Mt Tamalpais

Mt Tamalpais is the classic Marin County ridge-soaring site overlooking Stinson Beach, north of San Francisco. The 588 m launch works on S, SW and W flow, with ideal conditions being SE to WNW under 10 mph. Weather is best pre- or post-frontal — this is a winter site — because summer often brings low fog and a crowded beach. Three launches serve the ridge: A (south-east / south, requires a small hike out), B (main, used about 80% of the time, SW-WNW), and C (west / WNW, typically used as overflow when B is crowded). A maximum of 5 pilots is allowed on launch at any one time. Stinson Beach is the LZ, but high tide can shrink it significantly — check the beach before flying (it's visible from launch).

Launch & conditions

B launch is the main option, used 80% of the time on SW–WNW flow. A launch (SE–S) needs a short hike out. C launch (W–WNW) is the overflow when B is busy. Five pilots max on launch at any time. Watch for whitecaps building on the ocean — that's your cue to leave early to make the LZ, because it's a long glide.

Getting there & local rules

Small pull-out parking areas serve each launch. Your car must be out of the park before sunset, when the road gates close. Stinson Beach LZ is visible from launch — good to check the tide before flying, as recent peak high-tides have left very little usable beach. Site rules and PDF details are available from the local club, and a proper site introduction from a club member plus check-in at the Pantoll Ranger Station are both required.

Local rules & hazards

Requires MCHGA sticker and a mandatory site introduction — contact the club days before flying if you're visiting. Check-in at the Pantoll Ranger Station is part of the standard site protocol. Watch for high tide (LZ can disappear), fog, and increasing winds — leave early when whitecaps build on the ocean, because it's a long glide back to the beach.

Check conditions before you fly

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