as Mill Lacs. Make it an adventure and have fun.
If you stay at 3 mile canyon, watch out for packrat attacks at night.. A friend and I had them invade our van one memorable night. Apparently they live in the riprap, as thats where the hoards escaped to when we woke up in the morning. They're as big as squirrels!
Make it an adventure and have fun.