NOTE: 2023 Race HQ / DOWNWIND village will be in Stevenson Washington at the fairgrounds. 

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!!!!MUST READ!!!!  The Gorge is the most popular summer wind sport location in the USA and a very popular west coast adventure sport location in general. You are competing with 1000's of others adventure seekers for lodging.  We are serious about booking your lodging as soon as you register. If you wait till even a few months before the event you will be feasting on scraps.

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Flights

Fly into Portland Airport (PDX).  From here you can Uber or Lyft into Hood River. This cost about $140 USD and is a 1:15 hour drive.  We strongly would advise against this option. Also note, there is no Uber or Lyft in Hood River once you arrive. The best choice by far is to rent a car with your mates at the airport. The Gorge is a big area and you will want to explore.  See our "Family-To Do" page. There are endless waterfalls, mountains, hikes and much more to explore.  A rental car will greatly add to your experience. Personally, I would say it is mandatory for a fun easy trip, but there are participants who have done without.

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Where to stay

The Champs Headquarters is in Stevenson Washington at the Skamania County Fairgrounds.

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Hotels, Airbnb, Rental House locations

Portland Oregon is about a 50 min drive to the West of Stevenson and a major city if you are into that and don't mind the driving every day. The Dalles Oregon is around a 1:15 minute drive to the East and is a small industrial town with "Local Flavor". White Salmon Washington is about 25 minutes to the East and one of the most popular places in the Gorge. Bingen Washington is also 25 mins to the east with a small local industrial feel. Hood River Oregon without question is the trendy hot spot in the gorge, but is crowded, parking may make you pull your hair our and is extremely expensive. It is located 30 minutes to the East of Stevenson. Cascade Locks Washington is just across the river from Stevenson and is an up and coming vibrant location with cheaper lodging.

 

You can google hotels in any of these town. None really stand out over the others, however, unless you are in Stevenson, you will be driving and a rental car is absolutely mandatory. There is no public transportation system between these locations.

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Camping

Camping in the area is very popular. !!WARNING!!. All the campsite near the river have loud trains at night. Not the end of the world, but you have been warned. Tucker state park is a 45 min drive South East of Stevenson and quiet although in the past they have not taken reservations. Viento State park is 25min South East of Stevenson.  Book months in advance and be ready for the trains.. Home Valley park is on the North side of the river and a 5 min drive from Stevenson and is where the race starts.  Timber Lake Campground is a 15 min drive and expensive but has been very popular because it one of the few places away from the tracks that you can make reservations at.  Moss Creek is also a nice park away from the trains but also a 45 min drive.

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