Stonehenge (Columbia River Gorge)

Stonehenge (Columbia River Gorge) is a windsports launch on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, reached by heading east of Maryhill State Park via a dirt road. The site is small and launch conditions are described as shallow/technical with limited space for setup; depending on water levels, there can be additional constraints from the shoreline. Water is reported as cloudy, and river currents are a defining factor for every session. Winds are best from the west (W) and peak seasonally from May through September. The wind is described as thermal/pressure-gradient driven, building from late morning and strengthening through the afternoon (often into mid-to-late afternoon). Typical on-water wind strength is reported in the mid-teens to mid-30s knots, with moderate gustiness and generally high reliability during summer months. For kitesurfing, the spot is presented as freeride and freestyle terrain on mostly flat-to-choppy water, but it is also characterized as advanced due to current strength and the technical nature of the launch. Windsurfing and wingfoiling are also described as advanced options, with wingfoiling noted as challenging because of the rocky shore and deep-water current, requiring efficient high-wind skills. Safety-wise, there is no dedicated on-site rescue and hazards are primarily strong river currents plus rocks and limited downwind landing options. Riders are advised to be fully self-sufficient and prepared for situations where getting back to shore is difficult if you lose your gear. Emergency response is via 911, and nearest medical facilities are in the wider Gorge area (Maryhill/Goldendale nearby; hospital access described for The Dalles region).