The Best Paragliding Spots in Oregon

10 of the Unique Places for paraglide in Oregon

Some people think of Oregon as a rainy state located on the West Coast. What they do not know is Oregon is home to some of the highest mountains, densest forests, and breathtaking shorelines located in the U.S.! All of those environmental factors make Oregon a paragliding haven. Since there are hundreds of options of where to paraglide in Oregon, we have narrowed it down to the top ten places to paraglide!

The Best Paragliding Spots in Oregon

If you are new to this and you want to have a safe paragliding experience, Black Cap will be the ideal option. It is only 5,317 feet. For paragliders, such a height isn’t challenging at all because they can go higher to an extreme height of 18,000 feet. If you fly from this point and descend below, you will be pampered with breathtaking views of the nearby mountains and the town. Reaching the mountain is relatively easy – you can access the dirt trail. It will lead you to the launching spot.

There are some of the best paragliding spots in Oregon known for their unique terrain and challenging geography. Oregon is most known as the rainy state on the West Coast area. However, not many people know that this place has its own unique geographical elements and contours, especially in the combination of dense forest, amazing shorelines, and also the highest mountains.

The Best Paragliding Spots in Oregon, 10 of the Unique Places for paraglide in Oregon
The Best Paragliding Spots in Oregon, 10 of the Unique Places for paraglide in Oregon

In fact, if you are looking for the densest forest or the highest mountains, you should be able to find one easily in Oregon. Because of these factors, Oregon is often considered ideal as a paragliding point or even haven. The difficult thing is that there are countless options for paragliding there. That’s why there are some of the best spots with their unique features and characteristics.

Paragliding in Black Cap

The Best Paragliding Spots in Oregon, 10 of the Unique Places for paraglide in Oregon: Black Cap
The Best Paragliding Spots in Oregon, 10 of the Unique Places for paraglide in Oregon: Black Cap

For a less extreme Oregon paragliding experience, check out Black Cap Mountain! This mountain is only 5,371 feet, and in paragliding terms, that is not extremely high (paragliders can legally fly up to 18,000 feet!). While descending, you will be able to see the local town and nearby mountains.
Black Cap Mountain can be accessed by a dirt trail that leads to the launching spot.


Paragliding in Doherty Slide

The Best Paragliding Spots in Oregon, 10 of the Unique Places for paraglide in Oregon: Doherty Slide
The Best Paragliding Spots in Oregon, 10 of the Unique Places for paraglide in Oregon: Doherty Slide

Another less extreme Oregon paragliding experience can be found at Doherty Slide. Located in southeastern Oregon, Doherty Slide is rim that was created by a volcano. Surrounded by acres of shrubs, this is the perfect location for paragliding! With a 6,175 foot launch, and an area perfect for glass-offs, this is the perfect location to practice your paragliding while soaking in the crisp Oregon air!

This is another paragliding spot that is safe and ideal for beginner gliders. This spot is situated in the southeastern area of Oregon. Another unique thing about this rim is that it was created naturally by a volcano. The rim is also surrounded by shrubs that can go miles away. The launch platform is 6,175 feet, making it one of the best paragliding spots in Oregon – and also the safest. Want to know the extra perk? You can enjoy the crisp and fresh air while enjoying the gorgeous view.


Paragliding in Hadley Butte

Paragliding in Hadley Butte
Paragliding in Hadley Butte

Located near Fremont National Forest, Hadley Butte sits at 6,000 feet. Hadley Butte is popular for paragliders because of the flat launch and the gorgeous scenery. While descending the northern section, you will be overlooking Summer Lake and Summer Lake Hot Springs, two of Oregon’s most popular nature sights.

This area is 6,000 feet in height. The location is close to Fremont National Forest. What makes this spot popular (especially among paragliders) is the gorgeous view and the flat launch. Once you are up there and you descend below, you will enjoy the view of Hot Springs and Summer Lake – which are Oregon’s two most popular sights and destinations.


Paragliding in Hagelstein (Upper Klamath Lake)

Paragliding in Hagelstein (Upper Klamath Lake)
Paragliding in Hagelstein (Upper Klamath Lake)

Hagelstein, located near Upper Klamath Lake is a popular spot for Oregon paragliders. In order to get to the flying spot, travel the paved road that is located north of Hagelstein Park. When you land, you should land in a huge field next to Hagelstein Park. Aside from Hagelstein’s technicalities, Hagelstein is a popular location due to the gorgeous lake and mountain scenery you will view as you paraglide.
Some of the risks you should be aware of are; landing in an uncut field and an increased wind speed, due to the close proximity to the lake.

This is another best paragliding spots in Oregonas well as the popular one. Getting to the launch spot is quite simple and pretty straightforward. You need to take the paved road which is on the northern side of Hagelstein Park. There are alsoother highlights to the spot – the mountain scenery and the beautiful lake. You won’t be able to find such a view and scenery elsewhere. When you soar to the sky, the fresh air and the natural view will welcome you. When you descend, you will land on a field (a big and wide one) close to Hagelstein Park. Despite the natural and breathtaking views, you should be careful of the risks, including an unexpected wind speed (usually an increased one) and landing in the uncut field.

Paragliding in Mount Bachelor

Paragliding in Mount Bachelor
Paragliding in Mount Bachelor

Sitting at 9,065 feet in central Oregon is Mt. Bachelor. Most people know Mt. Bachelor as a popular skiing location, but Mt. Bachelor is also great for paragliding! When paragliding Mt. Bachelor, you will launch from the summit. Unlike other ski resorts that allow paragliding, Mt. Bachelor forbids you to land in the parking lot. Thus, you must land towards the base foundation of the Skyliner chairlift—aka the designated landing area.

It should also be noted that in order to paraglide at Mt. Bachelor, you have to be accompanied by a paraglider guide from the Desert Air Riders paragliding club. Thus, Mt. Bachelor is the perfect Oregon paragliding location for beginners.

A benefit for paragliding at Mt. Bachelor is that there is a chairlift to the summit, and paragliders can purchase a pass that is good for multiple days and rides. Thus, feel free to descend as much as you would like during your time in Oregon!

Although this location is most popular as the skiing spot, it is also popular among paragliders. The mountain is 9.065 feet in height, located in Central Oregon. However, if you want to paraglide from this place, the ski resort won’t allow you to use the parking lot as a landing spot. You have to landin the designated area, which is located at the Skyliner chairlift base foundation. Another regulation is that you need to have a paraglider guide to accompany you – and the guide should be from the Desert Air Riders club. Because of these reasons, this spot is perfect for beginner and the less experienced paragliders.There is another perk of coming to this site: you can use the chairlift to reach the summit. So you won’t have to break excessive sweat for it. Moreover, you can buy a pass that can be used for multiple rides and days. You have the freedom to fly and descend as many as you want. No wonder if this place is included in the list of the best paragliding spots in Oregon.


Paragliding in Peterson Butte

Paragliding in Peterson Butte
Paragliding in Peterson Butte

Located near Oregon State University, Peterson Butte is perfect for someone looking for an authentic Oregon paragliding experience! Sitting at 1,439 feet, this mountain is perfect for paragliders who are not ready to descend from large heights. Since the mountain is not too tall, it is easy to hike to the summit. Once at the summit, launch into the air!
While Peterson Butte seems like the perfect beginner area, there are some weather hazards that you should be aware of. Some of the unsuitable weather conditions are; increased wind speed and an abundance of clouds and fog. Weather conditions can truly become unsuitable during the springtime. Before descending Peterson Butte, ensure that you can detect changing weather conditions, and when to make the call to launch or not.
Note: in order to descend Peterson Butte you have to have a U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) membership.

The place isn’t so high so it is great for beginner paragliders. Because of the not-so-high spot, hiking up will be easy. Moreover, it is not far from Oregon State University. Don’t be easily fooled by the simple and seemingly safe point. Don’t let your guards down. Weather hazards are some of the things you should be careful of, such astheabundance of clouds, increased speed of the wind, and also fog. During springs, the weather condition can be unpredictable and dangerous. Moreover, to use this spot, you need to be a member of USHPA (United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association).


Paragliding in Pine Mountain

Paragliding in Pine Mountain
Paragliding in Pine Mountain

Located in central Oregon, Pine Mt. is one of the only mountains in central Oregon (central Oregon is mostly comprised of the flat desert landscape). Standing at 6,509 feet, Pine Mt. is one of the taller paragliding areas on this list. Surrounded by tons of trees, paragliding Pine Mt. will be an authentic woodsy experience. After paragliding Pine Mt., be sure to check out the Pine Observatory!

This is the only mountain situated in central Oregon. In case you don’t know, central Oregon consists ofthemostly desert and flat landscape. Not only the mountain is tall, but it has its own woodsy area, thanks to the trees. If you paraglide from this point, you will enjoy the authentic nature exploration and experience. You can also find Pine Observatory while you are at it.


Paragliding in Pine Ridge

Paragliding in Pine Ridge
Paragliding in Pine Ridge

Located in central Oregon, Pine Ridge is a one-mile long ridge compiled with various launching options. Thus, Pine Ridge will give you a truly unique Oregon paragliding experience. Easily accessible, every launch located in Pine Ridge can be located by walking. If you want a shorter flight, check out the north and northwest areas.

Before launching, make sure to check the weather. Since every launch is located below ridge top, winds tend to be strong.

It should be noted that part of the year the National Grasslands forbid driving off primary roads. So, make plans to walk.

The ridge is one mile long and it comes with different launching points. Because of these factors, you will experience a unique paragliding moment at this spot. Every launching spot is easily accessed – each of them can be reached on foot. The shorter flight is located on the northwest and north areas. Be aware of the winds, though, because the launching spots are all located under the ridge top. Always check the weather before launching. Be prepared to walk if the National Grassland doesn’t allow driving.


Paragliding in Woodrat Mountain

Paragliding in Woodrat Mountain
Paragliding in Woodrat Mountain

One of the most popular and raved about Oregon paragliding spots is Woodrat Mountain. Sitting at 3,780 feet Woodrat Mountain is located in southwestern Oregon. Launch off the large and wide opened gravel area. Expect to land near a cow pasture.

After landing, be sure to follow the following rules; no dogs, no smoking, no vehicles inside the gated area, no littering, and no alcohol.

It should also be noted that the Main LZ launch can be especially dangerous mid-season, due to the air which causes difficulty landing.

One of the most raved and also the best paragliding spots in Oregon isthe Woodrat Mountain, situated in the southwestern area of Oregon. The launch spot is the open and wide gravel area while the landing spot is usually not far from the cow pasture. After you land, follow the regulations which include no littering, no alcohol, no smoking, no vehicles (inside the gated zone), and no dogs.

Paragliding in Yaquina Head

The Best Paragliding Spots in Oregon, 10 of the Unique Places for paraglide in Oregon: Yaquina Head
The Best Paragliding Spots in Oregon, 10 of the Unique Places for paraglide in Oregon: Yaquina Head

Our final Oregon paragliding area is located on the western shoreline of Oregon. Yaquina Head is home to a rocky launch area. Plan to land in a grassy area that is located in close proximity to the visitor center. If you do not want to land near the visitor center, you can stretch your flight to the east and land on the beach. Overall, Yaquina Head is the perfect place for coastal soaring in Oregon!
It should be advised that coastal winds can change abruptly. Ensure that you can detect changing weather conditions, and can make the right call of what to do. Also, you cannot fly near the lighthouse because seabirds nest in that area.

This area is situated on the shoreline western side of Oregon. The launch area is rocky but the landing spot is grassy – not far from the visitor center. However, if you don’t want to land there, you can fly to the eastern area and land on the beach. If you are looking for an ideal coastal soaring place, this one is the perfect pick! However, be advised that coastal winds can be super challenging and dangerous. Make plans to avoid flying close to the lighthouse and always make sure that the weather condition is safe for the launch.


The Best Paragliding Spots in Oregon

The Best Paragliding Spots in Oregon
The Best Paragliding Spots in Oregon

As it was mentioned, Oregon has some of the most unique combinations of geographical elements, such as the mountains, the forest, and the shorelines. These combinations are unique and they will create a unique paragliding experience to feast your eyes. However, you should never let your guards down, especially when it comes to the weather hazards. The weather can be risky and dangerous so you should always be prepared and careful. If you prepare everything carefully and you have a backup plan, you will enjoy the best paragliding spots in Oregon.

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