Ecola
Launch: 225' MSL (Google Earth)
Landing: 0' MSL
Direction(s): S-SW, WSW (look for SW 8 at the Astoria station)
Difficulty: Intermediate/advanced
Description of Site: Ecola State Park is a pristine forest preserve just north of Cannon Beach, OR. It is a popular tourist stop along the scenic coast highway. With over 6 miles of coastal trails and elevations that range from beach level to over a thousand feet, it is no wonder that many people are attracted to the area. Large numbers of pedestrians will be present to witness your flight on almost any given day. A 3 dollar per car-load daily use fee will be collected at the gate. Annual permits are available for a $25 dollar fee. Launch is a 190 foot grassy knob overlooking the beach. Glide to beach landing is about a 2 to 1. Beach access is from a trail about 1/2 mile south of launch. For pilots experienced in top landing, there is a flat open grassy area just west of the launch area. It is also possible to top land in the large grassy picnic area west of the parking lot, but don't land there if there are any picnickers in the area and be aware that when the wind is strong there can be rotors and turbulence back by the parking lot.
Directions to launch: Just past gate entry is a large parking area. Locate the main restroom and follow the trail past the restroom through the trees and to an open grassy area. Hike around knob to launch area overlooking the beach.
The launch area is the grassy hillside. Landings
can be made on the hillside or the beach.
Site Protocol: Flying Ecola is a privilege and not a right! It is granted with special consideration by the Park Manager. Follow all rules and regulation of the park. Always land as far away from people as possible! Always remember park visitors have the right of way. If people are in the top landing area then you must land on the beach. As always, be cautious of incoming tides.
Site Liaison: Pat Erwin
Others Experienced at this Site: John Benedict, Brad Hill, Ancil Nance, Steve Roti. Flights have been made north to Indian Beach on SW 10 days, with ascents, then, to the top of the ridge coming down from Tillamook Head. Crossing over the parking lot at 600 to 700 feet (ASL) is probably OK. Flights to Cannon Beach have also been made. The usual landing zone, at lower tides, is directly below launch, with a worn trail across the grassy slopes back to launch.
Winds have been known to pick up speed quickly, so keep an eye on the water patterns and land before you have to. One pilot reported being blown back to the clearcuts east of the beach, and another was snagged by a tall tree. Don't throw caution to the wind.
Large photo showing launch and landing areas.
Link to map of wider area, including Tillamook Head
Link to Ecola/Tillamook Head flight report showing some possibilties
Submitted by: Pat Erwin 2/10/97, revised 11/14/05