Kitesurfing Hole in the Wall · White Salmon

Wind & Conditions

Hole in the Wall at White Salmon on the Washington (N) bank of the Columbia Gorge. Intense W-SW thermal (240-270°, 20-35 kn) June-September. Flat river water, side-onshore on S-facing beach. Expert-to-intermediate. Return upwind walk; shuttle recommended.

About Hole in the Wall · White Salmon

The Columbia River Gorge carves a dramatic corridor between Oregon and Washington, and Hole in the Wall sits on the Washington (north) bank near White Salmon — one of the most consistent thermal kite windows in the Pacific Northwest. From June through September, intense westerly to south-westerly thermals funnel through the Gorge reliably, typically running 20–35 knots through the prime afternoon hours. The beach faces south, putting the dominant W-SW wind at a side-onshore angle. That orientation makes launches manageable but not casual — the thermal strength here demands respect, and this spot earns its intermediate-to-expert rating. Beginners should look elsewhere or come with qualified instruction from one of the local schools before jumping in solo. White Salmon sits on the Washington side of the Gorge, reached by crossing the Columbia River from Hood River on the Oregon side. The launch area is tucked along the south-facing riverbank; local knowledge or GPS will get you there, and parking is available near the water. Peak summer weekends pull a crowd across the whole corridor, so arriving early is worthwhile. Once you're rigged and in the water, the flat river surface is the payoff. No ocean swell, no persistent chop — just clean, fast flatwater that lets you drive speed or work on technique without fighting the surface. The wind arc spans 90°–270°, but the productive window sits firmly in the 240–270° W-SW sector where the thermal is most consistent and most powerful. One logistical reality defines this spot: the wind carries you efficiently downwind, and getting back upwind on foot is a meaningful walk. The local standard is a shuttle arrangement — coordinate with a friend to drop you at the launch and collect you further downwind, or pair up with other riders going the same direction. Arriving solo without a return plan is the most reliable way to turn a great session into a frustrating one. On kite sizing: 20–35 knots is serious power. Smaller kites are the working choice on a typical peak-season afternoon here. Showing up with a large kite on a full-send Gorge day will test your limits quickly. Three kite schools operate in the area — Cascade Kiteboarding, Gorge Kite, and Kite The Gorge — worth contacting for local coaching, guided sessions, or a proper orientation before hitting the water on your own. After your session, White Salmon delivers. Everybody's Brewing is the go-to for a post-ride pint; Feast Market & Delicatessen, Gander & Goose, and Henni's Kitchen & Bar are solid options for food. For accommodation, Inn of the White Salmon offers a comfortable boutique stay, and Gorge Base Camp caters to the more outdoor-oriented crowd. Hole in the Wall is a serious spot — the power, the consistency, and the return logistics all demand preparation. Sort the shuttle, size your kite down, and this stretch of the Columbia Gorge is hard to beat for pure flatwater river kiting.

Best Season

Check the Breeza app for the current rideable window at Hole in the Wall · White Salmon.

World Ranking

Not globally ranked, but a kitesurf destination — a local favourite worth a check when the wind lines up.

Location

Hole in the Wall · White Salmon, Washington, United States, United States

Lat: 45.7275, Lon: -121.5028