- Site Rating: P2/H3
- Launch Elevation: 3,225' MSL at summit
- LZ Elevation: 1,250 MSL at river
- Best Time to Fly: Fall-Spring with fall being the best. Best XC is mid day with lighter / flyable conditions earlier or later
description
Baldy Butte is the highest point along the Umtanum Ridge. The Butte is a privately-owned site available to members of NWPC through a site use agreement. The site works well with most wind directions. XC potential is best on light and variable days or light S/SW winds. This can be a very active site with strong mid-day conditions. The site also offers very nice ridge soaring when the wind is northerly or easterly.
Site protocol
By agreement with the landowner, NWPC members are welcome provided they are USHGA members and P2+ rated pilots. All pilots must participate in a site orientation with one of the Baldy Butte guides and must sign a comprehensive site waiver. NO EXCEPTIONS! To arrange a site orientation with a site guide please contact Rich Hass at 425.453.7177 or richhass[at]comcast[dot]net
Vehicles will need a gate key. All vehicles must be 4wd and equipped with fire extinguishers and shovels. Other site requirements are covered in the orientation.
Soaring
Great ridge soaring when northerly; excellent thermal flying when light and variable or SW. Solar heating at the south launch makes for good thermic flying on sunny days. XC pilots must avoid the Yakima Firing Range located east of the Butte.
Directions to the LZ
From I-90 take the Canyon exit. When eastbound on I-90, it is the second exit for Ellensburg. Turn left at the stop sign and head south on Canyon, which becomes the Yakima Canyon Highway (SR-821). It is NOT the I-82 exit for Yakima, which is one mile past the Canyon exit to the east.
The access gate is on the Yakima Canyon Highway just south of the Squaw Creek Ranch and across from a geologic landmark called 'the rock'. NWPC members (who don't already have a key) may pay a one-time fee for an access key.
There are several places to camp at campgrounds along the river. (No camping is allowed on the Squaw Creek property.) Motels, restaurants and bars are plentiful in both Ellensburg and Yakima.
