Indian Rock snowkiting

luke · Since 06 Jul 2005 399 Posts Obsessed

We check noaa for wind forecast. Southwest is best and it is also prevailing in winter time. Perfect.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?minlon=-122.11&maxlon=-116.45&minlat=43.57&maxlat=47.67&mapwidth=354&site=pdt&zmx=1&zmy=1&map.x=75&map.y=148

We also check the wind sensor on Grayback, which is about 10 miles dues west of Indian Rock. The reading provides accurate information. It is located directly north of The Dalles on the link below.
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mesowest/gmap.php?map=pdt

I posted directions to the parking area on this forum within the past few years.

Skin is pretty easy. Mellow and direct. 1.5 hours up and ski back to car. Sensor reading tells you what size kite to pack.

Please respect this riding spot. A lot of the terrain is on the Yakima Indian Reservation. In addition, you must cross 2 private properties posted with No Trespassing signs.

Since the main riding spot is on the windward side of the mountain, it is generally wind hammered. We have found the best conditions on warm days when it corns up.

Have FUN!

splaterwin · Since 17 Nov 2005 165 Posts Vancouver Stoked

Keep eye on cloud level, the day we went it was a white out. Kite skiing into white out is a bit unnerving. Also dirt road last part of way, make sure you have sled covered.

luke · Since 06 Jul 2005 399 Posts Obsessed

Good point Splatter.

For good conditions, all of the surrounding peaks (Adams and Hood) need to be free of clouds.

Snowkiting in low visibility is not fun and it is more difficult than skiing at the resort in low visibility. There are no trees and the snow drifts are perpendicular to the direction of travel.

Clear with soft snow and wind blowing 18. Good.

forrest · Fri Feb 01, 13 9:21 pm

Hmm, so I didn't cross any private property getting there, and didn't see any signs. I think I stayed on Upper Monument RD, but I guess I veered off at some point, to go straight up the slope.

There seems to be an old barbed wire fence , but the wire was gone, and it was just fence posts, mostly covered in snow. I see that this marks the boundary of the Yakama Nation. Would be easy enough to stay on the right side of that fence and still have a good time.

We couldn't see any of the mountains you mention except the flanks of Adams. I think this place will work just about anytime there is west wind in the Gorge, as the clouds almost always break up that far east.

quenyaistar · Since 21 Oct 2011 416 Posts Cougar, WA Obsessed

Have you tried Simcoe Mt. by Goldendale? Good riding and you can summit Simcoe mt. which is pretty sweet. I dont think it is a kiteable area though

AKkiter · Since 31 Aug 2008 190 Posts Montavilla Stoked

This is awesome info.
Thanks Luke for sharing! I will keep an eye out for good conditions and hope to score soon!