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Description
Blanchard Mountain, located at the North end of the Skagit Valley in the USA, offers a fantastic paragliding experience. The site provides stunning views of Samish Bay, the San Juan, and Gulf Islands from the West launch, and a panoramic view of the Northern Skagit Valley from the South launch, which is just a short walk away.
Blanchard is a frequently used site, known for its thermal soaring and potential for cross-country (XC) flights. The site record for the South side is 142.6 km, and another nearby site has a record of 113.4 km. The area is also great for sled rides, making it an excellent practice ground for newer pilots to hone their launch and landing skills.
The flying season is primarily in Spring and Fall, with the best time to fly being from noon to sunset. The site features thermal and ridge-lift flying types, with slope and earth ramp launches facing West and South. The site works well in most wind conditions except strong East or North winds. Paragliders can be flown from the South launch in 0-15 mph winds and from the West launch in 0-20 mph winds. Hang gliders can be flown from the South launch in 0-20 mph winds and from the West launch in 0-25 mph winds.
The site is USHPA-insured, and a USHPA membership is required to fly here. The ratings for the site are H2, P2, and M2. The landing zone (LZ) is private property, and pilots must respect the owner's rules, especially during the hay season. There are crisscrossing power lines to be aware of, and the best landing is on the E-W road in the center of the LZ.
A DNR discovery pass is required for parking, and access to the site is via a gravel road suitable for 2WD vehicles.
For more information, visit the North Cascades Soaring Club's page: [North Cascades Soaring Club - Blanchard Mountain](http://www.northcascadessoaringclub.com/blanchard-mountain.html)
Contact:
Site Chairman: Andy Holmes
Phone: 971-808-4030
Launch Elevation: 1,252 feet
Please check local guidelines and protocols before planning your visit.
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