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General Information
Level:3-10 Season:June 1 — September 30 -
Another Columbia River spot, this isn’t the prettiest spot but it is better than it seems at first glance. You’ll see intermediate level and above kiters out here, and it has a fairly friendly atmosphere.
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Beach
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There is a lot of gravel on the shore line here, but it isn’t too difficult to negotiate. There is a large rigging area too, away from the launching and landing points. You get here off I-84, exit 109, and it’s to the north. Turn left at the T-junction and the beach is where you see the gravel piles. It can get hot here in summer, even touching 30c on some days, so ou’ll only need a shorty then. On the other hand, fall is a comfortable 18c or so and winter will drop to about 1-2c in December.
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Wind&Waves
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Rufus has a medium strength venturi wind, coming down the gorge at anything up 25 knots most of the time, although it can and will exceed 40 knots. It is best when blowing from the west and this will make it a cross-shore wind. The winds are best in mornings and afternoons between June and September, and although you’ll often see other kiters out there won’t be more than a handful and the place never really gets crowded. The water is murky from the debris picked up by the river, but not actually polluted, and the current pushes along at a fairly rapid 2 knots or so.
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Facilities
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There is a campsite here, but you won’t find any more advanced amenities than that.
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Safety
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Mind out if others are on the water, and be wary of the current that can pull you much faster and further than you intended.