Black Mountain

Black Mountain launches from about 1,100 m (3,600 ft agl) in Washington State, just a few miles south of the Canadian border near the Sumas crossing, with a takeoff that looks west across the valley and Mt. Baker looming over your shoulder. This is a cross-country-oriented site — the terrain and position near the border make it a launch pilots use for going places rather than just soaring locally. Down at Silver Lake, the county park maintains a large mowed grass landing zone right next to its group campground, giving pilots a clear, dependable place to land after a flight. Getting to launch takes some legwork: the old access road off the Mount Baker Highway is now gated and closed to vehicles, so reaching the logging road that leads up to 3,600 ft means hiking in rather than driving. From I-5, the route in runs east on the Mount Baker Highway to Maple Falls, then north on Silver Lake Road to the park, where the group campground and landing zone sit just before the main entrance, across from a quarry. A westerly wind component is what makes this site work — without it, it doesn't produce much lift.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff sits at roughly 3,600 ft agl, facing west with Mt. Baker over your shoulder. The old access road off the Mount Baker Highway is now gated and closed to vehicles, so plan to hike in rather than drive.

Getting there & local rules

From I-5, take the Mount Baker Highway (Exit 255) east about 28 miles to Maple Falls, then Silver Lake Road to the park. The group campground and landing zone are on the right just before the main entrance.

Local rules & hazards

This launch needs a westerly wind component to work — without it, don't expect much lift.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Black Mountain, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Black Mountain with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.