5S0

5S0/Oakridge State Airport

Not much to see at the airport, but just flying in and out is worth it. The airport is deep in the Willamette River Valley where the North and Middle forks meet. Instead of being on the river like most canyon airports it is on a ridge in the middle of the fork. You fly downwind over the deepest part of the river valley, turn base over the fork itself and then on final the ridge with the runway comes up to meet you as you land. The visual effect is of flying a 2,000 foot pattern while getting bounced by the wind following the canyon. A real character building experience that should be no problem as long as you feel comfortable flying in a canyon and maintain strict altitude awareness.

There is a town on the river one mile to the South East, but I am not sure there is anything there worth the hike.

Airnav - 5S0
ODA - 5S0

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