The Pacific Northwest
The PNW is a beautiful and large expanse of several different biomes which lend themselves well to a myriad of different sports. The geography of the PNW is incredible and holds many secrets across the vast expanses of wilderness. From the harsh grey northern coastline with thundering winter storms and heavy enough seas to test even the most experienced mariners, to the fjords of the Puget sound and all their secluded treasure troves of terrain, out to the high desert east of the Cascade Mountains which can be blistering in the summer we have something to offer nearly anyone at any point in the year. If you have an adventurous spirit and good gear then you’ll never get bored here, and for many people it also means you may find yourself at home here indefinitely. Each part of this landscape has it’s own wonders, and dangers to be aware of when you look to plan an expedition.
The Coast:
The coastline of the PNW we will focus on will be that of Oregon and Washington States, because again I am just one dude with a dog and my range is somewhat limited. The raging Pacific Ocean has carved out some truly stunning features along our coastline which include miles of sandy beaches, lakes, and massive bays in which to play. The coastal mountain range drives right up into the ocean in many places, and will grant some truly amazing vistas along the drive. We are also fortunate to have many campgrounds in which people can stay as well as small coastal towns with friendly and welcoming folks. If you choose to travel up here you’re likely to find helpful people everywhere you go as well as easy access to the ocean mostly anywhere.
Existing alongside all of this beauty in an apparent slumbering grace for much of the year is also one of the most storm swept coastlines you will find. Winter storm watching is quite the industry in these parts, and that means that anyone seeking to have their thrills in the water needs to be on their toes. Even a sunny and calm day can hide the symptoms of a system far offshore which will reverberate through the waves into places people frequent. A phenomena known as “sneaker waves” has taken more than its fair share of lives here for those who do not keep a weather eye on the waves. Our bays are large and full of flat protected water which is enticing for a kiter, but also hides deep channels which will change direction surprisingly fast and sweep unsuspecting victims out to sea. With surf that can frequently approach and exceed twenty feet in the winter being swept into the breakers is a harrowing experience that can easily kill or seriously injure. Any venture to the coast can net the session of your life, but for you to do that safely and soundly much attention must be paid to the wind, swell, tides, and oceanography of the spot you have chosen to ride in. Do not disregard the opinions of local fisherman, and I would even say that I make it a point to get the rundown from them when they seem keen to share.
The Puget Sound:
The Puget Sound is what separates the Olympic Peninsula and it’s giant snow-capped mountains from mainland Washington. The Sound is a humbling and gorgeous place dotted with beautiful islands, Orca pods, and pristine shimmering waters for those who enjoy the sea in a somewhat safer environment. The locals are often welcoming and a kite trip to the sound can reward you with incredible wind and views that will last a lifetime. While not at all immune (thankfully) to the Pacific storms throughout the year the Sound does provide some shelter from the chaos and can be a great secondary option for when the winds out west are becoming a little too gnarly. Two very popular spots are Whidby Island and Jetty Island, with differences between them that well illustrate the varied experiences you will get living up here. Either way make sure to wave at the friendly folks on the island and stop to enjoy the scenery on your way to hunt down some solid wind and shockingly great waves, or that sweet flat water in the pond!
The Columbia River:
Running nearly the entirety of the border between Oregon and Washington is the mighty Columbia River. The Columbia River is the lifeblood of southwestern Washington and provides an experience you can rarely find in such a relatively small geography. From where the river enters the Pacific you can follow it east and see our rugged coastline, the mossy rain forests of western Washington, the high mountains of the Columbia River Gorge which rise up on either side of the sapphire blue waters to adorn and frame the scenery with their snow capped peaks, all the way out to the desert and plains that stretch from where you stand to Montana and beyond to the southwest. There is truly something for everyone along that three hour drive I just described, and an incredible array of fun places to stop for the night and experience the lifestyle of the region. Hood River is seated on the Columbia and during the summer becomes a mecca for wind enthusiasts from all over the globe. There is nothing quite like those gusty days where you are out there watching barges plow their way downstream and strapless riders shred their way by on and epic downwinder. To the west you will find the calm thermal of Sauvie Island which is great for newer riders and offers a completely different experience, but if you like to kite then just know that during the summer there is something for everyone here.
Eastern Washington and Oregon:
TBD my dudes, I am planning a trip but I haven’t made it out yet and need those sweet thermal winds of the summer!