Anyone launching from Doug's?

Dern · Since 11 Jul 2010 545 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

I recall a bunch of people working to fix up the Doug's Beach site so that kites could launch from it. Anyone put it to the test this year? With the ES/Marina on limited/no access, and Lyle being Lyle, I figure this might be one of the options for gorge-bound folks.

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2103 Posts PNW Bigfoot

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-48319.html&highlight=dougs

The most current info I've taken in. Read the entire post and threads for info.

The river in a short amount of time can take out lots of sweat and effort; the power of water never ceases to amaze me.

Dern · Since 11 Jul 2010 545 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

I missed that post, thanks!

shred_da_gorge · Since 12 Nov 2008 1365 Posts Da Hood & Da Wood XTreme Poster

knotwindy · Since 25 Sep 2011 619 Posts Addicted

Just looked at it today. Upper path seems in good shape, the lower path is passable but won’t be for long without some attention. The water level is down so there is a ‘beach’ (read; mud flat right now, will dry out quickly) to launch/land on if the water level stays low. It is straight onshore wind but usable. Might have to drift launch depending upon wind strength/angle but very shallow so easy enough.
Could also launch just above the windsurf spot with the right wind angle, also shallow.
Could change daily with water height.

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

Was there Sunday to check it out. Lots of kiteline grabbers on the West side. Not much to look at. Will alot of work over next couple of seasons.

moondog · Thu Jul 30, 20 4:22 pm

Somebody put a small metal post on the south point of our kite beach at Doug's. You can hook your chicken loop on it and walk your kite out and do a self launch. Foilers beware, lots of Eurasian Milfoil!

markamcclure · Since 20 May 2011 172 Posts Portland, OR Stoked

I got bit On my hand by a dog and am out of action For a few weeks. I had hoped to try kiting at Dougs late season when the water level had receded. I even bought an annual discover pass, partially to kite at Dougs. Are folks using the new Dougs launch now? Maybe I will get to try it later in September if my injury heals adequately?

Marmot · Since 08 Aug 2007 109 Posts Lyle, WA Stoked

Bumping this thread. I have loppers and other equipment to help clean up Doug's. Not sure what is allowed, as it's technically a state park.

Also, this seems to be the newest thread on the topic, would it make sense to detail where the path is, what's okay and not okay with windsurfers near, some pics of self launching, high/low water pics?

Singlemalt · Since 21 Jun 2015 483 Posts White Salmon Obsessed

It’s already been a year since the big push at Doug’s. And what a year...

I remember there being tons of milfoil in the shallows on the south side of Doug’s. We had quite a time getting Moondog’s Kite in the air. Once the lines are in the water...not good.

There’s an older thread with pictures somewhere.

It was an impressive work party. A trail over 300’ long was cut through overhead high, solid blackberry and brush. Tons of indigo was removed from the shallow cove at the west end. The intention was to create a launch upwind of the windsurfers, and the shallow cove is the best bet. I’d guess fifty people showed up and hit it hard.

I haven’t been out there since.

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

After crossing the tracks, look to the West. You will see the trail. Start loping as needed. Near the cove rigging area we need repeat work ever Spring.

macgruber · Since 06 Dec 2011 490 Posts SE PDX volcano Obsessed

Lyle, Lyle, Doug’s. Why no Rowena? Yes I know the cove is too weedy for foiling this time of year, but you can tether launch on the beach gravel at the West end of the beach from a bush as long as there aren’t windsurfers using it. Signs say kiters to the East and windsurfers to the west, but why is the eastern patch of gravel smaller and made of sharp gravel while the bigger west end is larger river gravel like that at Rufus? A few loads of River gravel on the East end and a hook could make a great area an easier launch. No Blackberries and poison oak to fight and it’s an easy kite down to Doug’s and Secrets.

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

Slippery basalt rock with ankle twisting cracks just below the surface. Is the West launch better?

macgruber · Since 06 Dec 2011 490 Posts SE PDX volcano Obsessed

Still basalt but with gravel filling the low spots so if you watch where you walk you can stay on gravel. Even the rest of the beach is not worse than wading out at Stevenson. Stevenson’s beach was much worse before they added gravel. I think large round gravel would stay at Rowena since it doesn’t get easterlies all winter or flooded as much as the Sandbar. It would be easy to drive gravel in a side-by-side down from the road But I’d be willing to do my share of wheelbarrowing and pitch in for gravel too.

bigjohn · Since 13 Mar 2012 664 Posts Addicted

I have a 5 yard dump trailer. Willing to donate hauling of rock from Munson paving or other local quarry location.

update: Munson paving currently charges $25 / ton (about $32 / yard) for river rock or pea gravel.