Bald Butte

This is a wonderful old hang gliding site with launch and landing in national forest land. It has excellent soaring potential. It is not a beginner site because it tends to have a large amount of lift, is somewhat turbulent, and the flight out to the LZ involves flying over a mile and a half of trees. The launch is a large grassy slope with knockout views of the valley and of Mount Hood. The glide to the ranger station looks long especially when facing a brisk west wind but we have found so much lift over this western slope that penetration doesn't seem to be a problem except in crosswind conditions.

This area gets strong west winds. Winds here will tend to be stronger, and more from the west than forecast for the Cascades. Mornings and evenings are safest. Wonder winds, strong steady late afternoon upslope flow also know as "glass off' and magic air, widespread lift over the valley just before sunset are both common here and to be sought after, especially in the spring and fall. Snow is generally clear by 3/15.

Directions to Launch: This butte is just east of Parkdale, Oregon. The LZ is in the fields surrounding the Parkdale ranger station on the west side of Hwy 35. To get to the summit, drive north on Hwy 35 for 3.5 miles, then turn right on the obvious main paved road uphill (Pinemont Drive). Follow this road about 7.5 miles. It will become gravel, then paved, then gravel again. In this area, there is a right turn through an always open gate labeled "Surveyors Ridge Trail #688." The road beyond this point becomes increasingly rough and most require 4WD. Generally, bear right up and along the ridge. About 200 yards below the summit is a steep downhill that can be very difficult to drive back up in wet weather due to very slippery mud. If you have any doubt, park before this downgrade and walk the rest of the way.

Site protocol: The small field south of the ranger station can be used as an LZ on weekends when there's no activity at the station, but it's a tight LZ and is surrounded by power lines and orchards. Other private fields are available for landing occasionally, so check with local pilots for current LZ status. In order to fly here pilots should be USHGA members with a minimum of a Novice (Para-II) rating.

Fire Danger: Be careful parking on dry grass. If you drive or park on dry grass carry a fire extinguisher and/or shovel in car.

Local Contacts:
Rick Higgins
Robert "CB" Schmaltz
Jay Carroll

Submitted By: Pete Reagan
Last Revision Date: 5/21/99