Port staff has been busy planning and preparing waterfront recreation areas and facilities for the 2021 season, expecting a record year as a result of pent-up demand as more people become vaccinated against COVID-19 and more restrictions are lifted. Safety guidelines and protocols will be in place based on CDC, Oregon Health Authority, and Hood River County Health Department, especially regarding public restrooms, trash management, and crowding.

Operational changes at the waterfront, including opening public restrooms and resuming trash can services, will occur July 1 or sooner if possible, when summer Facility Crew are hired and vaccinated. Concessions are expected to open in May.

2021 Event Site parking passes are available at the Event Site parking booth. Since the office is still closed to the public, all pass orders will be delivered through the mail. Remember that Event Site passes are not valid for on-street parking and your pass must be displayed on windshield at all times to be valid.

The Port has suspended reservations for the Marina Park Picnic Shelter at this time. The tentative date to open and make reservations is July 1st. For special event information, visit: portofhoodriver.com/waterfront-recreation/events/

Events are anticipated to return to the waterfront this summer as allowed by the State, including:

Gorge Downwind Champs      July 12-17 Hood to Coast Windy Relay    July 24Gorge Paddle Challenge         August 13-15 Associated Wind and WatersportIndustries (AWSI) Board Sports Expo Sept. 7-11Kiteboard 4 Cancer (KB4C)     August 28-29Columbia Gorge Marathon     October 24Columbia Gorge Wind and Water Association Swap Meets         TBA-cgw2.org

The Port of Hood River expects 46 visits from cruise ships, beginning May 6th. The Port has met with State and local agencies to discuss issues.