Windance | West Coast Guide | Sailing

The Hatchery "East End & The Cove"
On Washington side, about 4 miles west of the Hood River Bridge.
Click here to go to the Hatchery Point
Back to Gorge Sailing Sites

Skill Level: 7-10	Amenities: Porta-potties
Sailing conditions:	Strong westerly winds, large swells.
Rigging area:	Sandy, dry grassy field.
Launch:	Steep, slippery rocks, very difficult towards the west end, small cove with sand and grass to the east end, much easier launch.
Parking:	Cost: $5.00 per day or $50.00 for a season pass. Buy passes from the rangers, at ranger stations, or on-line at: www.parks.wa.gov
Extras:
Warnings and hazards:	Standard Safety Tips \| Gorge Safety Tips Site specific: Can get very crowded near the inside where people jibe and tack. There are absolutely no dogs allowed (even on a leash!). Bringing your dog to this beach jeopardizes sailing access here. Keep the roadway clear for the Fish Hatchery trucks to make it through.
Directions to get there:	Off of Hwy 14, 4 miles west of the Hood River Bridge.
Site owner:	U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/U.S. Fishing and Wildlife operate through agreement.
Site liaison:	open
Events planned for this site:
Comments and news about this site:	During late 1996 and 1997 progress continued on the development of the master plans for the Hatchery by the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission. Ken Maddox has monitored the progress of this effort by attending the meetings of the large task force advising on this effort. The planning consultants, OTAK, have held two public open houses. The latter one was on June 4th in Hood River. It was attended by many CGWA members who suggested a number of good ideas and changes. We are working to keep a maximum number of parking spaces on the south side of Highway 14, in order to avoid parking and traffic congestion. The latest plans in the first phase of construction call for 160 improved parking spaces, pedestrian walkways on the south side of the Hatchery road, and possibly a comfort station and viewing area on the south side of Highway 14 . A second phase may add improvements to parking on the north side of Highway 14 and possibly a pedestrian or even auto underpass between the south and north parking areas. The first phase of improvements is scheduled for the two-year period July 1, 1997-June 30, 1999, perhaps beginning in the spring of 1998. The designs were completed in July for presentation to the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission at their meeting scheduled for September 5th. The sum of $250,000 has been allocated for construction during the next two years both for Doug's Beach and the Hatchery. It will likely be spent on a first phase of improving the Hatchery, with improvements to Doug's Beach not yet scheduled. CGWA members continue to work with Washington State Parks and with their consultants on these plans and their realization. If you have interest in the issues concerning this site, contact CGWA. If you have any news about this sailing site, or corrections or additions for this page, please email us at windance@windance.com.

Windance 108 Hwy. 35, Hood River, OR 97031
800: 1-800-574-4020
Direct: 541-386-2131

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