Kutch
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.
This site is fairly intimidating; launch is not easy and it’s hard to see the LZs from launch so don't worry if you are reluctant to fly when you first view it. Wind from the NNW to the E has provided good rides, but the best have been NE thermal days in late summer, so far, with Brett Hardin going 17 miles SE to land at the town of Sheridan.
People experienced at this site:
Jim Donaldson, Doug Mullen, give 'em a call.
Kutch orientation images:
Looking north
From above
Looking south