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PLENTIFUL waterfront district signage includes these panoramics from Hook to Hood River Bridge, which clearly show the eight “emergency access” zones to help guide responders to people in need. From the left (west) are The Hook, Point 1; Waterfront Park, Point 2; Event Site, Point 3; Nichols Basin, Point 4; The Spit, Point 5; Marina Beach, Point 6; Marina and Marina Green, Point 7; and Boat Launch, Point 8. Those calling 9-1-1 are encouraged to tell dispatchers which point number they are in, to direct assistance quickly their way. (These Emergency Access Points are not to be confused with the parking Zone 1-5 areas indicated by bright blue signs installed a year ago.) Point 5 — the Spit, at center, is closed July 3-5 because of the fireworks show.

Photo by Noah Noteboom

The Fourth of July holiday will limit access to several Port of Hood River waterfront properties beginning Wednesday, July 3, when the Hood River Eyeopeners Lions Club begins setting up its fireworks display just west of the mouth of the Hood River. Parking will be free on the Fourth at all port-owned streets and Lot 1, but parking permits and day use passes are still required for Event Site parking.

The following areas will be closed or have limited access:

  • The Spit: The Port will close the Spit area at noon on Wednesday, July 3 until noon on Friday, July 5.
  • Event Site Access to Sandbar: Access to the Sandbar from the Event Site will be closed at 7 p.m. on July 4 to everyone due to the fireworks.
  • Kiteboard launching and landing from the Event Site grass and beach is prohibited.
  • Marina Beach and Marina Park: The sandy area of the Marina Beach will be closed at 7 p.m. on July 4; it is also closed to kiteboarding launching and landing at that time.

Once the Marina Park parking areas are full, “Closed” signs will be posted at the entrance and additional vehicles will not be allowed into Marina Park. 

Fireworks of any kind are prohibited on all port properties, including the Marina and Waterfront areas. This policy is strictly enforced.

People planning on watching the fireworks from the Marina and the Waterfront are reminded that the show’s conclusion usually brings very heavy traffic congestion and there will be significant delays in exiting the area.

The port urges patience and cooperation to help ease the pressure created by the large number of vehicles attempting to exit the area at the same time. Dark conditions and heavy pedestrian traffic during this time make it all the more important to use caution and take your time driving in the area, said a press release.

For more information, contact the Port of Hood River at 541-386-1645 or porthr@gorge.net.