Spot Guide › United States › Washington › Swell City → Hatchery paddle-downwind route
Washington, United States · 45.7172, -121.5910
Best wind
Strong westerly Gorge wind
Season
Gorge wind season; first-hand spring report
Water
Large Columbia River swell
Experience
Advanced Gorge downwinder
Hazards
Large river swell, strong current, highway/log-truck exposure during attempted walking, unattended gear and advanced launches. Walking Highway 14 is explicitly discouraged.
Parking & access
Both endpoints have separate current access rules. Use a vehicle shuttle or a vetted ride; do not plan to carry foil gear along Highway 14.
“Progression Project forum first-hand report describes repeated short SUP-downwind laps from Swell City to the Hatchery, with a practical shuttle by leaving gear at the landing and retrieving the vehicle. The short segment is useful for dialing equipment and paddle starts.”
— via Progression Project forum — public topic and post research, last verified 2026-08-02
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