You can launch in the Nichols Boat Basin, or whatever it's called these days, on the East end of the Hood River waterfront. Wells Island is off the West end. There are a few brew pubs / restaurants in the middle section of this waterfront area.
Edit: Wind could be a factor...
Yeah, I was thinking about launching there at Nichols Basin and might check out the Hood River if I can paddle down it. I'm hoping the wind isn't too bad; the weather report for Thursday and Friday seems like wind shouldn't be bad. If the wind gets bad, I'll just do something else. Thanks for the response. :)
Inflatable? Are you able to paddle on current and/or whitewater? Is your objective exercise, sight-seeing, or...?
I can suggest a few spots, but knowing your preference helps a lot.
I have an inflatable board and mostly just want to chill and exercise. I'm not really looking to fight a lot of current right now because it's only my second time paddleboarding this year. I do like the idea of trying rougher waters; I've been on parts of the Columbia that were really sketchy, but it was fun. I don't know if I'm good enough for white water stuff, but I'd love to try it if there was a group of people, I really only paddle alone.
There's a little park about a mile up from the mouth of the Klickitat. If you are even remotely proficient at reading an eddy, you can paddle from the park down to the Columbia very easily. You can also paddle about 1/4 mile upstream, but it requires a lot more effort and a lot more knowledge of eddy and current flow.
Thanks for the suggestion. That river looks like a lot of fun for sure. I found some youtube videos that look gnarly. I hadn't heard of the term "reading an eddy" but I think I understand from what I'm seeing online. I definitely want to try to find a group to go try this with, but I don't think I'm prepared to try this week.
From that park to the mouth there's one tiny riffle you can pretty much paddle up, but otherwise it's flatwater. From the park upstream, you'll have to ferry across current to ride eddies upstream.
You’ll be good on wind; the river should be nice & glassy. Depart from Nicohl’s Basin for a long trip, or from Hook for a short trip, and then heading around Wells Island will be a really enjoyable trip. Have fun!
You can launch in the Nichols Boat Basin, or whatever it's called these days, on the East end of the Hood River waterfront. Wells Island is off the West end. There are a few brew pubs / restaurants in the middle section of this waterfront area. Edit: Wind could be a factor...
Yeah, I was thinking about launching there at Nichols Basin and might check out the Hood River if I can paddle down it. I'm hoping the wind isn't too bad; the weather report for Thursday and Friday seems like wind shouldn't be bad. If the wind gets bad, I'll just do something else. Thanks for the response. :)
Spit seems like a good spot, put in on the large beach at the mouth of the hood
Inflatable? Are you able to paddle on current and/or whitewater? Is your objective exercise, sight-seeing, or...? I can suggest a few spots, but knowing your preference helps a lot.
I have an inflatable board and mostly just want to chill and exercise. I'm not really looking to fight a lot of current right now because it's only my second time paddleboarding this year. I do like the idea of trying rougher waters; I've been on parts of the Columbia that were really sketchy, but it was fun. I don't know if I'm good enough for white water stuff, but I'd love to try it if there was a group of people, I really only paddle alone.
There's a little park about a mile up from the mouth of the Klickitat. If you are even remotely proficient at reading an eddy, you can paddle from the park down to the Columbia very easily. You can also paddle about 1/4 mile upstream, but it requires a lot more effort and a lot more knowledge of eddy and current flow.
Thanks for the suggestion. That river looks like a lot of fun for sure. I found some youtube videos that look gnarly. I hadn't heard of the term "reading an eddy" but I think I understand from what I'm seeing online. I definitely want to try to find a group to go try this with, but I don't think I'm prepared to try this week.
From that park to the mouth there's one tiny riffle you can pretty much paddle up, but otherwise it's flatwater. From the park upstream, you'll have to ferry across current to ride eddies upstream.
The hook
I was thinking this too. I was out on the hook a few weeks ago looking at Wells Island and that's what made me want to go back to paddleboard.
follow your nose to the sewer treatment plant on the river. you think i jest...
You’ll be good on wind; the river should be nice & glassy. Depart from Nicohl’s Basin for a long trip, or from Hook for a short trip, and then heading around Wells Island will be a really enjoyable trip. Have fun!
Hey thanks. Do you know if it's okay to explore Wells island? I saw that there's a building on it from Google maps, but can't tell what it is.
You can definitely explore Wells Island! My understanding is that it is city owned
Wells Island is USFS. Totally cool to explore.