The state of Washington offers a wide variety of opportunities for hang glider and paraglider pilots of all skill levels, from gentle consistent ridge soaring to world class cross country flying. To the east of the Cascades, the weather is much drier and the terrain is mostly flat from the Columbia river to the foothills of the Rockies in Western Idaho. Chelan Butte, located at the easternmost edge of the Cascades, is ideally situated to take advantage of these conditions for long cross country flights. The hot thermals rising from the top of 3,800 ft Chelan Butte draw hang gliding and paragliding pilots from around the world in pursuit of the ultimate flying experience. These superior flying conditions help give world exposure, and has made Chelan Butte at Lake Chelan one of the prime hang gliding spots in the world.  It has been the site of two previous US National Hang Gliding Championships and a Women's World Meet. Flights of over 100 miles are not uncommon from the Butte in the summer. If you plan on visiting Washington, be sure to bring your glider, and to contact local pilots to check on protocols before flying any of our sites. We welcome visiting pilots, and encourage them to take advantage of the spectacular flying at Lake Chelan.  |
Back to Lake Chelan Recreation