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Description of Site:
Pine Ridge is a Central Oregon ridge soaring site with
mild thermals mixed in spring and fall, more radical thermals during the
summer. It is a one mile long ridge facing the prevailing northwest winds
and located entirely within the Crooked River National Grasslands. Launches
for this site are all walk-up. North to northwest winds are the best flying,
shorter duration flights can be had when winds are from the northeast or
west. Regular controlled burning has removed much of the juniper, which once
dominated this site leaving a multitude of open grass launches and landing
areas.
Directions to Launch and LZ:
From Terrebonne, OR: drive east across the RxR
tracks, down a hill then east for 5 miles to a "T" intersection and stop sign.
Turn left, then cross the Crooked River and follow the road north 6 miles.
The south side of Pine Ridge will be visible directly in front of you as you
drive north. When you see a large pole corral on the left side of the road,
turn left/west onto Rd. 57 (gravel). If you come to a stop sign, you missed the corral.
Go back south 1/4 mile and turn right/west onto Rd. 57.
Drive 2.4 miles to a cattle guard. Cross the guard and proceed
.15 of a mile to take a left on a double track road heading uphill.
The parking area/LZ is approx .3 of a mile directly ahead.
It is bordered by barb wire fences and a walk-through gate with a National Forrest Service
"Area Restrictions" sign. Park facing the fence that runs downhill (NE).
Go through the gate and hike the hill to launch. Please be sure to close the gate.
Parking/LZ: 44°25'45.83"N 121° 3'46.30"W
From Madras, OR: drive 1.5 miles south on Hwy. 97, turn left onto Hwy. 26
toward Prineville. Drive about 12 miles southeast until you see a large
natural gas pumping station building on the west side of the highway. One
half mile ahead look for a small green road sign directing you toward Lone
Pine. Take this paved road 1/4 mile to a large pole corral.
Turn right/west onto Rd. 57 (gravel).
Drive 2.4 miles to a cattle guard. Cross the guard and proceed
0.15 of a mile to take a left on a double track road heading uphill.
The parking area/LZ is approx 0.3 of a mile directly ahead.
It is bordered by barb wire fences and a walk-through gate with a National Forrest Service
"Area Restrictions" sign. Park facing the fence that runs downhill (NE).
Go through the gate and hike the hill to launch. Please be sure to close the gate.
Parking/LZ: 44°25'45.83"N 121° 3'46.30"W
Site Access: The National Grasslands limits driving off of primary roads during part of the year.
If it's muddy and you will leave ruts, please WALK!
Safety Note: Because all launches are below ridge top, it is advisable to check wind speed and
direction at the top of the ridge prior to any launch.
Submitted by: Mark Corbet (June 1997) and revised by Chip Miller (June 2010)
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