thunderbird1
New Member
I'm not sure how many folks know that Sea Tow offers free advice and directions to boaters. Vessel Assist may offer a similar service. This season my family is planning a cruise up the Columbia. I thought I'd share the very informative reply I received from our local Sea Tow franchise.
Jay & Jennifer,
Deb forwarded me your email regarding fuel docks and anchorages above Bonneville Dam. Fuel is, to the best of my knowledge, only available at the Port of Hood River (right below the bridge) and the Yacht Club at The Dalles. I don't know of any other locations you can buy fuel on the water.
As for anchorages and dockage, both of these also have guest moorage available. Working from The Dalles downriver you can also moor at:
Rowena (OR): about river mile 180.5 is a cove where a boat ramp is available. This is not a well developed area but it is sufficiently deep and protected so as to be a good anchorage. There are no services and limited facilities.
Bingen (WA): above river mile 170 are two coves. I've not been to either but the cove upstream of Bingen has a ramp and appears to be sufficiently deep (marked as 9'). It also seems to be well protected. The downstream cove looks man made. I don't know if services are available here or not.
Hood River (OR): at river mile 170 is the yacht club, ramp, and public dock. There is a hotel, some fast food, and mini-marts. Groceries would be a short cab ride away. When entering/leaving the marina please note that there is a large sand bar just down stream. The recommended strategy is to head due north or travel alongside the bridge until well clear. This area is well marked on the charts.
Wells Island (OR): just below Hood River is Wells Island. The area behind the island is deep, but access is not. Tread carefully if you go exploring here. Also, anchoring back here will not provide you with any protection from the high winds this area is known for. It looks appealing but is not recommended.
Cascade Locks (OR): at river mile 149.5. Just above the island at Cascade Locks is a small cove with a marina. Guest moorage is available. This is a well protected inlet. I'm not sure what services are available here.
The locks: Call Bonneville Lockmaster on channel 14. (All the Columbia River locks are on VHF-14.) When heading downstream call Bonneville before passing the Bridge of the Gods. If you don't you'll get a lecture. It's a narrow passage and they don't like recreational vessels entering without letting them know about it.
When headed upstream call them from Ives Island (WA) and tell them you're at "the push". That's the area just across from Ives Island and they should recognize the name. It's an area that the tugs start hitting the heavy current from the dam's spill. Currents can be tricky here but they're easily manageable if you're paying attention.
One other comment: I don't want to discourage you from your trip, but the area you're considering is known for its high winds. I've been in 3-4 footers here on a regular basis and on one occasion was in 4-6's. Because there are limited protected areas to head into paying attention to the weather is particularly important. If you get into heavy "seas" simply slow down and stay with it taking one wave at a time. Turning around is usually a bad idea. The boat will handle the waves best on the bow.
I'd be happy to discuss this with you further if you would like. I have no doubt you can manage (when I was in the 4-6's I saw a 16 footer with two fishermen aboard and they did fine!) but wanted you to be well aware of what the area is like. To be sure, it's very pretty and well worth the trip. Again, don't hesitate to call me if you have any questions.
Wish I were going!
Jay & Jennifer,
Deb forwarded me your email regarding fuel docks and anchorages above Bonneville Dam. Fuel is, to the best of my knowledge, only available at the Port of Hood River (right below the bridge) and the Yacht Club at The Dalles. I don't know of any other locations you can buy fuel on the water.
As for anchorages and dockage, both of these also have guest moorage available. Working from The Dalles downriver you can also moor at:
Rowena (OR): about river mile 180.5 is a cove where a boat ramp is available. This is not a well developed area but it is sufficiently deep and protected so as to be a good anchorage. There are no services and limited facilities.
Bingen (WA): above river mile 170 are two coves. I've not been to either but the cove upstream of Bingen has a ramp and appears to be sufficiently deep (marked as 9'). It also seems to be well protected. The downstream cove looks man made. I don't know if services are available here or not.
Hood River (OR): at river mile 170 is the yacht club, ramp, and public dock. There is a hotel, some fast food, and mini-marts. Groceries would be a short cab ride away. When entering/leaving the marina please note that there is a large sand bar just down stream. The recommended strategy is to head due north or travel alongside the bridge until well clear. This area is well marked on the charts.
Wells Island (OR): just below Hood River is Wells Island. The area behind the island is deep, but access is not. Tread carefully if you go exploring here. Also, anchoring back here will not provide you with any protection from the high winds this area is known for. It looks appealing but is not recommended.
Cascade Locks (OR): at river mile 149.5. Just above the island at Cascade Locks is a small cove with a marina. Guest moorage is available. This is a well protected inlet. I'm not sure what services are available here.
The locks: Call Bonneville Lockmaster on channel 14. (All the Columbia River locks are on VHF-14.) When heading downstream call Bonneville before passing the Bridge of the Gods. If you don't you'll get a lecture. It's a narrow passage and they don't like recreational vessels entering without letting them know about it.
When headed upstream call them from Ives Island (WA) and tell them you're at "the push". That's the area just across from Ives Island and they should recognize the name. It's an area that the tugs start hitting the heavy current from the dam's spill. Currents can be tricky here but they're easily manageable if you're paying attention.
One other comment: I don't want to discourage you from your trip, but the area you're considering is known for its high winds. I've been in 3-4 footers here on a regular basis and on one occasion was in 4-6's. Because there are limited protected areas to head into paying attention to the weather is particularly important. If you get into heavy "seas" simply slow down and stay with it taking one wave at a time. Turning around is usually a bad idea. The boat will handle the waves best on the bow.
I'd be happy to discuss this with you further if you would like. I have no doubt you can manage (when I was in the 4-6's I saw a 16 footer with two fishermen aboard and they did fine!) but wanted you to be well aware of what the area is like. To be sure, it's very pretty and well worth the trip. Again, don't hesitate to call me if you have any questions.
Wish I were going!
