Cliffside
Cliffside Site Orientation and Information
Cliffside Weather Not always working
Columbia Gorge Aluminum is pleased to extend the continued usage of Cliffside Point and associated landing areas for paragliding and hang gliding purposes to the Cascade Paraglidiing Club.
Columbia Gorge Aluminum requests the following requirements be met:
• Discontinue using the backside access (Farmhouse area) for access
to the launching areas.
• Cascade Paragliding Club provide a listing to Columbia Gorge Aluminum
of members who will be using the site. This list is to be updated annually
by December 30 of each year.
• Cascade Paragliding Club provide annual training to members who
will be using the Cliffside Point identifying the location and dangers
associated with the power lines on the Plant property. Provide records
of individuals training to Columbia Gorge Aluminum.
• Provide Columbia Gorge Aluminum with 6 each updated Cliffside
Point site usage maps which will be posted at key locations. Columbia
Gorge will laminate and post signs as necessary.
• Call Security 509-773-5811-0 prior to flying
or entering plant property. One call per day is sufficient.
Cliffside Update 4/22/2003: New Cliffside Towers launch open.
Site Description
Site Protocol for foot-launched aviation at Cliffside Point
1. Park in pullouts in an orderly fashion so as not to disturb traffic, park on gravel, off pavement.
2. Access launch through gate above lower pullout. Access paragliding LZ over fence crossing stairs. Please do not climb on fences. Access hang gliding LZ (between the railroad tracks and the big power lines) from John Day Dam Road. If you are going to land in the hang gliding LZ, call the Security Department at 509-773-5811 Ext. 272 ahead of time and let them know.
3. Do not fly or land anywhere near the Aluminum facility. Please land within the areas specified.
4. All pilots must be USHGA members and must have signed the USHGA Release, Waiver and Assumption of Risk Agreement.
5. New pilots unfamiliar with this site are asked to contact the site liaison or other local contacts listed at the bottom of this page, or go to Cliffside Site Orientation and Information.
6. Be cautious with loose material while above SR-14. Do not let anything roll down onto roadway.
7. Be aware that this environment has loose rock, hidden obstacles and rattlesnakes.
8. Please do not land on SR-14 or pullouts; there is plenty of room below.
9. X-C pilots, please be courteous of property owners and cross fences at gates or go under fence.
10. In the case of a mishap and you end up in the no fly zone and need access to Aluminum facility, please contact the Security Department at 509-773-5811 Ext. 272.
11. While soaring at Cliffside the standard ridge rules and thermal etiquette are in effect.
12. During fire season always carry fire suppression equipment (fire extinguisher, shovel and water) while driving off paved roads on plant property.
Launch and Landing Areas: 
Hike up about 15 minutes from the lower pullout through the gate to the paragliding launch and top landing area on the open grass fields above the fence line. The standard paragliding LZ is the large field southeast of the lower pullout, below the road. From the LZ it's a slight up-slope walk to SR-14, use stairs to cross the fence just east of the pullout.
Hang Glider Landing Zone Vehicle Access for Retrieval
1. Park as to not block any gates or roadway, the gates have a wider area
for parking.
2. Please park next to roadways and not drive out into fields.
3. Please land in the area specified and walk your glider to vehicle,
stay away from power lines!
Local Contacts:
Stan
Harryman (site liaison)
Robert
"CB" Schmaltz
Rick
Higgins
Submitted by: Jay Carroll
Last revision date: 2/22/06
