About This Spot
Columbia River / Lyle Sandbar, Washington (USA) is one of the world's premier wind-sports destinations, located in Washington (USA).
Situated in North America, the spot offers Shallow and Flat and Chop water conditions, making it ideal for experienced riders pushing their limits.
With SW–WSW–W winds, peaking from June to October, Columbia River / Lyle Sandbar, Washington (USA) delivers the kind of sessions that keep riders coming back year after year.
Why Riders Love It
Spring: March to May, light winds 12-20, somewhat finicky. Summer: June to early September, windy, 15-35, pretty solid. Fall: September to October, light to moderate winds, but very steady: 13-25. The wind is usually gusty. Main direction Westerlies. Works in NW, W, SW.
When to Go
Weather in the summer can be 90+°F with water temperatures warm enough for board shorts only in July and August. Shorties come in for June and September. Full wetsuits the rest of the year. Winters are not really kite-able here, with the bitter, blustering Easterly winds bringing snow, hail, and rain.
What to Expect
Large sandbar upwind. Semi-flat water below it. The swell can be decent. Lots of space on the water. Don't ride directly upwind of the sandbar. There are many of unexposed stumps and branches right under the surface. Kite upwind into the channel or downwind into the flat water of the Klickitat River mouth.
Wind & Conditions
SW · WSW · W · WNW · NW
Best wind direction
Spring: March to May, light winds 12-20, somewhat finicky. Summer: June to early September, windy, 15-35, pretty solid. Fall: September to October, light to moderate winds, but very steady: 13-25. The wind is usually gusty. Main direction Westerlies. Works in NW, W, SW.
Best Months
Water Conditions
Large sandbar upwind. Semi-flat water below it. The swell can be decent. Lots of space on the water. Don't ride directly upwind of the sandbar. There are many of unexposed stumps and branches right under the surface. Kite upwind into the channel or downwind into the flat water of the Klickitat River mouth.
Check Conditions
Live Wind Forecast at Columbia River / Lyle Sandbar, Washington (USA)
Check real-time wind conditions before you head out.
Facilities & Access
📍 Getting There
🚶Short walk to the beach
From Portland drive to Hood River and take the bridge over the river. Get onto 14 and drive east. Exit 14 and get to the sandbar at the river mouth of Klickitat River. Park in the lot on the north side of the road, east of the bridge. Walk downhill and cross the river. Launch from the sandbar's southern most point.
Location
Travel Light
Travel Light to Columbia River / Lyle Sandbar, Washington (USA)
Flying with gear? KiteDrop lets you rent premium kite gear at your destination so you can skip checked baggage fees.
Schools at Columbia River / Lyle Sandbar, Washington (USA)
No schools listed yet
Are you a kite or wing school operating at Columbia River / Lyle Sandbar, Washington (USA)?
Be the first school at this spotNearby Spots
Oregon (USA)
Columbia River / Rowena, Oregon (USA)
Intermediate · Expert
W·WNW·NW
~3 km away
Oregon (USA)
Columbia River / Little Baja, Oregon (USA)
Intermediate · Expert
W·WNW·NW
~5 km away
Oregon (USA)
Columbia River / Rock Creek, Oregon (USA)
Intermediate · Expert
W·WNW·NW
~9 km away
Washington (USA)
Columbia River / Bingen, Washington (USA)
Intermediate · Expert
E·W
~13 km away
More Spots in Washington (USA)
View all Washington (USA) spots →Washington (USA)
Hendersons Bay / Purdy, Washington (USA)
Beginner · Intermediate · Expert
SW
Washington (USA)
Golden Gardens, Washington (USA)
Beginner · Intermediate · Expert
N·NW·NNW
Washington (USA)
Marrowstone Island / East Beach, Washington (USA)
Beginner · Intermediate · Expert
SE
Washington (USA)
Hood Canal / Belfair State Park, Washington (USA)
Intermediate · Expert
SSW·SW·WSW
Need help planning your trip?
Planning a luxury kite trip to Columbia River / Lyle Sandbar, Washington (USA)?
Let Elite Concierge Global handle flights, villas, transfers, and the finer details around your sessions, so you can arrive ready to ride.
Premium travel partner
Explore concierge planning