Yaquina Head

• Wind directionWSW (250°) → WNW (300°)
• Ideal speed12–20 mph
• Upper limits≤ 23 mph base · gusts ≤ 26

Coastal ridge/cliff soaring site on the Yaquina Head basalt headland just north of Newport, OR. Driven by the prevailing/predominant onshore WEST wind off the Pacific; pilots soar the north OR south side of the head depending on exact direction, and can extend XC down the coast (toward Otter Rock). Ideal is a smooth onshore W flow (~W-WNW), roughly perpendicular to the N-S trending coastline; flyable arc wraps from SW through NW given the headland's exposure (orientation works N,S,SW,W,NW). HAZARDS: nesting peregrine falcons and seabirds near the lighthouse — that airspace is RESTRICTED, do not fly near the lighthouse; check with BLM/park staff before flying as falcon-nesting closures change. Rocky launch; grassy LZ near the visitor center, can also land on the beach. Coastal winds change abruptly — be ready to bail. Too-strong W wind brings cliff rotor/venturi and gust danger. Best season early spring through early summer; afternoon sea-breeze enhancement common. Speed numbers are inferred from typical Oregon-coast soaring (no club guide with explicit numeric wind window found). Yaquina Head N/S are noted as NOT official Cascade Paragliding Club sites — coordinate locally and respect access/closures.