Best Conditions
Description
Black Mountain, located about 20 miles east of Bellingham, offers a unique paragliding experience. Access to the site is controlled via a locked gate, and pilots need to be members of the USHPA and the North Cascades Soaring Club (NCSC), as well as sign an agreement with the landowner before flying.
The site is suitable for intermediate pilots (H-3/P-3) and can be flown by novice pilots (H-2/P-2) when conditions are mellow. Note that the site 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.
Flying Season: Summer and Fall
Access: Locked gate on a gravel road, requiring a 4WD vehicle due to deep water bars.
Launch Elevation:
- Top Launch: 4500′ MSL
- Lippy’s Leap: 2900′ MSL
Wind Conditions:
- Paragliders: Smooth SW to NW winds of 0-15 mph
- Hang Gliders: Smooth SW to NW winds of 0-20 mph
Launch Type: Slope, earth launch
Obstructions: None
Facing Directions: W, NW
Notes: Set up on the road at the top launch.
Landing Zone (LZ) Elevation: 900 MSL
LZ Type: Grassy field
Obstructions: Tall trees around the field, a barn, and potential rotors
Notes: Be cautious of switching winds. The LZ is located in the group camp area of Silver Lake County Park. A large field across the road is available for landing, but you must first check with the Silver Lake campground officer.
Additional Notes:
- Consistent site for soaring and a good tandem site.
- The Can-Am competition is held at Black Mountain in late summer.
- Very scenic location.
The North Cascades Soaring Club manages several other sites in Northwest Washington, many of which are behind locked gates and have sensitive landowner issues or challenging launch and landing conditions.
All incidents should be documented via the current USHPA incident reporting protocols, with a courtesy copy to the site contact. Any incident involving non-pilot property damage, injuries, or assistance from non-pilots (EMS, police, public bystanders, etc.) must also be reported as soon as practical to the site contact. In an emergency, call 9-1-1 first.
Site Use Rules:
- Download and sign two copies of the Sierra agreement if you plan to fly at Black Mountain. 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.
- Key members must be a minimum H3 or P3 and NCSC members. They are responsible for ensuring all guest pilots are current USHPA members with a minimum H2 or P2 rating, providing a site orientation, and ensuring adequate knowledge of the flying site.
- Key members must have guests sign the “Sierra hold harmless agreement” and return it before access. Carry one signed copy with you and deliver one in person. Printed or photographed copies are not valid.
- 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 while on Sierra Pacific property.
- Keys are not transferable and are not to 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 done through the club via the designated site coordinator.
- Maintain appropriate vehicle speed on all roads leading to flying sites, including those within surrounding communities. Excessive speeds are a primary cause of site closures.
- Minimize vehicle impact on roads and leave no evidence of passage.
- No use of gas combustion-powered tools during fire season.
- No commercial activities allowed.
- No 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 Black Mountain: [North Cascades Soaring Club - Black Mountain](http://www.northcascadessoaringclub.com/black-mountain.html)
Join the community on Telegram: [Join Telegram](https://t.me/c/1504005836/51)
Contact Site Chairman Andy Holmes at 971-808-4030 for further details.
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