Camp ground on WA side near jones beach

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

It's called "Vista Park" in Skamokawa, WA
In case you've never heard of it, or wanted to camp there, its pretty nice, lots of room to set up, and a good breakfast cafe / post office in the village, and frequently windy (I was there last year).
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=&sll=46.269762,-123.462231&sspn=0.010457,0.012896&ie=UTF8&ll=46.269421,-123.462081&spn=0.010457,0.012896&t=h&z=16

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

nice find, dude. Smile

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

If anybody is up for escaping the crowds and camping there for a weekend send me a PM.

I'm still not very versed at forecasting for Jones, but form what I've been told, the only criteria is a 10°+F temp gradient between Astoria and Longview, which just about always. Does it really go off daily?

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jul 02, 08 8:32 am

bring your gun.

wylieflyote · Wed Jul 02, 08 9:43 am

I have also slept at the marina in Cathlamet Wa. At that time I had a van, and I am not sure if there were any tent sites, but people were sleeping in their cars waitning to go fishing or whatever. And it does also have showers. It's a short walk to the town bars/food. And the ferry back to Oregon is very close.
For forecasting Jones, look for the temperature gradient of 10 degrees or more, as well as the pressure gradient between Astoria and Portland of .03 or better (AST being the higher pressure). For longer range forecast pay attention when the weather guy says a change is coming towards overcast tomorrow. That last evening of clear hot Portland weather will nuke Jones.
Any time Astoria is partly cloudy with cool west breeze, and you are clear in Portland, Jones is a safe bet.

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

July and August Jones goes pretty hard almost every day. Fun place to ride, just not much in the surrounding area.

Lastnight we seshed Jones, two kites in the whole place. Rode from 5 to about 830, steady 9m/11m wind the whole time.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Yeah, on top of the other stuff it usually also blows if the coast blows so July-Aug the odds are good.

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

Last year I rode jones about 3 days a week and skipped sauvies all together. I didn't feel confident enough for the stevie launch, and wanted the gaurantee of good wind vs. the SI fakeout. Was fun.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

I'd really like to camp out on the island in-between OR and WA at Jones Beach, right upwind at the sick little pond would be pretty awesome camping. I figure jet ski access would be the best way to do it, though there is a road on that island a ways to the west.

Only thing holding me back is worrying about what the rednecks would do to my car over the weekend. Shocked

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Damn, Phil, you gave away the secret camping spot!

What about leaving the car on the WA side somewhere? Or just put some NRA stickers all over your car and you'll be fine.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

We could bury your car in the sand! Very Happy

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

I bet there is plenty of flat water to access within easy kiteboarding range form the Skamokawa campground beach. Most of the beach seems like it would have a slight cross/on-shore wind.
heres a panorama of the town. The place with the canoes is the breakfast cafe/post office/convenience store/canoe rental