Best Conditions
Description
Blanchard, located at the North end of the Skagit Valley, is an excellent site for pilots. Overlooking Samish Bay, the view from the West launch includes the San Juan and Gulf Islands. Moving to the South launch two hundred feet away, completes the panorama from the blue waters of the San Juan Islands to the ever-changing patchwork quilt of farmland tucking in the Northern Skagit Valley.
It's a great area to explore in the unlikely event you are unable to launch. There may not be a more relaxing place to fly. Because of its easy access and short 20-minute turnaround, Blanchard is good, even if only for sledders. With a driver, you can do sled rides all day, making it a good place for newer pilots to practice launches and landings.
Launch Elevation: 1,252 feet
Flying Season: Spring and Fall
Type: Thermal, Ridge-Lift
Best Time to Fly: Noon to Sunset
Launch Type: Slope, earth ramp
Obstructions: None
Launch Faces: West, South
Notes: West and South launches are within walking distance of each other.
Wind Directions:
West and South facing launches work in anything except strong East or North winds. Paragliders can be flown from the South launch in 0-15 mph winds and from 0-20 mph from the West launch in smooth conditions. Hang Gliders can be flown from the South launch in 0-20 mph winds and from 0-25 mph from the West launch in smooth conditions at this coastal site.
Additional Notes:
Soaring potential is excellent as the site is located just above the mud flats and water with no inhibitors for lift.
Protocols:
USHPA-insured site, USHPA membership required.
Ratings: H2, P2, M2
Obstructions: High grass, deep puddles in the rainy season – best landing is on the E-W road in the center of the LZ.
Notes: 5 to 1 L/D to LZ.
Beware: Some pilots have failed to reach LZ in strong conditions.
Blanchard Landing Zone:
The LZ is private property, but the owner has given permission to land there, except when the hay is tall and ready to cut. Please be sensitive to the concerns of this property owner, which means: don't block the driveway, stay away from the house (no fly-overs), don’t use the ditch as a restroom, don't block the road, and don't bother the neighbors. Keep the number of parked cars to a minimum. There is additional parking along the road near the organic garden a quarter of a mile south at the first intersection. Upsetting this very gracious property owner would also incur the wrath of many pilots. Beware of crisscrossing power lines to the various farmhouses.
DNR Discovery Pass required for parking.
Directions:
Access: Gravel, 2WD
For more information, visit:
[Wilder Adventures - Blanchard Bow](https://www.wilderadventures.com/launch/859/blanchard-bow)
[North Cascades Soaring Club - Blanchard Mountain](http://www.northcascadessoaringclub.com/blanchard-mountain.html)
Contact:
Site Chairman: Andy Holmes 971-808-4030
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