Elk Mountain

Elk Mountain is a Northern California soaring and cross-country site about 10 miles north of Upper Lake. The 1,229 m launch has three take-offs (South, North and West) and works on S, SW, W, NW, NE and SE flow — it is not flyable in easterlies. This is an accessible site: no prior notification, no sign-offs and no fees are required to fly. Some supervision is suggested for hang / paragliding IIs, but visiting P2 pilots with instruction on hand are welcomed. Flying is best in spring and autumn, and it can be flown in winter when the road remains accessible; be especially careful in July and August, when strong thermal conditions make the site less forgiving. Trees between launch and the LZ are the main hazard on the glide out.

Launch & conditions

The South Launch is a steep grassy pad that will accommodate two pilots, is preferred by paragliders and sits at 4,000 ft MSL with a 2,600 ft vertical to the LZ. The North Launch is good but can be tricky and is brushy. The West Launch is sometimes used by paragliders and rarely by hang-gliders. Middle Creek Campground is the LZ.

Getting there & local rules

Take Highway 101 north to Highway 20, then east on Highway 20 to Upper Lake. Left on Main Street, which becomes Middle Creek Road and then Elk Mountain Road. The LZ is at Middle Creek Campground on the right at the end of the valley, just before the road climbs to launch. From the LZ, drive north up the paved road to the highest point, then west onto a steep 4WD dirt road to launch — allow 20 to 30 minutes.

Local rules & hazards

No prior notification, sign-offs or fees required. Some supervision is suggested for pilots at hang/para II level. Trees fill the gap between launch and the LZ — plan the glide accordingly. Summer conditions can be strong, so treat July and August with extra caution.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Elk 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 Elk Mountain with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.