Pine Ridge

Pine Ridge is a Central Oregon ridge-soaring site, a one-mile ridge facing prevailing north-westerlies and located entirely within the Crooked River National Grasslands. The 1,255 m launch works best on N to NW flow, with shorter flights possible from NE or W winds. Thermals are mild in spring and fall, more radical in summer. Launches are all walk-up, which is standard for this stretch of the Crooked River. Regular controlled burning has cleared much of the juniper that once dominated the site, opening up multiple launch options along the ridge.

Launch & conditions

All launches are walk-up, and they sit below the ridge top — so always check wind speed and direction AT the top of the ridge before committing to a launch cycle. Multiple options along the mile-long ridge give you flexibility to pick the cleanest one for the day.

Getting there & local rules

From Terrebonne, drive east across the railroad tracks, down a hill, then east 5 miles to a T intersection and stop sign. Turn left, cross the Crooked River, and follow the road north 6 miles — the south side of Pine Ridge will be visible directly ahead. When you see a large pole corral on the left, turn west onto Rd. 57. If you reach a stop sign you've overshot: go back 1/4 mile and turn onto Rd. 57. Drive 2.4 miles to a cattle guard, then 1/10 mile to a small dirt parking area.

Local rules & hazards

The National Grasslands limits driving off primary roads during part of the year — if the ground is muddy and you'd leave ruts, WALK. Because launches sit below ridge top, always verify wind speed and direction at the top before committing.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Pine Ridge, 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 Pine Ridge with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.