Cliffside Towers

Date: April 22, 2003
From: Stan Harryman

GOOD NEWS for Cliffside. I have obtained permission from the management of the aluminum plant to access the ridge at the radio towers, above the regular launches, for us to use as a launch. Last Sunday Rick Higgins and I secured the opening of the upper launch. We met one land owner (by chance) wile driving up and he was okay with our going through his property. I talked with another land leasee (from the aluminum company) and he was okay with our driving up to the towers through the property. Their only comments, "Don't make any messes and ALWAYS close the gates" and "Don't let my cows out."

To get to the towers you must drive up Highway 97 towards Goldendale, a couple of miles after you get to the flats, turn right on Hocter Road, drive East to Miller Road. Turn Right, South, on the dirt road, ignore the "absolutely no trespassing" sign, go up the slope to the first locked gate, continue on to the second locked gate, continue to the top. This is a three mile, four wheel drive road. Do not attempt to drive it with a two wheel drive vehicle. You may not make it and you will have a long walk out. Rick and I placed CPC locks on the gates, we will need to work out a system for member access to the keys. I want to have a work party soon to make repairs on the road. There are deep ruts that need to be filled in. Fire season will be upon us soon, plan on carrying a shovel, water and a fire extinguisher. Do not park on the dry grass.

There are three good areas for launches, one facing west, east and south. This will be an advanced site as the rocks and terrain below will produce boomer thermals mid-day. Morning and evening air should be fine for glass-off or sledders to the river. Rick has experience launching form this site and his comment to me was, "This will be an advanced site mid day." Launches will need some work as there are numerous small rocks to deal with. There may be additional launches to the east of the towers.