Parapente Hull Mountain_Turn-In-The-Road

Hull Mountain, located in the Mendocino National Forest, 25 miles northeast of Ukiah, California, and 7 miles northeast of Lake Pillsbury, offers a unique paragliding experience. The primary launch site, Timberline Launch, sits at an elevation of 5800 feet MSL, while Hull Peak reaches 6800 feet MSL. The landing zone (LZ) is at 1800 feet MSL. Access to the launch sites requires a 45-minute drive up a rough dirt road, best navigated with a 4WD vehicle. Be cautious of motorcycles on this route. Timberline Launch faces SSW and has a nice slope, making it an easy launch with a vertical drop of 4000 feet. Ideal wind conditions range from 0 to 15 mph, with 8 mph being optimal. There are two additional launch sites at the top: Rockpile and Turn-in-the-road. Rockpile Launch, facing SW, is easier for newer pilots to reach the LZ, while Turn-in-the-road Launch, facing SE, is not recommended for less experienced pilots. The flying season typically runs from May through October, with snow potentially affecting access to the launch sites. Northerly winds become more common in late fall. Hull Mountain is on public land, so no specific ratings are required, but common sense is essential. Unsupervised pilots should be at least H3, and paragliders should be P4 minimum due to the long glide to any LZ. H2 pilots with previous high flight experience can fly under supervision in light conditions. Flying conditions can be turbulent with typical mountain big air. Pilots must follow ridges and account for sink, with a 5-to-1 glide ratio to the first good LZ and 6-to-1 to the primary LZ. Winds at altitude can be variable, and strong headwinds from the Eel River Valley and Lake Pillsbury can degrade glide angles. The LZ by the lake can be turbulent, especially near the airstrip, which is regularly used by aircraft. Spring and early summer flying can be erratic, but by mid-summer, Hull is flyable most days with good thermal flying. House thermals are located over the Peak, Lower Launch, Red Spot, and the House. XC flying is challenging due to the surrounding mountain terrain but possible for experienced pilots familiar with the area. Landing is best by the lake at 1800 MSL, where the lakeshore provides a wide, flat, grassy area with consistent afternoon winds. In spring, high water levels may force landings further back in the grassy strip. Summer conditions may leave driftwood in the main LZ target circle. Landing on the airstrip is not recommended due to aircraft use and bumpy final approaches. Facilities include developed campgrounds with amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, water, and boat ramps. Undeveloped camping is available at Oak Flat and other areas in the National Forest. Pillsbury Resort offers cabins, groceries, and boat services. Soda Creek store provides basic groceries, ice, vehicle gas, and phone services. For emergencies, use the Willits Repeater (145.130, offset -600kHz, CTCSS tone 103.5) and key 911 to access emergency services. The Soda Creek Store can be reached at 707-743-2148. For more detailed information, visit [Sonoma Wings Hull Mountain Site Guide](http://sonomawings.com/site-guides/hull-mountain/).