BJ and Black launches are currently closed to vehicle access behind Sierra Pacific gates. Hike-in access is allowed. Thank you for your patience while we work with Sierra Pacific to get new liability waivers. Any changes to site access will be communicated to club members.
Revision Date: 2/25/2024
Black Mountain Site Guide
Black Mt. is located about 20 miles east of Bellingham, WA within the North Cascade mountains foothills and near Canadian border. Flying at Black Mt. is primarily along the western and southwestern-facing aspects, overlooking Silver Lake. Access is via a locked gate off of highway 542; many north-end pilots have keys and visiting pilots are welcome but need to contact a club
key holder for access. The landowner requires USHPA membership. The site is administered by the North Cascades Soaring Club.
Site Contact: Roger Brock, 360-319-3881
Launch Elevation: Main top launch: 4,670′
- GPS Coordinates: 48°58'15.75"N, -122°1'42.84"W
Launch Elevation: Middle Launch: 3,820’′
- GPS Coordinates: 48°57'41.30"N, -122°2'27.29"W
Launch Elevation: Lower Launch (Lippy’s Launch): 2,140′
- GPS Coordinates: 48°57'20.08”N, -122°3'6.23”W
Landing Zone Elevation: 780’
- GPS Coordinates: 48.965078 , -122.072947
Flight Types:
Mountain Thermal and Ridge-Lift
Best Season To Fly:
The best time to fly is typically in the Summer and Fall.
Best Time to Fly:
Noon to Sunset. Spring and Summer may produce strong mid-day thermals. Caution should be taken launching mid-day. Evenings typically offer smoother thermals.
Protocols:
The Black Mt. launches may be closed during the dry season due to high fire
danger, and during the winter due to snow. All pilots must get a site orientation before flying.
Ratings:
Intermediate/P-3/H-3
P-3/H-3 requirements:
The pilot has the knowledge and skills to fly most sites in mild to moderate soaring conditions,
and to judge when the site and conditions are within the pilot's skill, knowledge, and experience
level. The pilot understands the USHPA paragliding/hang gliding rating system and
recommended operating limitations, and the FARs and other flying rules applicable to their flying
(ridge rules, thermal right of way, FAR 103, aircraft sectional use and regulated airspace
avoidance, etc.). The pilot shall use good judgment and have a level of maturity commensurate with the rating.
Launches:
Several launches have been developed along the western aspect of Black Mt. The launches are at various elevations, giving pilots options depending on the conditions. The Upper (Main) Launch is most heavily used.
All Black Mt launches are dirt/ grass natural slope launches. There are no permanent markings
or exclusion zones. Ground obstructions are minimal. The launch should be considered
technical with elevated P-3 skills. Launch is short with only a few steps available before a steep
run out. Winds can vary from strong to light demanding appropriate wing handling skills.
Black Mountain Site Guide
Black Mt. is located about 20 miles east of Bellingham, WA within the North Cascade mountains foothills and near Canadian border. Flying at Black Mt. is primarily along the western and southwestern-facing aspects, overlooking Silver Lake. Access is via a locked gate off of highway 542; many north-end pilots have keys and visiting pilots are welcome but need to contact a club
key holder for access. The landowner requires USHPA membership. The site is administered by the North Cascades Soaring Club.
Site Contact: Roger Brock, 360-319-3881
Launch Elevation: Main top launch: 4,670′
- GPS Coordinates: 48°58'15.75"N, -122°1'42.84"W
Launch Elevation: Middle Launch: 3,820’′
- GPS Coordinates: 48°57'41.30"N, -122°2'27.29"W
Launch Elevation: Lower Launch (Lippy’s Launch): 2,140′
- GPS Coordinates: 48°57'20.08”N, -122°3'6.23”W
Landing Zone Elevation: 780’
- GPS Coordinates: 48.965078 , -122.072947
Flight Types:
Mountain Thermal and Ridge-Lift
Best Season To Fly:
The best time to fly is typically in the Summer and Fall.
Best Time to Fly:
Noon to Sunset. Spring and Summer may produce strong mid-day thermals. Caution should be taken launching mid-day. Evenings typically offer smoother thermals.
Protocols:
The Black Mt. launches may be closed during the dry season due to high fire
danger, and during the winter due to snow. All pilots must get a site orientation before flying.
Ratings:
Intermediate/P-3/H-3
P-3/H-3 requirements:
The pilot has the knowledge and skills to fly most sites in mild to moderate soaring conditions,
and to judge when the site and conditions are within the pilot's skill, knowledge, and experience
level. The pilot understands the USHPA paragliding/hang gliding rating system and
recommended operating limitations, and the FARs and other flying rules applicable to their flying
(ridge rules, thermal right of way, FAR 103, aircraft sectional use and regulated airspace
avoidance, etc.). The pilot shall use good judgment and have a level of maturity commensurate with the rating.
Launches:
Several launches have been developed along the western aspect of Black Mt. The launches are at various elevations, giving pilots options depending on the conditions. The Upper (Main) Launch is most heavily used.
All Black Mt launches are dirt/ grass natural slope launches. There are no permanent markings
or exclusion zones. Ground obstructions are minimal. The launch should be considered
technical with elevated P-3 skills. Launch is short with only a few steps available before a steep
run out. Winds can vary from strong to light demanding appropriate wing handling skills.
Black Mt. Upper Launch:
The Upper Launch is located near the south end of the south-north trending ridgeline on the upper slopes of Black Mt. Pilots typically set up on the gravel road near the parking area. The launch is short with a steep runout.
The Upper Launch is located near the south end of the south-north trending ridgeline on the upper slopes of Black Mt. Pilots typically set up on the gravel road near the parking area. The launch is short with a steep runout.
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Recommended Wind Strength:
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Black Upper launch
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Black Mt. Middle Launch:
The Middle Launch faces northwest. The launching surface is gravel and the runway is short and steep. Recommended Wind Strength:
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Black Middle Launch
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Black Mt. Lower Launch (Lippy’s):
The Lower Launch (Lippy’s Launch) is the lowest launch on Black Mt. The launching surface is gravel and the runway is short and steep. Recommended Wind Strength:
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Black Lower Launch
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Landing Zone:
The main designated landing area is adjacent to the Silver Lake group campground site. There are tall trees surrounding the landing zone and a barn in the southern portion of the field. Appropriate approach patterns are communicated to new pilots during site orientation. For most of the Black Mt. launches, the glide ratio needed to reach the main LZ is 3:1.
The main designated landing area is adjacent to the Silver Lake group campground site. There are tall trees surrounding the landing zone and a barn in the southern portion of the field. Appropriate approach patterns are communicated to new pilots during site orientation. For most of the Black Mt. launches, the glide ratio needed to reach the main LZ is 3:1.
Black LZ
Alternate Landing Zone:
The secondary (alternate) landing zone is located directly northwest of the main LZ, on the west side of Silver Lake Road.
Alternate LZ
Incidents: should be documented by emailing the club: [email protected] attention to Safety officer. In an emergency, Call 9-1-1 first.
Black Mt. Site Use Rules:
Black Mt. Site Use Rules:
- Key members must be a minimum of H3 or P3 and NCSC members.
- Key members must have guests sign the “Sierra hold harmless agreement” and return before access.
- All pilots and tandem passengers must be current USHPA members or have a signed 30-day membership/waiver.
- Communications with landowners of said property shall be done through the club via the designated site coordinator. Please do not hesitate to contact us at our dedicated email address for any inquiry regarding the site coordinator.
- Appropriate vehicle speed on all roads leading to flying sites including those within surrounding communities. (Excessive speeds are the primary cause of most site closures)
- Drivers shall make every effort to minimize vehicle impact upon roads. Leave no evidence of our passage on such roads.
- No use of gas combustion-powered tools during fire season.
- No commercial activities are allowed.
- No Smoking.
- No Fires, No tree cutting, camping, wood gathering, or any other activities unrelated to flying.
- Be respectful and courteous to everyone we encounter while representing our club and sport.
- Pilots shall obey local flying rules and make every effort to mitigate risk.
Several landowners don't want us landing on their property. Please familiarize yourself with these areas using the Google Earth project below. If you have any issues with landowners, please notify the club so we can update the map.
CLICK HERE to access "No landing zones"
Join our Telegram Group: https://t.me/+sZdwU4_wR3Y5Mjlh
For further info contact:
[email protected]
CLICK HERE to access "No landing zones"
Join our Telegram Group: https://t.me/+sZdwU4_wR3Y5Mjlh
For further info contact:
[email protected]