Best Conditions
Description
Tiger Mountain, located in Issaquah, Washington, is a highly frequented paragliding site known for its excellent thermal soaring conditions and cross-country (XC) potential. The site offers majestic views of Mt. Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, Puget Sound, and the surrounding lakes and cities.
**General Information:**
- **Site Rating:** P2+ or P1 under direct instructor supervision.
- **Site Support:** Managed by the Northwest Paragliding Club (NWPC). All pilots flying at Tiger Mountain are expected to be NWPC members. Visiting Pilot Memberships are available.
- **Best Months to Fly:** April to August, but flyable year-round.
- **Best Times to Fly:** Thermals are best from 1-4 PM, with glass-offs often running from 5 to 8:30 PM.
- **Access:** Pilots can hike up or use the Tiger Shuttle. For shuttle schedules and information, visit [Tiger Shuttle](https://TigerShuttle.com).
**Launch Sites:**
- **North Launch:**
- **Elevation:** 1,830 feet
- **Coordinates:** 47°29'58"N 122°0'30"W
- **Glide Ratio to LZ:** 2:1
- **Wind Direction:** Ideal N through NW; West through NNE is acceptable.
- **Wind Strength:** 0-12 MPH (Max 15 MPH for hang gliders)
- **Weather Station:** Updated every 5 minutes. [North Launch Weather](#)
- **South Launch:**
- **Elevation:** 1,680 feet
- **Coordinates:** 47°29'48"N 122°0'38"W
- **Glide Ratio to LZ:** 3:1
- **Wind Direction:** Ideal SSE to SW; East winds over 2 knots are hazardous.
- **Wind Strength:** 0-12 MPH (Max 15 MPH for hang gliders)
**Site Requirements:**
- Helmets are mandatory.
- Conditions can change rapidly; a site briefing is strongly advised.
- Follow all USHPA rules, including the use of proper safety equipment.
- Motorized paragliders and hang gliders are not allowed in the LZ.
- Minimum rating for hang pilots is H2 with an instructor or H3 without.
- Use of the upper north launch is prohibited when horses are present.
- Follow FAA rules, including VFR separation from clouds. For more information, see the [Aeronautical Information Manual](https://www.faa.gov).
**Description:**
Tiger Mountain is renowned for its consistent flying conditions and easy access to launch. The site has undergone extensive improvements, including tree clearing, grass planting, and the installation of bathrooms and artificial turf. A new weather tower provides updates every 5 minutes. The shuttle service has been enhanced to eliminate a 300-yard hike, allowing direct access from the LZ to the launch.
The site is flyable with winds from the south, west, and preferably the north. During peak season, Tiger Mountain offers prolific lift for beginner pilots to enjoy hour-long flights, while advanced pilots can explore ample cross-country opportunities. Flights have reached as far north as the Canadian border, south past Mt. Rainier, and east through Snoqualmie Pass.
**Soaring and Airspace:**
Tiger Mountain is extremely soarable. Most XC pilots work their way up to cloudbase and then fly south to Enumclaw, east towards Mt. Si, or north towards Duval. Due to airspace restrictions and limited LZs, there is little XC potential to the west. Controlled airspace directly over Tiger Mountain is at 5,000 feet, rising to 6,000 feet halfway between the launches and the summit. Commercial jets may fly over Tiger Mountain, so do not break airspace regulations.
**Directions to the LZ:**
From Seattle, take I-90 east to exit #17, Front Street exit in Issaquah. Head south on Front Street, which turns into Issaquah-Hobart Road. After leaving downtown Issaquah, continue for about 2 miles. The LZ parking and grass field will be on your left. Limited parking is available, with additional paid parking nearby. GPS Coordinates: 47º 30' 01.6"N 122º 01' 19.1"W.
**Directions to Launch:**
- **Hike:** The Chirico Trail is a moderate 1-hour hike from the LZ to the north and south launches. The trail entrance is on the east side of the LZ.
- **Shuttle:** For those who prefer not to hike, the Tiger Shuttle is available. Check the schedule and register for discounts at [Tiger Shuttle](https://TigerShuttle.com).
For more detailed information, visit [Wilder Adventures](https://www.wilderadventures.com/launch/761/tiger-mountain-issaquah) and [NW Paragliding](http://nwparagliding.com/Pilot-Info/Local-Sites/Tiger-Mountain).
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