Paragliding Peterson Butte Summit, OR

Peterson Butte, located in Oregon, USA, offers a paragliding experience with a height of 425 meters and a height difference of 327 meters. The main takeoff area is regularly used for thermal soaring, with some potential for cross-country flights. The site record is 18.3 km, and more details can be found on the Cascade Paragliding Club's site guide. The site is open from November 1 through May 31 and is closed at other times due to fire hazards. Access to the site requires a combination lock, which changes each flying season. It is essential to lock the gate behind you as this is a working ranch. Peterson Butte is a regulated site, and only USHPA members are allowed to fly here. Non-USHPA members flying the site will invalidate the insurance policy. Please adhere to this requirement. The site protocol includes no flying alone, rated pilots only, leaving gates as found (closed and locked), no driving off paved roads except to park at the microwave station, no firearms or hunting, no dogs allowed, no fires, no motorcycles, and driving slowly to be courteous to the animals. Pilots must be off the property by sunset. The primary radio frequency used at this site is 151.925 MHz. Pilots may also operate on other frequencies, so it is advisable to have a radio and ask what frequency is being used. The launch faces south and works best with winds between southeast and southwest. Recommended wind speeds for paragliding are 5-12 mph, with higher speeds suitable for hang gliding and mini wings. The site requires a hike up, making it a good place to stretch your legs. The south-facing slope adjacent to the parking area is the main hang glider launch, with several higher launches accessible by hiking up the face toward the summit. The upper launches are best for paragliding, although sustained soaring flights in 14 mph winds have been achieved from the lowest launch. Landing zones include the fields along the entrance road and the hillside. It is important to choose an area away from livestock, especially during lambing season, and to be aware of powerlines to the west of the lower launch and along the entrance road. Directions to the site: From I-5 southbound, take the Corvallis/Lebanon exit (Hwy 34). Drive east on Hwy 34 for about 3.7 miles, then turn right on Steckley Rd, which becomes Sand Ridge Rd. Follow for 2.7 miles, passing Sand Ridge Cemetery. Turn left into the driveway at the 35 mph curve sign and drive slowly (10 mph) to the Cyclone fence between the barn and the house. Read the signs on the gate and continue straight through the gates, leaving each gate as you find it. After crossing the large fields, approach the gate with the combination lock. The alternate landing zone is on your left. Note the wires running alongside the road. Follow the road up the hill to the parking area at the microwave station. This is the only place you may leave the road; do not attempt to drive further up the hill. For more information, visit the Cascade Paragliding Club's site guide: [Cascade Paragliding Club Site Guide](http://cascadeparaglidingclub.org/site-guide/) Updated 04/04/22 by Josh Norris.