50th anniversary of Steptoe Butte being used as a free flight location

Spectators, photographers, and paraglider pilots and enthusiasts gathered at Steptoe Butte State Park Saturday and Sunday for an event hosted by local US Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Center of Lift, to celebrate 50 years of flight at the location.

Section:Gallery

Sat., Sept. 9, 2023

Branden Zunin of Sandpoint flies his paraglider over harvested fields after taking off from Steptoe Butte on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. Zunin was participating in a fly-in held to celebrate 50 years of hang gliding at Steptoe Butte. The event was organized by Center of Lift hang gliding and paragliding club in Spokane.

Geoff Crimmins For The Spokesman-Review
Chelsea Jahant-Miller, of Spokane, flies her paraglider after taking off from Steptoe Butte in Colfax on Saturday. Jahant-Miller was participating in a fly-in held to celebrate 50 years of hang gliding at Steptoe Butte.

Geoff Crimmins For The Spokesman-Review
Nate Anglen, of Moscow, Idaho, right, and his daughter, Ellie, watch a paraglider during a fly-in held to celebrate 50 years of hang gliding at Steptoe Butte in Colfax on Saturday.

Geoff Crimmins For The Spokesman-Review
Conrad Agte, center, talks with Eric Engerbretson, right, and Nate Anglen during in a fly-in held to celebrate 50 years of hang gliding at Steptoe Butte on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. Agte first flew from the butte in 1974, while Engerbretson took his first flight there in 1980.

Geoff Crimmins For The Spokesman-Review
Conrad Agte, right, talks about the wind currents with Eric Engerbretson during a fly-in held to celebrate 50 years of hang gliding at Steptoe Butte on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. Agte, of Spokane, first flew from the butte in 1974, while Engerbretson, of Moscow, took his first flight there in 1980.

Geoff Crimmins For The Spokesman-Review