Conflicting uses and overcrowding prompt restrictions

Last updated September 16, 2020

HOOD RIVER, OR – Crowded beaches and conflicting uses of limited space have raised safety concerns for recreational sites on the Hood River waterfront. The Port of Hood River owns and operates most of the recreational facilities and announced new use restrictions and closures on July 25. Originally, the restrictions affecting parking at the Event Site and nearby N. 1st Street applied to Saturdays and Sundays only, but due to continued excessive crowding, the Port will now implement those restrictions on Fridays as well.

The Port will continue to monitor crowding and other safety conditions and may take further measures to close or restrict access to recreational sites if necessary.  

EVENT SITE – The Event Site ticket booth has closed for the season. Payment for Day Use must be made at one of the two kiosks located in the parking area. Annual passes must be displayed adhered to the inside glass of the front windshield and easily visible to be valid. Failure to display your annual pass will result in a parking citation. Annual passes can be purchased online here: https://portofhoodriver.com/waterfront-recreation/purchase-event-site-parking-passes/Kiteboard launching and landing is allowed from the Sandbar only until further notice. SANDBAR – The Sandbar is an area of intense kiteboarding use and can be dangerous for spectators unaware of the sport’s space requirements. This area is accessed via the Spit parking lot and is not recommended for picnickers.LOT 1 – Closed to all vehicle parking.NICHOLS BASIN DOCK – Nichols Dock is now open to the public, but users are urged to avoid crowding on the dock, wear masks when 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained. NO JUMPING OR DIVING FROM THE SEA WALL AND STAY OFF THE FENCE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS.FROG BEACH – Frog Beach is open, but users are urged to spread out or use the Marina Beach instead when the small beach area becomes too crowded. This beach has been very crowded with children and groups the past couple of weekends, raising alarm in the local community. Beach users are reminded to wear masks when 6 feet of social distance with people not from your own household cannot be maintained.           MARINA BEACH – The Marina Beach is now open to all users. Beach users are reminded to wear masks when 6 feet of social distance cannot be maintained. Beach users should also be aware of drowning danger along the edge of the spit/sandbar area – there is a long area of shallow water that ends very abruptly with a steep drop off and strong currents. Life jackets and close adult supervision is strongly recommended for all minors.         WATERFRONT PARK BEACH (City-owned facility) – The Waterfront Park beach is open, but users are reminded to spread out and wear masks when 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained.WATERFRONT PARK PLAYGROUND (City-owned facility) – The playground area is closed until further notice.Marina Park Picnic Shelter – closed. The Marina Park and Marina Green are open for use.Marina Boat Ramp – open.Marina – open for moorage tenants.Cruise Ships – all visits have been suspended.All public restrooms closed due to Covid-19 concerns. There are limited porta-potties located on the waterfront.Garbage service limited or suspended. It is important that you recreate close to home and come prepared to pack out your garbage – including dog waste.PARKING – No parking allowed after 11:00 p.m. on any Port of Hood River operated area, except for West Portway commercial truck/trailer parking by permit. Parking lots close at 9:00 p.m. – Gates to the Hook, the Event Site parking lot, the Marina Beach/Moorage lot, and the Spit will be closed at 9:00 p.m.DOGS – All dogs MUST BE ON LEASH at all Port-owned and operated facilities listed above.

The Port received a notable number of calls, emails, and messages from residents and businesses alike after the weekend of July 18-19 urging closure of the recreational sites in response to overcrowding and non-compliance with mask mandates.

The Port encourages weekend visitors to stay closer to home and urges all users of Port recreational facilities to comply with all COVID-related safety mandates as well as use and parking restrictions, or further use limitations or closures may be imposed.

City and Port officials also urge visitors to all waterfront areas to come prepared to pack out their garbage and remind dog owners to keep dogs on leash and ensure proper disposal of dog waste.

For more information, contact the Port of Hood River via email to porthr@gorge.net.

Please recreate close to home, avoid traveling far from home, and if you don’t live in Hood River, please do not recreate here.

CROWDED PARKS LEAD TO CLOSED PARKS

As always, there is no overnight parking or camping allowed anywhere on the Hood River waterfront. No fireworks of any kind are allowed anytime on any Port-controlled property.

For more information, please contact the Port of Hood River via email to porthr@gorge.net.