Cover photo courtesy of Spokane Soaring Society
There’s no engine noise, no propeller wash—just the whisper of air over the canopy and a patchwork of farmland, forest and lakes spreading out below. A flight with the Spokane Soaring Society is one of the most singular outdoor experiences in the region, and it’s hiding in plain sight at the Deer Park Airport, a short drive north of Spokane.
Here’s how it works: passengers climb into the front seat of a two-place sailplane while a certified pilot takes the seat behind them. A Piper Pawnee towplane pulls the glider up to roughly 3,000 feet above the ground and, with one tug on the release, the rope drops away and the world goes quiet. From there, the pilot works invisible columns of rising air to stay aloft, banking over rolling pine country with views stretching toward Mount Spokane and, on clear days, the Selkirk foothills and the Idaho Panhandle. Total flight time runs about 20 to 30 minutes, though most riders wish it lasted longer.
Two options are available to get up in a glider. A standard glider ride is $200 and is the perfect introduction for a curious first-timer or a memorable gift. For those who want a taste of the controls, the $300 Discovery Flight pairs the same scenic experience with hands-on time at the stick under the guidance of an instructor. Both make excellent gift certificates, available year-round. The Spokane Soaring Society club flies regular weekend days from mid-April through mid-October, with additional flights by prior arrangement when conditions allow. Weight limits apply.
For those who catch the bug, the club offers full instruction and a path to membership in its Schweitzer 2-33 and L-13 Blanik trainers. Call 509-850-0474 or visit Spokanesoaring.org to book.
