Located in the Fraser Valley, South Western British Columbia, Canada, this paragliding site is 13 km (8 miles) east of Mission. To get there, take Highway #7 to Dewdney Village and follow Hawkins Pickle Road east.
Access to the launch site can be achieved either by a 1 hour and 20-minute hike or a 40-minute drive on a 16 km gravel road, preferably with a 4WD vehicle. The site is occasionally used and offers opportunities for thermal soaring and cross-country flights.
The launch area is a natural slope between trees, facing WSW at 1500' (460 m) ASL. It can accommodate up to 2 gliders at a time. Pilots can take off from either the top or bottom of the slope, but caution is advised to ensure wings are level before running to avoid the trees. Ridge soaring is possible in light westerlies, but due to limited height, heading to the landing zone early is recommended.
The main landing zone (LZ) is a large open grass field at 100' (30 m) ASL. An alternate LZ is a gravel area west of the creek, which is closer but more turbulent. Landing on the creek bed is possible if you get low, but be aware of turbulence from the trees to the west. The main landing field is generally problem-free, but it's advisable to land near the road to avoid flattening the grass. Check for streamers before flying.
The best flying season is in May, with good conditions from March to August. The site is rarely flyable from September to February. Both hang gliders (HG) and paragliders (PG) can use this mountain site, which is suitable for ridge and thermal soaring. Cross-country flights have reached Hope, approximately 50 km (30 miles) away.
The site is unregulated, but local pilots should be contacted, and HPAC Insurance is required. For the latest information, contact a WCSC director. The site has a resident thermal to the left of the launch, which tends to drift back a lot. Be cautious about losing it behind the launch and to the north. This is a good place to learn ridge soaring and cross-country flying.
For more information, visit the West Coast Soaring Club's page: [Little Nic](http://www.westcoastsoaringclub.com/sites/little_nic.php).
Additional contacts can be made through the British Columbia Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association: [BCPHA Contact](http://www.bchpa.ca/contact-us.html).
Watch videos of the site here:
[Video 1](
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[Video 2](
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Radio frequencies to note are 123.4 MHz for aircraft, 173.640 MHz local, and 146.460 MHz. In case of emergency, dial 911.
