Columbia River in North/South direction, tidal effect more prevelant. Best on North wind and outgoing tide (add 1+ hr to tide chart). Conditions are generally butter flat to very small chop.
Sand beach with driftwood debris and some rock, it is an industrial area so not a family picnic spot. Wood pilings well downwind due require awareness on windy days. You can park close and launch safely. Self launch requires swimming out a little due to narrow beach. Spring and fall this beach is over crowded with fisherman so late spring through summer is best.
4/3 wetsuit late spring, shorty to board shorts in late June through July and August. Water temp 50°F late spring to upper 60's°F in August (tide will effect this more than in Gorge). Air temps 50's to 70°F in spring and 70's to 90's°F in summer.
Interstate 5 north from Portland about 38 miles to Todd Rd/Kalama exit. Take a left at stop sign and follow road around to right and straight past gravel facility on left. Beach with parking lot will come into view on left.