Best Conditions
Description
Tiger Mountain, located in Issaquah, WA, is a highly frequented paragliding site known for its walk-and-fly opportunities, soaring, thermal soaring, and cross-country potential. Pilots can either hike up or take the club shuttle from the landing zone (LZ).
Region: WA - USA
Site Record: 128.3 km
General Information:
- Site Rating: P2+ or P1 under direct instructor supervision
- Site Support: Managed by the Northwest Paragliding Club (NWPC). Membership is required for all pilots flying at Tiger Mountain. Visiting Pilot Memberships are available.
- Best Months to Fly: April - August, but flyable all year.
- Best Times to Fly: Thermals are best from 1-4 pm, with glass-offs often running from 5 to 8:30 pm.
- Shuttle Service: Available for those who prefer not to hike. Schedule and info can be found at [Tiger Shuttle](https://TigerShuttle.com).
North Launch:
- Elevation: 1,830'
- GPS Coordinates: 47°29'58"N 122°0'30"W
- Glide Ratio to LZ: 2:1
- Wind Direction: Ideal N through NW. West through NNE OK
- Wind Strength: Min: 0, Ideal: 7, Max: 12 MPH (Max 15 MPH for HG)
South Launch:
- Elevation: 1,680'
- GPS Coordinates: 47°29'48"N 122°0'38"W
- Glide Ratio to LZ: 3:1
- Wind Direction: Ideal SSE to SW. East winds in excess of 2 kts create hazardous conditions
- Wind Strength: Min: 0, Ideal: 7, Max: 12 MPH (Max 15 MPH for HG)
Site Requirements:
- Helmets are required.
- Conditions can be unpredictable; a site briefing is strongly advised.
- Extreme caution is advised when East winds are present.
- Follow all USHPA rules, including the use of proper safety equipment.
- Motorized paragliders and motorized hang gliders are not permitted in the LZ.
- Minimum rating for hang pilots is H2 with instructor or H3 without.
- Use of the upper north launch is prohibited when horses are present.
- Follow FAA rules for VFR separation from clouds.
Description:
Tiger Mountain offers majestic views of Mt. Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, Puget Sound, and the greater metropolitan area. The site is popular due to its easy access, consistent flying conditions, and community support. Extensive work has been done to improve the site, including clearing trees, planting grass, installing bathrooms, and laying artificial turf on the north launch. The shuttle service eliminates the need for a 300-yard hike through the woods.
Tiger Mountain is flyable with winds from the south, west, and preferably the north. It provides prolific lift for beginner pilots and ample cross-country potential for advanced pilots. Flights have reached as far north as the Canadian border, south past Mt. Rainier, and east through Snoqualmie Pass into eastern Washington. The site is known for its spectacular views and extended daylight hours in the summer.
Top Landing Protocol:
- Top landing is only allowed when the area is clear of pilots and spectators.
- Must not interfere with launching pilots.
- Avoid top landings when the launch is busy.
- Side landings on the west face are acceptable only if they do not interfere with launch activities.
- Top landing is prohibited when horses are present.
- Always yield to launching traffic and people on the launch.
- Never fly over the heads of pilots or spectators on launch.
Soaring and Airspace:
Tiger Mountain is extremely soarable. Most XC pilots work up to cloudbase and then fly south to Enumclaw, east towards Mt. Si, or north towards Duval. There is little XC potential to the west due to airspace restrictions and lack of LZs. Controlled airspace directly over Tiger Mountain is 5,000' and rises to 6,000' halfway between the launches and the summit. Commercial jets can and do get vectored over Tiger. Do not break airspace.
Directions to the LZ:
From Seattle, take I-90 east to exit #17, Front Street exit in Issaquah. Head south on Front Street, which turns into Issaquah-Hobart Road. After leaving downtown Issaquah, follow for about 2 more miles to where the road widens with a 2-way left turn lane. The LZ parking and grass field will be on your left. Parking is limited, but there is a $5 pay lot on the west side of the street about 50 yards before the LZ. GPS Coordinates: 47º 30' 01.6"N 122º 01' 19.1"W
Directions to Launch:
Hike: The Chirico trail is a moderate 1-hour hike directly from the LZ to the south and north launches. The trail entrance is on the east side of the LZ.
Shuttle: The Tiger Shuttle leaves from both Seattle Paragliding and the LZ parking lot. Check the schedule at [Tiger Shuttle](https://TigerShuttle.com) for actual departure times. Pilots can register for an account to receive a discount and purchase a digital punch card for further discounts.
For more information, visit:
- [Wilder Adventures](https://www.wilderadventures.com/launch/761/tiger-mountain-issaquah)
- [Tiger Mountain Paragliding](http://www.tigermountainparagliding.com/AboutTiger.html)
- [NW Paragliding](http://nwparagliding.com/Pilot-Info/Local-Sites/Tiger-Mountain)
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