- Site Rating: P2-P4 - depending on the time of day
- Launch Elevation: 3,300'
- LZ Elevation: 600'
- Best Time to Fly: summer and fall, this is desert flying to mindful of strong mid-day thermals.

Chelan Butte is perhaps the premier thermal site in Washington and has been the location of several National and International level Paragliding and Hang Gliding competitions. The current Washington State paragliding record of 120 miles held by Mark Telep was flown from here.

Needles to say, mid day thermals in the summer should only be flown by experienced pilots. Early morning flights can be safely made by P-2 pilots and occasionally early evening, but beware of strong valley winds late in the day.

North facing launches are great for the morning. Lakeside and Upper Lakeside allow a view of the Lone Pine LZ. By Mid day, the North catabatic flush is over and the prevailing winds tend to come from the WSW. Ants in the Pants, Between the Rocks and The Green Monster launch all work. Take your pick based on wind direction.

The Soccer field in Chelan Falls along the Columbia can be used only during scheduled Fly-Ins and competitions. Lone Pine, on the North side is the LZ for early morning flights and offers a quick turn around (20 minutes). And for X/C pilots, nearly all of Eastern Washington is available once you cross the Columbia heading east.

It is hot here, so bring lots of water and if you go X-C, fly with it. As previously mentioned, mid day thermals are strong, 1,200 Ft per Min is not uncommon. Beware of dust devils on launch. They may appear to be cute little baby thermals, but, they can pick you and your glider up on launch and spit you out before you can turn your vario on.

There have been several accidents as a result of dust devils on launch. If you are flying in the afternoon, keep an eye on the Columbia River for an indication of the valley winds picking up. These winds tend to get stronger as the day goes on and work their way up from Wenatchee. If you are in the air and see white caps on the river, you should have landed earlier.

The X/C game at Chelan Butte is to launch when the dust devils start to form on the Butte. Thermal up as high as you can 7,500-9,000 MSL and glide east across the river with enough altitude to get up over "the flats." Once you are across the river, set your sites on Idaho.

Lone Pine LZ - As you are heading up to launch, where Chelan Butte Road turns from pavement to dirt, Lone Pine LZ is just off to the left (North). It is a long grassy field with a tall Pine at one end. DO NOT drive out there even though there is a nice dirt road, or you will jeopardize continued use of the LZ. Watch out for sinky air behind the burm which runs the length of the field on the lake side.
- GPS Coordinates 47° 49'38.41" N   120° 3' 2.27" W

Chelan Falls Park From Wenatchee - On the East side of the river, over Odabastian Bridge, Take Hwy 97. (North/East). Keep going about 30 minutes, the road will turn left and cross over Bebee Bridge and the Columbia River. On the other side, take the left towards Chelan on Hwy 150. Take the next left at Chelan Falls Road. Continue on over a bridge to the second left. Turn left on A Street , cross the railroad tracks and turn right, then turn left into the parking area. The park is the only thing down there next to the river and is hard to miss.

Chelan Falls Park From Launch - At the bottom of Chelan Butte Road, take a right towards Chelan. The road curves North across a bridge and comes to a light. Turn right. Follow the road as it veers right at Les Schwab to Hwy 150. At the bottom of the hill take a right at the sign for Chelan Falls Park. Continue on over a bridge to the second left. Turn left on A Street, cross the railroad tracks and turn right, then turn left into the parking area.
- GPS Coordinates 47° 47'53.63" N   119° 59' 7.98" W

- Google Earth KMZ file

Get to the Best Western in Chelan (2312 W Woodlin Ave, Chelan WA 98816). Take the Chelan Butte Road on your right and across from the hotel. It will turn into a dirt road after a couple miles, keep going. You'll know your at the top when the road ends and you see the port-a-poties. For fire safety reason's do not park on top of the dry grass.

Chelan Butte is a drive up site. Forrest fires are common in this area so your vehicle must carry a shovel and fire extinguisher.

- GPS Coordinates 47° 48'20.45"N   120° 2'15.77"W
- Google Earth KMZ file

Weather
Moses Lake MM5 Soundings 1pm 4pm
Wentachee MM5 Soundings 1pm 4pm

Lodging
- Camping at the airport for $3.00 a night
- Camping at Beebe Bridge Park - fills up quickly
- Best Western
- Midtwoner Motel
- Apple Inn Motel
- Riverwalk Inn Hotel

Lake Chelan is a popular travel desitnation. With lots to do.

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