Doug's Beach State
Park
Between Murdock, WA., and Lyle, WA
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Doug's beach is a popular windsurfing site and (for
those less adventurous) a windsurfing observation site. Picnic tables
and shade trees line the shore.
Location
Located between Murdock, WA., and Lyle, WA.
Park Hours
Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.
The park is open year-round for day use only.
Acreage
31 acres, with approximately 240 feet of beach access to the Columbia
River.
Acquired
The site is owned by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources
and Burlington Northern Railroad. A temporary right of entry permit
was signed with the Department of Natural Resources in August 1988.
A temporary occupancy permit was issued by Burlington Northern in September
1988. Official naming of the park is pending official Commission action.
Historical Background
In 1805, Lewis and Clark stopped for supplies at an Indian village in
the vicinity of today's park. The transaction is recorded in their
journals. The park acquired its name from a windsurfer who used to frequent
the
beach when the sport was in its infancy. "Doug" still lives
in the Gorge and owns a business in Hood River, Oregon.
Facilities
The park offers ten unsheltered picnic tables and three portapoties,
but no water and no dump site. Visitors are expected to pack their garbage
out with them when they leave. Tables are available first-come, first-served.
Fires are not permitted in the park.
Of Special Interest
Doug's Beach State Park is a 400-acre, undeveloped day-use park on the
Columbia River. This is one of the premier windsurfing sites in the
Columbia Gorge and is rated for advanced sailors. Parking is along the
south side of SR 14. There is a pedestrian walkway behind the vehicle-parking
area, fenced from passing trains. Visitors access the beach down a paved
path with railroad-crossing arms and signals.
Activities
Fishing (freshwater)
Swimming (freshwater)
Bird Watching
Sailboarding
Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing.
Driving Directions
From Oregon:
On I-84, take exit #87 at The Dalles. Drive north on US 197 over the
Columbia River about three miles to the SR 14 junction, then head west
about five miles. The park is located on SR 14.
From Washington:
Travel east on SR 14 from Vancouver,WA. The park is about three miles
east of the town of Lyle.
Traveling west:
On SR 14 from US 97 or I-82 near the Tri-Cities, drive about five miles
past the US 197 junction. The park is located near milepost-78 on SR
14.
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Comment Submission
Courtesy of Washington
State Park and Recreation Commission
