Photo Credit: Jeff Hart
Nestled within the Chuckanut mountains between the fertile Fraser and Skagit valleys is Blanchard Mountain on the shore of Samish Bay. This jewel of the Northwest provides a stunning backdrop for raptor birds and pilots alike - the San Juan archipelago gleams in the west, and to the east shines the frosty peak of Mount Baker. The accessibility of the Cascades here has fostered a culture of exploration and the region is teeming with trails, so the well-maintained public hike to launch from Chuckanut drive is an absolute treat. Local pilots feel likewise spoiled by the easy 30-minute drive from the LZ to the DNR-managed parking area at Samish Overlook where a Discover Pass will be handy. Following a site intro, USHPA licensed P2/H2 pilots are especially encouraged to gain airtime here with an active and welcoming community.
Site Contact: Roger Brock, 360-319-3881
Launch Elevation: 1,252'
GPS Coordinates: 48.609856, -122.427033
Landing Zone Elevation: 10'
GPS Coordinates: 48.593578, -122.420472
Protocols: USHPA-insured site, USHPA membership required.
Ratings: H2, P2, M2
Site Contact: Roger Brock, 360-319-3881
Launch Elevation: 1,252'
GPS Coordinates: 48.609856, -122.427033
Landing Zone Elevation: 10'
GPS Coordinates: 48.593578, -122.420472
Protocols: USHPA-insured site, USHPA membership required.
Ratings: H2, P2, M2
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Flight Types:
Thermal and Ridge-Lift Best Season To Fly: Allowed usage year-round, the best time to fly is typically in the Spring, early Summer, and Fall. Best Time to Fly: Noon to Sunset |
South (left) and West (right) launches from the air.
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Launches:
Both the West-facing and South-facing launches are accessed from the Samish Overlook and are within walking distance of each other. The launches are moderately-sloped ramps with gravel and grass cover. Both launches are relatively unobstructed; Pilots should visibly make sure all clearances are adhered to before launching.
West Launch:
The West Launch is suitable for several gliders to lay out side-by-side or slightly staggered at once, with one to two pilots launching in the window at a time. The launching zone can get crowded, pilots should use common courtesy and setup/check equipment in non-active launching zones.
Note: wind conditions should be determined before launching. North to Northwest wind can create a significant rotor from the north-facing tree line that can affect the launching zone and create hazardous launching conditions.
Recommended Wind Strength (mph):
South Launch:
The South Launch is suitable for several gliders to lay out side-by-side at once, with two pilots launching in the window at a time. The launching zone can get crowded, pilots should use common courtesy and setup/check equipment in non-active launching zones, typically behind the launching zone or to the east along the entrance path.
Note: wind conditions should be determined before launching. East wind can create a significant rotor from the south-facing treeline that can affect the launching zone and create hazardous launching conditions.
Both the West-facing and South-facing launches are accessed from the Samish Overlook and are within walking distance of each other. The launches are moderately-sloped ramps with gravel and grass cover. Both launches are relatively unobstructed; Pilots should visibly make sure all clearances are adhered to before launching.
West Launch:
The West Launch is suitable for several gliders to lay out side-by-side or slightly staggered at once, with one to two pilots launching in the window at a time. The launching zone can get crowded, pilots should use common courtesy and setup/check equipment in non-active launching zones.
Note: wind conditions should be determined before launching. North to Northwest wind can create a significant rotor from the north-facing tree line that can affect the launching zone and create hazardous launching conditions.
Recommended Wind Strength (mph):
- PG min 0, ideal 5, max 10, gust 5
- Mini wing min 0, ideal 10, max 15, gust 5; note 5:1 glide to LZ
- HG - min 0, ideal 15, max 25, gust 5
- Ideal - 240° to 300°
- OK - 200° to 310°
- Avoid moderate or stronger NW or N
South Launch:
The South Launch is suitable for several gliders to lay out side-by-side at once, with two pilots launching in the window at a time. The launching zone can get crowded, pilots should use common courtesy and setup/check equipment in non-active launching zones, typically behind the launching zone or to the east along the entrance path.
Note: wind conditions should be determined before launching. East wind can create a significant rotor from the south-facing treeline that can affect the launching zone and create hazardous launching conditions.
Recommended Wind Strength:
- PG min 0, ideal 5, max 10, gust 5
- Mini wing min 0, ideal 5, max 10, gust 5; note 5:1 glide to LZ
- HG - min 0, ideal 15, max 25, gust 5
- Ideal - 170° to 230°
- Avoid moderate or stronger SE or E
Ideal Wind Directions
Landing Zone (View Pointing SW)
Landing Zone:
The main LZ is PRIVATE PROPERTY, but the owner has given permission to land there. Please be sensitive to the concerns of this property owner, which means: don't block the driveway, stay away from the house, don’t potty in the ditch, don't block the road, and don't bother the neighbors. Keep the number of parked cars to a minimum, and do not park along Chuckanut Drive. There is additional parking along the road near the organic garden a quarter of a mile --at the first intersection--to the south. If you were to upset this very gracious property owner, you would also incur the wrath of many pilots.
Obstructions: high grass, deep puddles in the rainy season – best landing approach is on the E-W-facing road in the center of the LZ.
Notes: 5 to 1 L/D to LZ. BEWARE: Some pilots have failed to reach LZ in SW-SE winds. There are numerous criss-crossing power lines, ditches, and fences in the LZ vicinity (see map below).
The main LZ is PRIVATE PROPERTY, but the owner has given permission to land there. Please be sensitive to the concerns of this property owner, which means: don't block the driveway, stay away from the house, don’t potty in the ditch, don't block the road, and don't bother the neighbors. Keep the number of parked cars to a minimum, and do not park along Chuckanut Drive. There is additional parking along the road near the organic garden a quarter of a mile --at the first intersection--to the south. If you were to upset this very gracious property owner, you would also incur the wrath of many pilots.
Obstructions: high grass, deep puddles in the rainy season – best landing approach is on the E-W-facing road in the center of the LZ.
Notes: 5 to 1 L/D to LZ. BEWARE: Some pilots have failed to reach LZ in SW-SE winds. There are numerous criss-crossing power lines, ditches, and fences in the LZ vicinity (see map below).
Landing Approach
Parking Protocol
In-flight hazards
Pushing back NE of launch in any significant W-S wind
Do not push back into the shallower area NE of the launches unless you are sure you maintain reserve altitude to return back West or South even if you lose lift. If you do get caught low in this area in a westerly, try to escape S towards the LZ.
Rotors at the SW spine
In moderate to strong SSE-SE or NW winds, significant rotors will be present on the downwind side of the SW facing spine between launches. Avoid the area downwind of the spine, and keep an eye on the launch windsock to notice direction changes.
Pushing back NE of launch in any significant W-S wind
Do not push back into the shallower area NE of the launches unless you are sure you maintain reserve altitude to return back West or South even if you lose lift. If you do get caught low in this area in a westerly, try to escape S towards the LZ.
Rotors at the SW spine
In moderate to strong SSE-SE or NW winds, significant rotors will be present on the downwind side of the SW facing spine between launches. Avoid the area downwind of the spine, and keep an eye on the launch windsock to notice direction changes.
Directions:
Access: Gravel, 2WD, DNR discover pass required for parking at Samish Overlook.
Google Maps: Landing Zone
Google Maps: Samish Overlook
From Seattle:
Take Alger Exit #240 off I-5. Head west on Samish Lake Road for approx. 1/2 mile. Take your first hard left (more than 90 degrees) onto Barrel Springs Road. Approximately 6/10 of a mile, turn right on Blanchard Hill Road. It's a dirt road marked by a large clear cut. On the gravel road you will pass by trail-head parking for Lizard and Lily Lakes. After approx. 1.6 miles, turn left on gravel road (T intersection). There is an bright Yellow looking barrel gate, swung back on this road. Go approx. 2.2 more miles to the end of the road.
From LZ (about 20 minutes):
Go south from LZ on Chuckanut, take your first left Colony Rd. Go to stop sign at two carved bears on a stump. Turn right onto Colony Road. Stay on Colony for a few miles until you come to Wood Road (a T intersection across from a blue barn with a white corral fence). Turn left onto Wood Road and go to first intersection. Bearing right onto Barrel Springs Road, continue on to Blanchard Hill Road, a DNR maintained gravel road. Follow the directions to launch.
Incidents and accidents
In an emergency, Call 9-1-1 first. Additionally, see the accident page for detailed information on accident handling and reporting. Any incident involving non-pilot property damage, injuries or assistance from non-pilots (EMS, police, public bystanders etc) must be reported as soon as practical.
Access: Gravel, 2WD, DNR discover pass required for parking at Samish Overlook.
Google Maps: Landing Zone
Google Maps: Samish Overlook
From Seattle:
Take Alger Exit #240 off I-5. Head west on Samish Lake Road for approx. 1/2 mile. Take your first hard left (more than 90 degrees) onto Barrel Springs Road. Approximately 6/10 of a mile, turn right on Blanchard Hill Road. It's a dirt road marked by a large clear cut. On the gravel road you will pass by trail-head parking for Lizard and Lily Lakes. After approx. 1.6 miles, turn left on gravel road (T intersection). There is an bright Yellow looking barrel gate, swung back on this road. Go approx. 2.2 more miles to the end of the road.
From LZ (about 20 minutes):
Go south from LZ on Chuckanut, take your first left Colony Rd. Go to stop sign at two carved bears on a stump. Turn right onto Colony Road. Stay on Colony for a few miles until you come to Wood Road (a T intersection across from a blue barn with a white corral fence). Turn left onto Wood Road and go to first intersection. Bearing right onto Barrel Springs Road, continue on to Blanchard Hill Road, a DNR maintained gravel road. Follow the directions to launch.
Incidents and accidents
In an emergency, Call 9-1-1 first. Additionally, see the accident page for detailed information on accident handling and reporting. Any incident involving non-pilot property damage, injuries or assistance from non-pilots (EMS, police, public bystanders etc) must be reported as soon as practical.
Blanchard Site Rules:
- USHPA membership is required. Please follow USHPA rules and regulations.
- No commercial activity is allowed.
- All pilots must fly with a helmet and reserve parachute.
- H2/P2/M2 rating is required unless under a certified instructor's supervision.
- Pilots must verify that all spectators are clear before launching.
- Do not top land when spectators are present.
- Drive courteously. Slow down around hikers, horses, and other drivers.
- Be good Stewards of Blanchard Mountain. Do not cut trees.
- Please be respectful of other site users.
Related resources
- Blanchard Weather and Live Cameras - Check for current conditions and activity.
- No Landing Zones: Several landowners don't want us landing on their property. Please familiarize yourself with these areas using the linked Google Earth project. If you have any issues with landowners, please notify the club so we can update the map.
- Join our Telegram Group
- Contact NCSC for further info: [email protected]