Chelan Butte, Washington

Stylized landscape portrait of Chelan Butte near Chelan, Washington

Paragliding Flight Atlas · Washington

Chelan Butte

A launch where lake, mountains, and wheat country all compete for the next line.

Atlas take

A sledder is possible; Idaho is also apparently possible

Chelan Butte is a mountain and high-desert launch near Chelan, Washington. Pilots know it for world-renowned cross-country flying, national competition history, and routes toward mountains, lake country, and eastern flatlands.

Flying characterThermal, Cross-country, and Mountain and flatland routes
Best fitExperienced pilots; current club requirements and an in-person site introduction apply. Access maintained through agreements with public agencies and landowners.
Best monthsMay through October

Choose your path

Make the trip work your way.

Current site guidance

Check visitor access and site status.

Use the responsible local source to confirm the current requirements before committing to independent flying.

Read the current Chelan Butte guide

Local support

Make the practical side easier.

Pilots who want training or access to AirSports Chelan's separate private flight park, which has its own membership, briefing, airspace and communication requirements.

AirSports Chelan

Carry this flight home

Pick your story.

Chelan ButteShop Chelan Butte
LAUNCH & FLIGHT CO. White / XS Chelan Butte | Thermal Capital TeeChelan Butte | Thermal Capital TeeLAUNCH & FLIGHT CO. 5.5″×5.5″ XC Born Here — Chelan ButteXC Born Here | Chelan Butte
Thermal and Cross-country picks
Gaggle | Fly Sisters Don’t FryFly Sisters Don’t Fry100K XC Sticker | Go Big or Glide Home100K XC Sticker

Keep exploring

Compare another kind of flying trip

These places connect by region, flying character or the kind of day pilots remember.

More Pacific Northwest flyingCape Kiwanda, OregonA coastal counterpoint to Chelan's high-desert thermals and cross-country terrain.Another American XC storyCosmos & the Corn Alps, MinnesotaCross-country ambition moves to tow-launched Midwestern flatland.