Spot Guide › United States › Oregon › Rufus Landing
Oregon, United States · 45.6952, -120.7455

Water
Very large river swell
Experience
Very advanced
Hazards
Very advanced, with some of the Gorge's biggest swells. Confirm the rustic landing, main-channel traffic, strong current, foil depth and a reliable downwind recovery; do not use the free access as evidence of beginner suitability.
Parking & access
Current 2025/26 guide lists free access at I-84 exit 109 with vault toilets; confirm current posted restrictions and landing space: https://columbiagorgetomthood.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/watersports_launch_sites_map25_web.pdf
“Expert Gorge location with some of the region's largest swell. Requested-field batch 07 verified 2026-08-01: current exact, nearby-camera, candidate and route relationships are explicit; unresolved items remain Unknown. Progression Project forum experienced-visitor guidance says Rufus can be more manageable and less crowded on a small day, while another rider calls it the best option when firing. This condition-sensitive context does not lower the spot's very-advanced classification on large days.”
— via Columbia Gorge launch-site guide / CGW2; Requested-field research Progression Project forum — public topic and post research, last verified 2026-08-02
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