Marys Peak
May 14, 2005 marks a new day for this site. Mike Steed flew and landed at a new clear cut 2000' below the summit of this high point in the coast range. Thermal conditions permitted several top landings.
At 4097 feet, Marys Peak is the highest in the coast range. This is an excellent southwest and south (check winds at altitude since ground-level forecasts mean little here) site with thermals. Beginners beware, the new LZ is a recent clear cut. The old LZ is not an option. The LZ is a good walk behind a locked gate and permission has not been granted.
When to go: "I based my call on MM5 vertical soundings for Corvallis/Newport/Eugene that averaged out to 1-flag SW wind and good lapse rate all the way up to clouds at ~5000." Mike Steed
Directions: Take exit 228 off of I-5, then follow Hwy 34 toward the coast as it turns left to bypass Corvallis, and then left again after Philomath. Turn right onto Marys Peak turnoff at the top of the pass. Follow the paved road to Harlan Rd. The new clear cut is 1.07 miles (as the crow barks) from the summit, west, down Harlan Rd. Take the summit road to the parking area. Follow a trail 0.4 miles to the grassy summit and a view down to the LZ.
View from the LZ looking northeast-ish to the summit. This view corresponds with F in the next photo.
Photo ©2005 Mike Steed
The recent clearcut is on the SW slope of Marys Peak, an easy glide
even if you scratch a while.
A. The road to hike out (2 miles, relatively flat, gate is 1.9 miles
down the gravel road toward Harlan).
B. "Runway 6" is the longest and flattest place to land, but
difficult to approach from the uphill end.
C. The top of the knob is approachable from any direction, might be your
best bet in west wind -- but don't overshoot!
D. This 4-way intersection is relatively flat but sits in a hollow --
because of its low elevation, it may be a good backup plan if some other
approach fails.
E to F is an uphill landing option. F is flat on top but small. Aim for
the spur road intersection, come in fast and flare hard.