Paragliding Pine Ridge, OR

Pine Ridge is a paragliding site located in Central Oregon, USA, within the Crooked River National Grasslands. The ridge is one mile long and faces the prevailing northwest winds, making it ideal for ridge soaring. The site offers mild thermals in the spring and fall, with more intense thermals during the summer. Launches at Pine Ridge are all walk-up, and the best flying conditions are with north to northwest winds. Shorter flights can be achieved when winds come from the northeast or west. The area has undergone regular controlled burning, which has cleared much of the juniper, providing numerous open grass launches and landing areas. Pine Ridge is an uninsured and unregulated flying site. It is recommended that pilots have a USHPA membership and a P-2 rating. The maximum wind speed for safe flying is 15 mph, with a maximum gust factor of 5 mph. The ideal wind direction ranges from 310 to 360 degrees. Directions to Launch and Landing Zone (LZ): From Terrebonne, OR: - Drive east across the railroad tracks, down a hill, and continue east for 5 miles to a 'T' intersection and stop sign. - Turn left, cross the Crooked River, and follow the road north for 6 miles. - The south side of Pine Ridge will be visible as you drive north. Look for a large pole corral on the left side of the road and turn left/west onto Rd. 57 (gravel). - If you reach a stop sign, you have missed the corral. Go back south 1/4 mile and turn right/west onto Rd. 57. - Drive 2.4 miles to a cattle guard, cross it, and proceed 0.15 miles to take a left on a double track road heading uphill. - Park before the road closure, hike up the road to the gate, go through the gate, and hike the hill to launch. Please close the gate behind you. From Madras, OR: - Drive 1.5 miles south on Hwy. 97, then turn left onto Hwy. 26 toward Prineville. - Drive about 12 miles southeast until you see a large natural gas pumping station building on the west side of the highway. - Half a mile ahead, look for a small green road sign directing you toward Lone Pine. Take this paved road for 1/4 mile to a large pole corral. - Turn right/west onto Rd. 57 (gravel), drive 2.4 miles to a cattle guard, cross it, and proceed 0.15 miles to take a left on a double track road heading uphill. - Park before the road closure, hike up the road to the gate, go through the gate, and hike the hill to launch. Please close the gate behind you. Site Access: The National Grasslands restricts driving off primary roads during certain times of the year. If the ground is muddy and you will leave ruts, please walk. Safety Note: Since all launches are below the ridge top, it is advisable to check wind speed and direction at the top of the ridge before launching. For more information, visit [Desert Air Riders](https://desertairriders.org/flying-sites/). Submitted by: Mark Corbet (June 1997) and revised by Chip Miller (September 2015) Site liaison: Jake Jacobs