Eagle Butte

Waiver no longer required.

Landing Area:

Huge and open with short desert grasses-cleared of most rocks. Undershoots put you in tall soft bushes and overshoots put you back in the lift.

Hazards:

• Extreme fire danger year round. No open fires-No pyrotechnics or rocket boost-No smoking outside of vehicles.
• Parking only on cliffside (rocky side) of road. Beware of hot cars parking over dry grass.
• Hill face is more treacherous than it appears due to loose rocks which can become a deadly "ball-bearing" ride to the bottom.
• Many skill levels may be found on any given day flying models and hang gliders.
• Fast passes require communication between fliers to prevent disaster - especially near the landing area. A spotter is a good idea.
• Occasional rattlesnakes.

Directions and Site Access:

• Private property... but open to club or associate members year round except during scheduled events. Insurance requirements (AMA or equivalent) and special restrictions are reviewed for new members. See website or contact any member for application form.
• Located near Tri-Cities, Washington, Eagle Butte and Kiona Butte are two of the premier slope sites in the state and in the US.

Please read and observe the following statement:

• You MUST be an AMA member, and have your card with you when you visit the site.
• This means you MUST follow the AMA rule book and safety code.
• There will be no alcohol consumption allowed while flying at the site.
• You MUST observe the necessary frequency control to avoid accidents.
• Please limit the number of vehicles at the site and where they are parked. Parking is allowed only on the slope side of the road.
• Use common sense!!! Don't start a fire or leave trash laying around. Please pick up after yourselves and etc.

Mid-Columbia residents will be required to join the Mid-Columbia Soarers, an AMA sanctioned club. Additionally, if you are a MAAC member your card is valid at Eagle Butte. Non Mid-Columbia residents wishing to fly at Eagle Butte will be required to pay our annual $20 club membership dues. This $20 fee will give the Mid-Columbia Soarers the money they need to improve and maintain the site. Also, all flyers will be issued a Mid-Columbia Soarers membership card that they can present to the land manager should he be browsing the site to veriify your right of trespass.

The property on which Eagle Butte is situated is privately owned. We are allowed to use it as a courtesy of the owners. Please do not abuse their goodwill. AMA or MAAC membership is required to fly at Eagle Butte. Also, a MCS membership once per year fee of $20 must be paid to join the Mid-Columbia Soarers, who sponsor the agreement with the property owners.

Send check or money order to the Treasurer:

Doug Coleman
1311 Cottonwood
Richland, WA 99354
509-943-5203

Area and detail maps:

Click here for details off I82 exit 109

At the map point #4 you will see the dirt road that continues to the top.

Review of site:

May be the best lift and largest lift zone in the world. No trees, buildings, or other obstacles. Needs west or southwest winds. Luckily, this is the predominate flow in the area year round. The huge rocky face is almost a cliff but can be walked by careful athletic people if absolutely necessary for retrieval. All types of slope, thermal, and electric flyers -beginner thru expert- share the hill with hang gliders and soaring birds. A secure anchor for big bungee launchers is available. A permanent frequency control pole is provided at the South end of the parking area. Heavy/fast movers and a large contingent of combateers are in heaven at "Eagle" whenever the wind exceeds 20mph. Winds on the hill almost always blow 50%-100% faster than local area estimates. Although there is no backside to provide dynamic soaring, downwind speeds are breathtaking with any kind of slick plane. The huge lift band and open flight area can provide bold fliers with opportunities for real tests of flutter resistance and spar strength.

This description was provided courtesy of Joe Campbell.