Snowkiting Gorge Guide - Part 1

Sunset Dalles Mtn

All within a short drive from Hood River Oregon there are a variety of snowkitng spots. Each one has its own story...Some are: smaller than others, some have more snow, less hiking, shorter drive, longer drive, steep terain, East facing, dangerous, easy, rocky, have access issues, cows both living and dead, open areas, well you get the idea - everything changes from place to place.

Be carefull and use your brain out there.
Every day is different, please - use good judgment.

And now for the goods -->

---

Name: The Honey Spot - on hood river mtn. aka the lumbar yard.
Where:Its right up behind China Gorge, only 10 minutes away!
Conditions: Plenty of snow, a little crusty.
Who: Everyone. A good place to learn and be safe.
How: Park and kite. Or park and hike to the little dome up and in the back - 10 min.
Wind: East Winds work here. Average the readings between the Event Site and The Dalles.
Hazards: A few exposed boulders up on the hike in spot. Barbed wire fence along the road.
Summary: Close to home, easy, consistent, predictable, hike and no hike options, good snow.

From what I understand, this spot is up near the whooptie trail.

Directions- from China Gorge.
South on 35 for 1-2 miles.
Take your first Left, there is a sign for panorama point at the intersection.
Continue for 2-3 miles.
Turn Left on Old Dalles rd.
Go to the top of the hill. Somewhere around 5 miles?
The road turns to gravel and turns right.
Continue 1 more mile, you are now traveling south.
Look on left side for open meadow.
Park, duck fence, and send it!

Have a look at a map- and zoom out to see the bigger picture.

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=10&n=5057530&e=619722&size=s&u=7&datum=nad83&layer=DRG25

---

Name: The Dalles Mtn
Where: located in Washington, North of The Dalles Oregon.
Conditions: 0-12" fluffy powder, mostly covered, with grass poking up. Plenty of exposed rocks, hope for snow.
Who: Everyone. Mostly flat on top with wide open rolling hills, steep at times.
How: Park and kite. No hiking needed.
Wind: Any direction on top, South works best for lower faces. Check the Dallesport Airport wind.
Hazards: Old barbed wire fences and exposed rocks.
Summary: Big wide open spaces- looks like a little Norway. Drive up, throw down, plenty of room for everyone.

Directions:
From HR- Cross HR bridge into WA.
East on Hwy 14, drive slowly past Slingshot and Honk twice so they know you are going up there.
Continue for ~15 miles. go past The Dalles Bridge about ~1-2 miles.
Turn left on Dalles Mtn Road stay to the right.
Drive to the top of the mtn ~ 6 miles of nice gravel road.
Park and rig.

Have a look at a map- and zoom out to see the bigger picture.

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=10&n=5061757&e=654754&s=50&size=m&u=7&datum=nad83&layer=DRG25

---

Don't forget your helmet...see you out there!
AP