Black Mt. is located about 20 miles east of Bellingham. Access is via a locked gate; many north-end pilots have keys and visiting pilots are welcome. Landowner requires USHPA membership. The site is administered by the North Cascades Soaring Club.
Photo by Matty Senior
Protocol: Intermediate/H-3/P-3 (or Novice/H-2/P-2 when mellow). May be closed during dry season due to fire danger.
Contacts: Jeff Beck, 360-739-5648, Roger Brock (PG pilot), 360-319-3881
Flying Season: Summer, Fall
Access: Locked gate on gravel road, 2WD, deep water bars
Launch Elevation: top launch 4500′ MSL; Lippy’s Leap 2900′ MSL
Type: Slope, earth launch
Obstructions: None
Faces: W, NW
Notes: Set up on road at top launch.
Soarable: Yes, R/T
LZ Elevation: 900 MSL
Type: Grassy field
Obstructions: Tall trees around field; barn; rotors
Notes: Beware of switching winds. LZ is in group camp area of Silver Lake County Park. Large field across road available for landing if you first check with Silver Lake campground officer.
Additional Notes: Consistent site for soaring, good tandem site. Can-Am competition held at Black in late summer. Very scenic.
North Cascades Soaring Club administers several other sites in northwest Washington, some of which are behind locked gates, most of which have sensitive landowner issues or extremely challenging launch and/or landing. Contact Jeff Beck or Roger Brock for more information on NCSC’s sites.
Black Mt. Weather
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