Paragliding Eagle Mountain Chewelah, WA

Located in Northeast Washington, USA, this paragliding site offers a natural meadow launch at the end of a USFS road. The launch faces SSW and is situated 2,600 feet above Chewelah, at an elevation of 4,330 feet MSL. The meadow slopes down to large trees approximately 150 yards away, with the tree tops at a 4/1 glide ratio from the start of the launch run. This site is occasionally used for thermalling, sled rides, and mini cross-country flights. The current site record is 5.9 km. Efforts are underway to establish a closer landing zone (LZ) at the intersection of Burnt Valley and United Copper Mine roads, which is 2 miles from the launch at 2,150 feet MSL. The site requires a H3/P3 skill level to fly. The landing zones (LZs) are not visible from the launch. There are currently four LZs, with more being added over the winter. The LZ used today is challenging to reach in south to west winds, requiring a 7/1 glide from the launch. The other LZs are located to the west and northwest of the launch, requiring around a 5/1 glide. All LZs are on private land, necessitating contact with landowners before use. The launch area is at 4,350 feet in the Colville National Forest. Members of the USHPA Chapter Center of Lift will be working on the launch area throughout 2020 to enhance its safe use by both hang glider and paraglider pilots. For a visual overview, you can check out this video: [Watch Video]( ).