Dave Lankton launched from the cliffs behind him. Notice clear areas among the small trees, which have been used as LZs. ©2001 Ancil Nance

Rowena

We have not received permission from anyone to fly here. This is a sensitive site, in that the launch is from the edge of a cliff that is in a Nature's Conservancy park at Rowena just east of Rowena Dell.

To get there take either the Mosier or Rowena exits off of I-84, and drive to the park overlook. Park in the viewpoint area and follow a trail south to the cliffs.

Launch from any place you are comfortable, however there is gentle slope in the cliff just above the tall trees at the south part of the bowl shown in the photo to the right. Be aware of turbulence from the trees, but here the slope allows you to safely stand near the edge and below your glider, making a preflight check of the kited glider possible. Pilots have launched from higher up the hill and from the cliffs on the north side of the parking lot.

Dave Lankton prepares for a landing on the second road turnout. ©2001 Ancil Nance

Conditions that seem to work best are an east wind of about 12-15 mph. I flew when it was only 8 mph and landed, without any passes, on a road turnout. The landing areas are anywhere on top, except during flower blooming, and in a gravel pit located east of launch between the lower road loops. Safe landings have been made in the clear areas between trees and on the wide turnouts along the highway. Spot landing skills should be honed first.

Report submitted by Ancil Nance November 12, 2003