Overview

The Hatchery is a kitesurfing spot on the Columbia River in the western part of the Columbia River Gorge, near Cascade Locks, Oregon. The name refers to a former fish hatchery in the area. This spot is in the most forested and narrow gorge section, where the Venturi effect is particularly pronounced. Westerly thermal winds are channeled between forest-covered cliffs, providing powerful and consistent conditions in summer.

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Spot forecast for The Hatchery / Colombia River

Sunrise 07:31 · Sunset 18:13

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< 7 kn7–12 kn13–20 kn21–30 kn31–40 kn41+ kn Gusts Your minimum: 7 kn

Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo

The Hatchery / Colombia 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…)

Season · peak

100h

in July · 20 rideable days

The season runs from March to August, peaking in July: 15 rideable days a month and 100 hours of usable wind, at 22 °C. The low point is January, at 4 days.

Rideable days per month

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 97%13-20 knots · 3%

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 360 mm.

Monthly averages: The Hatchery / Colombia River

Monthly averages — The Hatchery / Colombia River — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month	Rideable days	Usable wind	Temperature	Rain
January	4.0	16 h	6 °C	294 mm
February	4.5	27 h	8 °C	173 mm
March	11.5	57 h	13 °C	101 mm
April	15.0	81 h	17 °C	41 mm
May	16.5	101 h	20 °C	37 mm
June	17.0	115 h	25 °C	31 mm
July	20.0	100 h	29 °C	1 mm
August	12.0	73 h	29 °C	8 mm
September	10.5	61 h	26 °C	8 mm
October	6.5	42 h	17 °C	114 mm
November	7.5	33 h	11 °C	204 mm
December	5.0	31 h	9 °C	360 mm

Photo gallery of The Hatchery / Colombia River

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Technical details of The Hatchery / Colombia River spot

The spot works with winds from SW, W, WNW.

Rideable Not rideable

Spot opening date · Required level

Spot opening date: Open all year round
Required level: Intermediate

On the water

Fresh water from the Columbia River, cool (11-17°C in summer). 3/2 to 4/3 wetsuit recommended. Constant river current at 3-5 km/h westward, stronger in this narrow gorge section. Short, choppy waves typical of the Gorge, accentuated by the narrowing. Westerly thermal winds at 20-35 knots from May to September. The river is narrower here, amplifying both wind and current.

Hazards

Narrow gorge section with reinforced current that can quickly sweep riders downstream. Barges and commercial traffic on the river: limited maneuvering space in this narrow section. Powerful thermal winds that can exceed 35 knots. Rocks along the steep banks. Railroad tracks along both shores. Cold water that can cause hypothermia. Proximity to Bonneville Dam downstream: respect exclusion zones.

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FW1302 Cascade Locks6.7 kmsource noaa

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Additional stations

Bonneville Dam2.6 km

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CASCDW4.8 km

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Webcams near The Hatchery / Colombia River

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Nearby spots

All spots: Oregon

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The Hatchery / Colombia River kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot