Located only a couple hours west of Portland, Oregon, Cape Lookout State Park provides many options for outdoor recreation. For the adventurous, the cliffs of the cape make an ideal spot for hang gliding. With a bit of planning and the right weather conditions, you can spend a day soaring with the birds and taking in the views along the Pacific Ocean at this scenic hang gliding location.
Sticking to the Rules
- You don't need a permit to hang glide in Oregon, but you will need to purchase a day-use pass to use the launch area above Cape Lookout's beach or to park at the other launching point at Anderson's Lookout. Before you start flying, make certain you have the skills and the right weather conditions to allow yourself to land on the beach. If you land in the campground, you can face a fine. If you plan on camping at the park or staying in one of the fully-furnished cabins, you'll need to make a reservation to guarantee a spot.
Observing the Scenery
- Cape Lookout State Park is part of the Three Cape Scenic Loop along the Oregon coast, with Cape Lookout being the second of the three. Looking north while in the air, you'll see a long sand spit that separates the Pacific from Netarts Bay. Slightly further north, you can see another spit that once held the resort community of Bay Ocean -- abandoned in 1953 after the ocean had steadily swept away the sand foundations of the buildings. Near the spit is cape Meares, another headland of the scenic route. To the south, you may see dinghies and surfers sharing the waters of Pacific City. On clear days, you should be able to see Cape Kiwanda, the third cape of the scenic loop. In addition to the sights of the land formations, you may be able to glimpse migrating whales, sea birds, sea lions and seals lounging on the spits.
- Knowing the Conditions
- To stay safely aloft, you want to visit the cape when wind speeds are a mild 8 to 10 miles per hour. You also want to ensure you can land on the beach at the main area of the park, not the beach farther south. The main beach has easy access to the day-use parking lot; the southern beach will require a two-mile, uphill hike to the trailhead parking area for Cape Lookout's hiking paths. The prevailing wind along the coast at Cape Lookout comes from the north, but ocean currents and offshore storms can bring winds hurtling from the west or south. Due to the ever-changing nature of coastal weather, the conditions at Cape Lookout can shift at any moment. Be sure to check the forecast and be aware of the signs of changing conditions -- especially if you're unfamiliar with the weather along the Oregon coast.
Taking a Lesson
- If you've never gone hang gliding before and the sight of people soaring over your head tempts you to try it out, several schools within the vicinity of Cape Lookout can give you a taste for the sport. You won't be jumping off cliffs on your first lesson, or for your first several lessons. Instead, you'll hit the beach and practice catching wind and working with the equipment. To be safe, take lessons only from licensed instructors.
