On June 20th and 21st (2008) we camped and sailed at Lake Billy Chinook near Culver, Oregon.  The weather was warm and I thought the camp ground and day use was great.  The sailing however . . .

 

was dissapointing.  The wind was spotty at best in the mid afternoon. (3-5pm)  I can see why the water skiers like it though.  If I had a ski boat this would be a hot spot for me but alas . . . I have a sail boat.  

 

The weather was warm (70-80's) and the sun was bright.  I had a little more hope for Saturday than Friday because I heard it was suppose to be a windy day and especially in the afternoon.   When the wind did pick-up (at about 2pm) it was tantalizingly strong and by the time I got my sails hoisted I heard the first sounds of thunder.  Since I was sailing around with a big aluminium lightening rod I decided to wait a little and see where the squall was coming from and going to.  Once I thought I was safe I cast off with another guy and we did what we could but it was short lived and I ended up rowing the last couple hundred yards back to the beach..

 

From second hand information I strongly suggest avoiding this lake on a hot July 4th.  My information has it that there are even too many ski boats during that time.  It could be down right dangerous and frustrating for sailing.

 

I wonder if the wind is any better in the winter time.