Goat Peak (Mazama)

• Wind directionSSE (150°) → SSW (210°)
• Ideal speed5–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 15 mph base · gusts ≤ 18

South-facing thermal launch in the Methow Valley above Mazama. Works best in S to SE flow (orientation hint also gives SW), so the usable arc spans roughly SE-S-SW; AVOID west winds (W flow is unflyable/rotor-prone). Launch is a forest clearing wide enough for one glider; drive past launch to a rocky viewpoint to check actual wind. Medium-difficulty, thermic site: it can get rough/bumpy near takeoff, so pilots need to be comfortable scratching thermals close to terrain. Primarily a thermal-soaring and XC site (best June-Aug, peak July; typical launch ~11am-12:30pm as midday thermals build, so morning/early-afternoon is the window before it overdevelops or valley wind kicks in). LZ is a large horse meadow near the Mazama store (parking on Chechaquo Ranch Rd); owner is paraglider-friendly but do NOT spook the horses. Recommend P3/intermediate+ given thermic, bumpy conditions and mountain terrain. Speed numbers are inferred (no club guide gives explicit limits) - keep base wind light-to-moderate for a thermal launch.