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Steptoe Butte State Park Launch Area

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Steptoe Butte State Park Launch Area

Spot Info

Spot Details

PPG friendly
Not marked
Authorization
Not marked
Club / contract
Required
Launch faces
N, E, S, W
Forecast point
Ready
Access notes
Steptoe Butte reopened after road repaving on February 13, 2026. Complete the current Washington State Parks annual free-flight registration and follow MASA's current site briefing, guardrail/road impacts, and posted launch/LZ status.
Site rules
  • Complete Washington State Parks' current annual paragliding/hang-gliding registration and carry proof while flying.
  • Use only posted designated launch and landing areas during daylight and obey every park, ranger, seasonal, fire, event, and operational closure.
  • Carry a Discover Pass where required and do not block roads, trails, campsites, day-use facilities, or emergency access.
  • Motorized gliders are not permitted under the State Parks free-flight authorization.
  • Do not fly over congested areas or assemblies and independently check current airspace, TFRs, NOTAMs, and weather.
  • P2 pilots may fly only within the current MASA time, condition, supervision, and signoff limits; stronger mid-day conditions require the published higher rating/experience.
  • Verify that the repaved summit road, guardrails, parking, and each intended face remain open and suitable before setup.
Launch directions
N, E, S, W
Direction notes
MASA documents four principal faces; the posted open face and current wind must be confirmed on site.
Safety notes
  • Four faces can create misleading crosswind and rotor; confirm the actual launch face and valley wind rather than relying on summit direction alone.
  • The primary LZ at 47.0336,-117.2829 is surrounded by agricultural terrain, roads, fences, crops, and power infrastructure.
  • Strong Palouse thermals, gust fronts, dust devils, and sparse alternate landing choices demand conservative timing.
Additional notes
Current State Parks/MASA PG/HG area represented by the established PGE launch-area point.
Map pin (approximate field)
Representative PGE point for a four-face summit launch area, not a single setup spot.
Navigation warning
Summit launch-area pin only. Check MASA and State Parks for the currently open face, road/guardrail impacts, parking, and LZ before navigating.
Official website
https://mountainairsoaring.org/steptoe-butte-state-park/

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Airspace status