Dog Mountain, located near Morton, is probably the most-used hang gliding site in western Washington, and it’s no wonder, given the spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens from above launch, and the consistently soarable conditions throughout the year. Dog is a USHPA-insured site, and all pilots must be current USHPA members to fly here. Additionally, the landowner maintains a locked gate at the bottom of the access road, and pilots must obtain a key and sign a waiver each year. Dog is H-2 friendly, especially when the lake is down and the “Dogpatch” LZ is accessible, but novice pilots must be accompanied by a H-3 or higher rated pilot who can explain site protocol and potential hazards. Dog is CBCC’s “home” site, and many pilots spend the weekend there with kids and dogs and all the outdoor toys, camping at Dogpatch when the lake is low enough, and sharing tales around the driftwood bonfire.

photo by Aaron Swepston

Protocol: USHPA membership required. All pilots and tandem passengers must be USHPA members and sign waiver. Intermediate/H-3 (or Novice/H-2 w/sponsor). Keys for access to launch are available for $50 (CBCC members) and $60 (non-members), must be minimum H-3 to obtain a key. Relock gate every time after passing through. Must sign Dog Mountain waiver to fly this site. Helmet and parachute are required. Not suitable for paragliding.

Contacts: Larry & Tina Jorgensen, 253-380-9933, or Aaron & Kerie Swepston, 253-826-1112

Flying Season: Spring, Fall, Summer, Winter.

Access: Gravel, 2WD, locked gate at bottom, road has one narrow and dangerous curve on cliff face.

Launch Elevation: 2230 MSL

Type: Concrete supported grass slope/ramp

Obstructions: None

Faces: W, NW, SW

Notes: (none)

Soarable: Yes, R/T

LZ Elevation: 850 MSL

Type: Pasture, lake shore

Obstructions: Tall grass, stumps and vehicles in lake bed

Notes: Rotors often present in north LZ when wind is strong. Make sure you know the protocols for the landing area.

Additional Notes: Launch is owned by Port Blakely. Use of road and launch is by annual lease. Lease requires USHPA site insurance. All pilots and tandem passengers must be USHPA members and sign waiver.

Site of 1976 U.S. Nationals.

East Launch: Becoming overgrown – advanced launch only. There is also an advanced-only south-facing cliff launch at East Dog which can work early in the day.

Dog Mountain and Vicinity Site Records

FW Larry Jorgenson 79 Miles Panorama to White Pass Ski resort and back to Dog Mt.
RW Larry Jorgenson 70 miles Bremmer Mt. to Packwood and back to Dog Mt.

Legend:
FW Flex wing hang glider
RW Rigid wing hang glider
PG Paraglider

Dog Mountain Weather