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Description
Marys Peak, located in the Oregon Coast Range, stands at 1249 meters with a height difference of 724 meters. This site is occasionally used for soaring and thermal soaring, with southwest winds being the norm and north winds rarely flown. Top landing is possible, but there are also bailout options below, suitable only for experienced pilots.
The region offers a unique flying experience, especially on days when other locations are not flyable due to wind or fog. Marys Peak has been a popular spot for paragliders since the early 1990s, and improvements in landing zones since 2005 have made it more accessible. However, the technical nature of the landing zones and the hike required to reach them can be discouraging for some.
At 4097 feet, Marys Peak is the highest point in the Coast Range and is ideal for southwest and south winds. It's important to check winds at altitude, as ground-level forecasts are not reliable here. The open meadows at the top provide multiple landing options, but the primary sink-out landing zone is a clearcut area almost 2 miles behind a locked gate. Logging activities have periodically opened up new landing options closer to the gate.
For optimal flying conditions, look for MM5 vertical soundings for Corvallis/Newport at the 850 millibar level, indicating a south to southwest wind and a good lapse rate.
Launch options include the summit and the FAA microwave relay station on the west ridge. The summit launch requires a 0.4-mile hike from the top parking lot, with setup spots varying based on wind direction. The FAA microwave relay station offers a launch area suitable for strong winds, with a large flat area behind it that is landable.
The sink-out landing zone is a clearcut area below either launch. The previously used 4-way intersection is no longer viable due to tree growth, making the more recently cleared ridge a better option. The clearcut on the southwest slope of Marys Peak is an easy glide, even if you need to scratch for a while. For those not inclined to hike 2 miles to check out the landing zone before flying, a video showing two landing options is available: [Watch Video](https://vimeo.com/85053372).
Directions: Take exit 228 off I-5, then follow Hwy 34 toward the coast. Turn left to bypass Corvallis, then left again after Philomath. Turn right to Marys Peak at the top of the pass and follow the paved road to Harlan Rd. The gate to the sink-out landing zone is 2 miles down the gravel Harlan road. Continue up the paved road to the launches.
Winter roads advisory: The upper road is not plowed in winter. Gates exist but haven’t been closed in years. Siuslaw National Forest may provide information on road passability.
For more details, visit the [Cascade Paragliding Club Site Guide](http://cascadeparaglidingclub.org/site-guide/) and [Google Drive Document](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q9LjA4mI6eV9xwd2Yx1QiqfaYuyvNIuw/view).
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