Bingen

Bingen sits above the Columbia River Gorge on the Washington side, one of the Gorge's premier soaring sites. The 687 m launch has south and west options and works best on sunny, calm afternoons — westerlies are best under about 10 mph. The LZ is a deluxe manicured grass field at the Bingen Marina, giving a 2,100-foot sled ride even on light days. On thermal days, gains of 2,500 feet are common and cross-country lines to the east are on the table. The launches are on a ranch that tolerates paragliding, so care with fences and adjacent private property is part of the site protocol. Lock the gate behind you, don't spook the cows, and be aware that fast mountain bikes may appear on the road at any time.

Launch & conditions

South and west launches share the ridge. Very light easterly and westerly winds (under 10 mph) work; westerlies are best from the launch site. Wind can build very fast — 'like a freight train' in local parlance. Winds above 1,500 feet are often quite different from the surface, so watch the LZ closely on the way down. If in doubt, better to be on the ground wishing you were flying.

Getting there & local rules

From Hood River, cross the Hood River Bridge and head east on Highway 14. Visit the LZ (the Marina) first to read the wind. From the LZ, exit right onto Highway 14 for about 3.5 miles to a left on Courtney Road. Follow the steep road onto gravel, then take right turns following signs to Ya'at'e'eh. About 2.5 miles later the road narrows; look for a right 'Y' onto H500 road. It becomes gravel and dirt, then opens to a clearing in sloping meadows — park on the side.

Local rules & hazards

The launches are on private ranch property that tolerates paragliding: respect fences, adjacent owners and the cows. Lock the gate behind you when going up. The LZ is in a public park, so watch for other park users on approach.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Bingen, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Bingen with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.