Skydiving Around Portland, Oregon

There are a whopping 16 drop zones within 300 miles of Portland, Oregon. Of this bounty of skydiving airports, four are within just 100 miles -- well within a couple hours' drive of downtown. All of these offer tandem rides, student training and "fun jumps" for experienced skydivers.

  1. Skydive Oregon

    • Located just 20 miles from Portland, Skydive Oregon operates from its own airport in the town of Molalla. Two Caravans and a small Cessna 182 keep loads moving when the weather is good, shrinking wait times and maintaining a lively atmosphere. Facilities for experienced jumpers include indoor packing, a capacious landing area, a video-equipped debriefing area, a shaded practice area and a private camping space with hot showers. Wireless Internet access is available at the drop zone for jumpers and spectators alike.

    Skydive, Inc.

    • Also about 20 miles from Portland, Skydive, Inc. operates from the Beaver Oaks Airport in Eagle Creek. This drop zone is best known for its gear shop, one of the largest in the region. All-season skydiving is offered and peaks in the summertime, with hours extended into the evening to facilitate sunset jumps backdropped by the craggy peaks of the Pacific Northwest. The drop zone's stable of aircraft includes a de Havilland Beaver DHC-2 and three Cessna 182s. RV hookups, camping and showers are available for traveling jumpers.

    Skydive Toledo

    • Located 68 miles from Portland at Ed Carlson Memorial Field, Skydive Toledo is a relaxed drop zone that upgrades from a small Cessna 182 to a larger capacity Caravan aircraft during the warm months. Skydivers at Toledo enjoy views of the St. Helens volcano, as well as a vista of the Cascade mountain range. Experienced jumpers will find a comfortable packing area and video facilities, as well as room for overnight tent camping. The on-site gear shop sells, rents and repairs skydiving gear.

    Central Oregon Sky Sports

    • Located slightly farther afield -- but still only 95 miles from Portland -- Central Oregon Sky Sports is perched on the high central Oregon desert. The airfield's location on a high-elevation plateau delivers predominantly sunshine and clear skies, as opposed to the wetter environs on the west side of the Cascades, where rain occurs much more frequently. Mountain views, a landing zone with literally miles of "outs," a bunkhouse for overnight accommodation and two operating aircraft make the drop zone a popular regional destination.