Best Conditions
Description
Saddle Mountain, located near Mattawa, USA, is a popular winter ridge soaring site that works well with N-NNE winds. This site is frequently used by skilled pilots who are comfortable with top landing, allowing for multiple flights in a day without breaking down their glider. However, be cautious as this is a desert site with potentially extreme mid-day thermic conditions. Always assess current and future conditions and seek pre-flight advice from experienced pilots.
This site requires USHPA membership and is suitable for novice or higher-rated pilots under appropriate conditions. All instruction or tandem activities must comply with USHPA rules.
Contact Information:
- Rik Ely: (509) 306-9525
- Ron Barbera: (206) 409-3127
Flying Season: Spring, Fall, Summer, Winter
Access: The site is accessible via a 2WD dirt and gravel public road that passes through public and private lands. The road can be rough and crosses the BLM Saddle Mountains OHV area, where you may encounter fast-moving motorcycles and off-road vehicles.
Launch Elevation: 2340 MSL (46.8174, -119.8771)
Type: Unimproved desert slope (sand, gravel, sage, rocks)
Obstructions: None
Faces: North
Minimum Glide Ratio from Launch to LZ: 3.4
Wind Speed and Direction: N-NNE; 0-25mph
Maximum Gust Differential: 12mph
The launch and top landing area is privately owned, but USHPA members have access through a land use agreement. There is a fee for this privilege, and donations to the site fund are encouraged.
The site is typically flown as a ridge site in moderate North winds during fall, winter, and spring. Summer flying is possible but can be dangerous due to sharp and strong thermals. Top landing is preferred south of the road behind the launch with a right turn approach from the east. Temporary streamers can help indicate wind conditions but must be removed after use.
Soarable: Yes, R/T
LZ Elevation: 500 MSL (46.8300, -119.8935)
The LZ area is managed by the WA State Department of Natural Resources as an ORV park. Streamers should not be hung from bushes, trees, or other structures and must be removed at the end of the day. Use your own poles or wind indicators and leave the LZ cleaner than you found it.
When the park is open, land far away from any activity and walk your wing back to the parking area.
Additional Notes: Be cautious when going cross-country to the South and West as both Hanford and the Yakima Firing Range are restricted areas. There are scheduled military training routes in this area. Contact Whidbey Naval Air Operations at (800) 360-3050 or (360) 257-2877 and McChord Air Force Base Operations at (253) 982-2635 to check on scheduled flights.
Please contribute to the Saddle Mountain land-use fee, which is $1200 annually, due every March. Consider joining CBCC or supporting the site via a donation.
For more information, visit:
- [Wilder Adventures](https://www.wilderadventures.com/launch/895/saddle-mountain-mattawa)
- [Cloudbase Country Club](https://www.cloudbase.org/?page_id=334)
Only launch within your rating and skill levels. If in doubt, do not set up or launch. If the sky looks threatening, get out of the air immediately and be aware of nearby terrain and potential rotor.
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