Paragliding St John_West Launch, CA

St John Mountain, located in Mendocino National Forest near Stonyford, CA, offers a unique paragliding experience. The site is primarily used for soaring and cross-country flights, with several takeoff options available, including a south launch. The elevation at the south launch is 6300 feet MSL, with landing zones approximately 1200 feet MSL. Driving to the launch site requires a 4WD vehicle due to the steep, rough dirt road. From Maxwell exit on I5, head west to Stonyford, then follow M10 west, turn right at Fouts Springs, and follow signs to the top, which is about 12 miles away. The south launch features a large setup area with a dirt ramp extending over a shallow rocky bowl. Ideal wind conditions are 8 mph from the south or southeast. The west launch, located 1/3 mile north, is a steep shale slope near the peak, best suited for winds from the west or southwest at 6 mph. Most flights at St John are cross-country, with variable but usually light winds in the valley. Carry landing streamers for safety. The primary bailout zone is a set of three round fields north of the Visitors’ Center. Glide out to Stonyford is generally easy, but there are no good bailouts between the Visitors’ Center and town. There are two insured landing zones in town, and landing at East Park Reservoir is permitted with an $8 entry fee. The site is best flown in summer and fall, as the road may be snowed in until May or later. St John is considered a site for experienced pilots (H4), though H3 pilots with good mountain flying experience can fly here with a site introduction. Paragliders typically use nearby Potato Hill. Thermal flying at St John is consistent, with altitudes often reaching 10,000 to 12,000 feet MSL or higher. The "house thermal" is located over the switchbacks east of the launch. The cross-country record from this site is 158.4 miles to Yreka, CA. Caution is advised due to the shallow south launch over jagged rocks and stumps, and the long glide to bailout landing zones over a deep ravine. Landings at Davis Flat campground are discouraged due to the rocky, sloping surface surrounded by trees. Facilities include developed campgrounds at Letts Lake with restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, and water, as well as undeveloped campgrounds like Dixie Glade. Stonyford has a small grocery store, gas station, and bar/cafe. The site is located in the Maxwell MOA, which is not active on weekends, and no special clearance is needed. However, do not land at East Park Reservoir or on the Flying S or Pendel properties. For more information, visit [Sonoma Wings St John Site Guide](http://sonomawings.com/site-guides/st-john/) and [BHGC St John Site](http://www.bhgc.org/sites/#site_st-johns-ca). For weather forecasts, check [NOAA Forecast](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.424220&lon=-122.689222&site=rev&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text#.Y1mGpj1Bypo). Radio frequency for communication is 147.495 MHz. In case of emergency, contact the ranger station in Stonyford at 530-963-3128. Always check in with a local pilot before flying to get the latest conditions and advice.