Backed by the auburn hills of the east Columbia River Gorge, Doug's beach has enticed windsurfers and kite boarders for more than two decades.
This entire gorge is famous for its wind and water sports, and Doug's Beach is a coveted spot. The winds can be fierce, whipping the river into a white-capped frenzy. Kite boarding and windsurfing success at this site comes with bragging rights and respect; it is rated as expert and is only recommended for those who are properly trained, skilled and equipped.
Love the water, but not much of a kite boarder? A small rock beach area offers swimming and paddle sports on non-windy days, and the river often yields small-mouth bass to intrepid anglers.
Visitors can watch the action from an unsheltered picnic table while looking for raptors – hawks, osprey, or eagles, or trainspotting for the Burlington Northern trains that rumble through the area.
Since there is no camping at Doug's Beach, windsurfers can dry off at the end of the day and head east 6 miles to Horsethief Lake campground at Columbia Hills Historical State Park or 25 miles to Maryhill State Park. Surfers and boarders chasing more excitement can drive west to another well-known spot, Spring Creek Hatchery State Park; camping is available near Spring Creek at Beacon Rock State Park.
PARK FEATURES
Doug's Beach State Park is a 379-acre, undeveloped day-use park on the Columbia River. This is one of the premier windsurfing sites in the Columbia Gorge and is rated for advanced sailors. Parking is along the south side of State Route 14. There is a pedestrian walkway behind the vehicle-parking area, fenced from passing trains. Visitors access the beach down a paved path with railroad-crossing arms and signals.
PICNIC & DAY-USE FACILITIES
The park offers 10 unsheltered picnic tables and three portable toilets, but no water and no dump site. Visitors are expected to pack their garbage out with them when they leave. Tables are available first come, first served. Fires are not permitted in the park.
ACTIVITIES
WATER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
Freshwater fishing
Swimming
OTHER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
Bird watching
Sailboarding
Wildlife viewing