Peterson Butte

• Wind directionSSW (200°) → WSW (250°)
• Ideal speed8–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 20 mph base · gusts ≤ 24

Peterson Butte (near Lebanon, OR) is the most popular slope-soaring site for PASS members and is rated an A+ site for paragliding, hang gliding, and R/C soaring. Primary launch faces SW and works best late Fall through late Spring; flown mainly in S or SW winds, and works in both weak and strong winds (ridge soaring plus winter/spring thermals). Ideal arc is SSW-W (roughly 200-250 deg); S and W are marginal/edge. Pilot reports describe soarable conditions in 8-12 mph SSW, easily climbing 1000-1500 ft AGL with thermals to cloudbase ~2000 ft. Best in midday with light-to-moderate SW flow; spring brings stronger thermals and the chance of overdevelopment/clouds/fog (watch cloud suck). Key hazard: heavy R/C glider traffic sharing the launch and airspace (a midair with a foam RC glider has been reported) - maintain vigilance and separation. Avoid when winds back too far S (cross) or pick up strength with gusts; rotor/lee turbulence if wind goes more N/NE behind the butte. Short hike to the summit; easy launch. Access is via club/landowner (Wheeler property) - join PASS/Cascade Paragliding Club and follow site etiquette. Suitable for P2/H2 and up given the open, forgiving slope.