Paragliding Fugua Ridge_Lake McClure, CA

Lake McClure, located in the USA, offers a paragliding and hang gliding site primarily suited for hang gliders but also accommodating for paragliders. The launch site is situated at an elevation of 664 meters (2240 feet) MSL, with a height difference of 358 meters (1200 feet) above the landing zone (LZ) at 1000 feet MSL. The site is regularly used, and cross-country (XC) flights are possible. The launch area is accessible via a private, graded dirt road that requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, especially in the upper sections which can be steep, rutted, and rocky. Avoid driving on the upper sections when the road is wet or slippery to prevent sliding off into rocks or trees. The primary launch faces west and is suitable for winds from WNW, W, or WSW (230-280 degrees). There is also a less-used south-facing launch nearby for SSE-SSW (140-200 degrees) winds. Both launch and landing areas are free from direct aerial obstructions. Flying conditions at Lake McClure range from smooth ridge lift to various thermal conditions, making it a year-round flying site. Pilots can enjoy flights around the valley and across the lake, with locals often achieving several hours of airtime. Typical altitude gains range from 2000 to 6000 feet, and the site has seen cross-country flights up to 122 miles. The glide ratio from launch to LZ is 2.8. Pilots should be cautious of the venturi effect and ensure they do not miss the LZ. A site introduction is recommended. For more information, you can visit the local club's page: [Mother Lode Sky Riders](http://mlsr.net/). Additional resources: - [Lake McClure Hang Gliding Club](http://www.bhgc.org/sites/#site_lake-mcclure-ca) - [Weather Forecast](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.711403&lon=-120.233885&site=rev&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text) - [Sierra Hang Gliding](https://www.sierrahg.com/lakemcclure) Watch a video of the site here: [YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiafsXgIKyc)