Paragliding Sand Lake Dunes, OR

Eagle Dunes, located at the northwestern corner of Sand Lake, just below the southern side of Cape Lookout, offers a unique paragliding experience. To access the site, you will need an OHV pass and an orange flag on your vehicle if you plan on driving onto the beach at Sand Lake. Alternatively, if you plan on parking in the day-use area and hiking or carpooling to the dunes, you will only need a day-use pass, which is available at the kiosk in the parking area. From the day-use parking lot, head northwest over the sand to the beach access point. Once on the beach, travel north for several hundred yards. The dunes here are covered in bushes and are soarable in west to WSW winds. A running launch parallel to the dunes is effective. Soaring is possible from the beginning of the dunes near the beach access point all the way to Cape Lookout. However, be cautious of a strong venturi effect if there is any southern component to the wind, and avoid the area near Cape Lookout completely if there is any northern component due to rotor. The dunes allow you to bench up to the forest, which has a gentle slope behind them. There is potential for cross-country flights to Cape Kiwanda. South of Sand Lake, near Tierra Del Mar, the dunes are more stable and transition into a cliff that runs all the way to Cape Kiwanda. This area works well when the wind is strong from the west. For more detailed information, visit the Cascade Paragliding Club's site guide: [Cascade Paragliding Club Site Guide](http://cascadeparaglidingclub.org/site-guide/) You can also refer to the Eagle Dunes Site Guide (2016) and the Dunes at Sand Lake Site Guide (1995) for historical context and additional insights.