Best Conditions
Description
Big Johnson (Racehorse Ridge, BJ) is situated approximately 18 miles east of Bellingham, Washington. Access to the site is controlled via a locked gate, and the landowner requires all pilots to hold a USHPA membership. The North Cascades Soaring Club administers the site.
The site is suitable for intermediate pilots (H-3/P-3) and can be flown by novice pilots (H-2/P-2) under mellow conditions. It may be closed during the dry season due to fire danger and in winter due to snow. All pilots must receive a site orientation before flying. For more information, contact the Site Chairman, Andy Holmes, at 971-808-4030.
Flying Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Access: The site is accessed via a locked gate on a gravel road, requiring a 4WD vehicle.
Launch Elevation:
- SW launch: 1800′ MSL
- Upper hang launch (overgrown): 2700′ MSL
Wind Conditions:
- Paragliders: Smooth SW winds of 0-15 mph
- Hang gliders: Smooth SW winds of 0-20 mph
Launch Type: Slope, earth launch facing SW
Landing Zones:
- Paraglider LZ: 500 MSL, grassy field with tall trees around the field and power lines along the road. Be cautious of valley flow rotors.
- Hang Glider LZ: 500 MSL, grassy field with tall trees around the field, power lines along the road, and potential presence of cattle and elk herds.
Important Notes:
- The site is primarily used for paragliding with minimal setup area for hang gliders at the lower SW launch.
- Beware of switching winds. The LZ is located to the west of the launch, on the west side of the river along the Mt Baker Highway.
Site Protocol:
- Download and sign two copies of the Sierra agreement if you plan to fly at Big Johnson. Deliver one copy to the site coordinator with a fresh signature and keep one copy for everyone driving up the gate, including non-flying drivers or friends. Only original signed forms are accepted.
Emergency and Incident Reporting:
- In an emergency, call 9-1-1 first.
- Document all incidents via the current USHPA incident reporting protocols and send a courtesy copy to the site contact. Report any incidents involving non-pilot property damage, injuries, or assistance from non-pilots (EMS, police, public bystanders, etc.) as soon as practical to the site contact.
Site Use Rules:
- Key members must be a minimum H3 or P3 and NCSC members.
- Key members are responsible for ensuring all guest pilots are current USHPA members with a minimum H2 or P2 pilot rating, providing a site orientation, and ensuring adequate knowledge of the flying site.
- Guests must sign the “Sierra hold harmless agreement” and return it before access.
- Key members must escort their guests onto Sierra Pacific property and assume responsibility for their guests' safety, actions, and orientation to the site and these rules.
- Keys are not transferable and must not be loaned or duplicated.
- All pilots and tandem passengers must be current USHPA members or have a signed 30-day membership/waiver.
- Communications with landowners should be conducted through the club via the designated site coordinator.
- Maintain appropriate vehicle speed on all roads leading to flying sites, including those within surrounding communities.
- Minimize vehicle impact on roads and leave no evidence of passage.
- No use of gas combustion-powered tools during fire season.
- No commercial activities, smoking, fires, tree cutting, camping, wood gathering, or any other activities unrelated to flying.
- Be respectful and courteous to everyone encountered while representing the club and sport.
- Pilots must obey local flying rules and make every effort to mitigate risk.
For more information, visit the North Cascades Soaring Club's page on Big Johnson: [North Cascades Soaring Club - Big Johnson](http://www.northcascadessoaringclub.com/big-johnson.html)
Join the Telegram group for updates: [Telegram Group](https://t.me/c/1504005836/51)
For XC information, visit: [Wilder Adventures - Big Johnson](https://www.wilderadventures.com/launch/860/big-johnson-deming)
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