Fort Stevens North Side, Oregon (USA)
Winter wind classroom with honest conditions. Consistent SSW-SW flow November-March, but ocean chop and cold water demand respect. You'll get sharper here.
- 11.6kts
- Average wind
- 103
- Windy days / year
- 13:00–16:00
- Peak wind hours
- SSW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Seattle / Tacoma International, WA
- Coordinates
- 46.2310, -124.0175
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
45%
rideable
15.2 kts
Feb
40%
rideable
16.2 kts
Mar
40%
rideable
15.6 kts
Apr
23%
rideable
14.6 kts
May
16%
rideable
13.2 kts
Jun
18%
rideable
13.8 kts
Jul
18%
rideable
13.4 kts
Aug
11%
rideable
13.1 kts
Sep
8%
rideable
13.6 kts
Oct
27%
rideable
15 kts
Nov
32%
rideable
17.6 kts
Dec
58%
rideable
16.4 kts
Best wind directions
- SSW
- S
- E
- NNW
- SW
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Strong currents and choppy ocean swells common year-round, especially during winter storms
- Shallow sandbars and shifting underwater topography require careful navigation
- Cold water temperatures and hypothermia risk, particularly November through March
- Proximity to Fort Stevens jetty creates turbulent water and potential entanglement zones
What that means for you
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Fort Stevens State Park facilities including parking, restrooms, and picnic areas
- Nearby Astoria, Oregon (15 minutes) offers restaurants, shops, and accommodations
- Beach access with some shelter from wind on the north side of the fort
Local tips
December through March offers the most consistent wind with 103 windy days annually, but winter storms create serious chop and safety risks—check marine forecasts before heading out. The north side is more sheltered than exposed ocean beaches, making it ideal for intermediate riders learning in challenging conditions.
Launch & beach
Launch from the sheltered north beach when SSW to SW winds blow onshore; expect choppy conditions even on moderate wind days due to ocean swell. Scout water entry points carefully as sandbars shift seasonally.
Local etiquette
Share the bay with other water users including fishing boats and swimmers during summer; stay aware of designated recreation zones within Fort Stevens State Park. Respect any local wind sports community established protocols.
What to wear
Wear a 5/3mm winter wetsuit November through March when water temps drop to 45-50°F; switch to 3/2mm in April-October. Booties are essential for rocky/sandy bottom protection year-round.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
- Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn
What to wear (by climate)
- In the water
- 3/2 mm full wetsuit.
- On land
- Hoody and jacket; long pants in the evening.
Derived from the spot's latitude (temperate zone) and current season.
Right of way & manners
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.
Spot guide
The Experience
Fort Stevens North Side is a winter grinder. You come here to work, not float. The north beach sits in the lee of the old fort—less wind shadow than you'd hope, but enough to keep the water slightly more organized than the exposed beaches nearby. Still gnarly. Chop stays thick even on 12-knot days because ocean swell compounds the coastal texture. You're adjusting constantly.
Launch from the north beach when wind swings SSW to SW. Sandbars shift seasonally, so wade in slow and scout every session. Water runs high 40s to low 50s Fahrenheit in winter. Hood and gloves aren't optional. Hypothermia moves fast here.
Wind & Conditions
November through March. You'll see 103 windy days yearly, mostly concentrated in this window. SSW, S, and SW dominate; occasional E and NNE. Average 11.6 knots means most sessions run 12–16 knots actual. For a spot this choppy, size up one or two notches from your usual quiver.
Winter storms hit hard. Marine forecasts matter. When a gale pushes through, the water becomes a washing machine. The jetty creates standing waves and turbulence—stay south and east of the main structure. Northwest corner is a no-go.
The Water
Ocean swell is constant. Even light wind days have enough texture to make flat-water technique irrelevant. You need comfort in moving water. Shifting sandbars change your launch and landing zones throughout the year. Currents run strong, especially during storm surge and high tide. This spot doesn't tolerate zone-outs.
Local knowledge on seasonal sandbar shifts is valuable. If you don't have it, you're wading and surveying yourself each time.
Who It's For
Intermediate riders ready to test edge control against something that pushes back. You can handle chop and read moving water. Beginners get punished by cold, swell, currents, and a launch zone that shifts. Advanced riders won't find powder conditions, but they'll respect the consistency and teeth.
Astoria sits 15 minutes away—real food, shops, lodging. Fort Stevens State Park has parking and restrooms.
The Real Talk
This spot is honest work. Wind reliable enough to plan sessions months out. Chop keeps you sharp. Show up expecting magic wind-swell combos and you'll be disappointed. Conditions here tell you exactly where your skills actually are.