Oregon’s diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and coastal cliffs, offer fantastic hang gliding opportunities. With several popular launch areas and companies providing lessons, Oregon is a great place for both beginners and experienced hang gliders.
Top Hang Gliding Locations in Oregon
Bald Butte (Hood River, Oregon)
Bald Butte offers incredible views of the Columbia River Gorge and favorable wind conditions.
Becks (Molalla, Oregon)
This site offers scenic mountain views and excellent thermals.
Cape Kiwanda (Pacific City, Oregon)
Located on the coast, Cape Kiwanda provides hang gliders with ocean views and steady coastal winds.
Cape Lookout/Andersons Viewpoint (Andersons Point, Oregon)
This coastal site offers excellent wind conditions and scenic cliffside views.
Chehalem Ridge (Newberg, Oregon)
Known for its beautiful landscapes and consistent wind patterns.
Lakeview (Lakeview, Oregon)
This site, located in southeastern Oregon, is known for its open skies and great flying conditions.
Mount Howard (Wallowa, Oregon)
A mountainous site with stunning views of the Wallowa Mountains.
Peterson Butte (Peterson Butte, Oregon)
A popular site offering great thermals and expansive views of the Willamette Valley.
Pine Mountain (Bend, Oregon)
This high-altitude site provides spectacular views and good flying conditions.
Sollie Smith (Astoria, Oregon)
A coastal site known for its steady winds and scenic landscapes.
Woodrat (Jacksonville, Oregon)
One of the most popular hang gliding spots in southern Oregon, offering great conditions and scenic mountain views.
Hang Gliding Companies in Oregon
Oregon Hang Gliding School
- Website: www.oregonhanggliding.com
- Location: 5575 SW Plumley St Hangar 2, Corvallis, Oregon 97330
- Details: Oregon Hang Gliding School provides lessons, tandem flights, and training for hang gliders of all levels.
Southern Oregon Airsports
- Website: www.soair.net
- Location: Grants Pass, Oregon 97528
- Details: Southern Oregon Airsports offers lessons and tandem flights with spectacular views of southern Oregon.
Alternative Outdoor Activities in Oregon
Oregon is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with a variety of activities:
- Hiking: Explore trails in Crater Lake National Park and Columbia River Gorge.
- Rock Climbing: Head to Smith Rock State Park for challenging routes.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Paddle through Willamette River or Rogue River.
- Mountain Biking: Ride the trails in Bend or Oakridge.
Safety Tips and Best Time to Visit
The best time to hang glide in Oregon is during the spring and summer months when weather conditions are favorable. Always check weather forecasts and ensure proper safety measures are in place before flying.
Conclusion
Oregon offers an incredible range of hang gliding sites, from coastal cliffs to high-altitude mountain ridges. With companies like Oregon Hang Gliding School and Southern Oregon Airsports providing lessons and flights, the state is perfect for hang gliding enthusiasts. Additionally, Oregon provides various outdoor activities for those seeking more adventure.
Hang Gliding in the US – Choose a State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
