Kutch
As a reminder, unless one of the site liaisons calls and gets prior
permission, the Thorton ranch is off limits as a landing zone. Please
make sure everyone flying there is aware of the restriction, as any
violations may end in trespass charges.
Kutch is a coast range thermal site west of Yamhill. The site works in NNW to E winds and seems to be protected - the winds are normally less strong than MM5 or NOAA suggest.
Launching can be tricky because of the trees just below launch, the setup is flat and sometimes there is very little wind. The view from launch is limited, so it’s important to get well oriented before launching.
A large clearcut just north of launch provides a reasonable bailout LZ; there are several roads you can land on to avoid the tree stumps. If you can get a few hundred feet above launch, you can fly out and land at or near the Flying M Ranch. Top landing is also possible. While it is also possible to fly out and land at or near the Four Corners, we currently don’t have permission to do so, so please don’t!
Print a map (link) that shows the logging roads after you leave Moore's Valley Road and are on Kutch Mt. Rd.
Here's how to get there:
At hwys. 240 & 47 in Yamhill, set your trip odometer to zero. At Yamhill,
the hwy. name changes from hwy. 240 to Moores Valley Rd.
1) Go west 1.8 miles on Moores Valley Rd. then turn right.
1a) At 4.7 miles, asphalt ends and turns to gravel
2) At 7.7 miles, you will cross Old Moores Valley Rd.
3) At 8.9 miles, turn right at the white rail fence, house and archery
barn. This is labeled Kutch Rd. (note, if you miss this turn you end up on
Meadow Lake Road and be headed, in a roundabout way, to the roads that put
you at Mt. Hebo, Nestucca River, Willhelmina, etc. Bring a lunch.)
4) Go .8 miles then turn right on slightly rougher gravel road.
5) Go 1.2 miles and turn right and you'll see launch in the clearcut that
looks north and east and all over.
Updated Site Guide entry for Kutch for the Thornton LZ.
Property is off limits when crops are present. (April 1st – July 15th)
Property is off limits when cattle or equipment are present.
No alcohol, drugs or smoking on the premises.
The club is responsible to clean up litter.
Anything that they brought must be removed when they leave.
Thornton Ranch or their owners aren’t responsible for any injuries or deaths.
Someone shall call ahead to let us know that the pilots may be landing and to verify access to the property.
Landing is strictly at your own risk.
These rights are revocable at any time.
People experienced at this site:
Jim Donaldson, Doug Mullen, give 'em a call.
Kutch orientation images:
Looking north
From above
Looking south
As a reminder, unless one of the site liaisons calls and gets prior
permission, the Thorton ranch is off limits as a landing zone. Please
make sure everyone flying there is aware of the restriction, as any
violations may end in trespass charges.