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Beacon Rock / Columbia River kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
United States · Washington
Overview
Beacon Rock is a kitesurfing spot on the Columbia River in the western part of the Gorge, on the Washington side. Located at the base of the iconic Beacon Rock basalt monolith (the second-largest monolith in the world), this spot sits where the Gorge narrows, accelerating thermal winds. The body of water is the Columbia River with sometimes strong current. Advanced level recommended due to gusts and current. Spectacular setting in the Gorge's temperate rainforest.
Spot forecast for Beacon Rock / Columbia River
Sunrise 07:31 · Sunset 18:13
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Beacon Rock / Columbia River: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
327h
in July · 28.5 rideable days
The season runs from April to September, peaking in July: 25 rideable days a month and 327 hours of usable wind, at 23 °C. The low point is January, at 6.5 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 97% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is January, at 6 °C. The wettest month is December, with 384 mm.
Monthly averages: Beacon Rock / Columbia River
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.5 | 52 h | 6 °C | 302 mm |
| February | 8.0 | 63 h | 8 °C | 207 mm |
| March | 15.5 | 116 h | 13 °C | 128 mm |
| April | 19.5 | 182 h | 16 °C | 57 mm |
| May | 25.5 | 247 h | 19 °C | 47 mm |
| June | 27.5 | 306 h | 24 °C | 30 mm |
| July | 28.5 | 327 h | 28 °C | 1 mm |
| August | 24.5 | 218 h | 26 °C | 20 mm |
| September | 22.5 | 181 h | 23 °C | 6 mm |
| October | 14.0 | 82 h | 16 °C | 122 mm |
| November | 9.5 | 59 h | 10 °C | 224 mm |
| December | 11.5 | 86 h | 9 °C | 384 mm |
Photo gallery of Beacon Rock / Columbia River
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Beacon Rock / Columbia River spot
The spot works with winds from SW, WSW, W, WNW.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Required level
- Advanced
On the water
River riding on the Columbia with cool fresh water (11-17°C/52-63°F in summer). A 3/2 to 4/3mm wetsuit depending on season. Chop formed by powerful thermal winds in this narrow section. Strong river current, especially in spring. Rocky bottom. The Gorge creates a Venturi effect accelerating wind and chop.
Hazards
Narrow Gorge section with very strong and gusty thermal winds. Powerful Columbia current that can carry riders downstream quickly. Submerged rocks along the shores. Barge and tugboat traffic. Cliff effect creating turbulence and downdrafts. The combination of strong wind + strong current makes this spot technical. Cold water in spring.
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WB7UVH Washougal10.6 km
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Bonneville Dam8.3 km
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Webcams near Beacon Rock / Columbia River
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