Weaver Bally

Weaver Bally, in the Trinity Alps of northern California, is a high, remote fire-lookout launch overlooking wilderness. It demands judgment, skill and knowledge — the entire surrounding area is designated wilderness with no road access, and safe bail-out landings are all at least a 5:1 glide away. XC potential exists but is largely unexplored. Mid-day summer lift can push above 16,000 ft ASL, so supplemental oxygen may be wise. The launches are unimproved, on both sides of the ridge near the fire lookout; the site is best avoided in high winds because of the terrain and the committing glides.

Launch & conditions

Unimproved launches on both sides of the ridge near the fire lookout. Generally east or west wind is best; workable in more southerly winds too.

Getting there & local rules

From Weaverville on Highway 299, take Weaver Bally Road (maintained gravel) about 10 miles to the Weaver Bally fire lookout — you can see it from the highway junction. Snow may block access in winter; the gate near the lookout is sometimes locked, meaning a short uphill walk to launch. The lookout is staffed during fire season. Landings: Sky Ranch LZ, a large open river bar by Highway 299 and Sky Ranch Road near Junction City, is a 5:1 glide but not visible from launch (ridge in the way) — suitable for HG and PG. Paragliders can also land along Weaver Bally Road in the burned-out area about 1 mile up from Highway 299 (5:1 glide, unimproved, less than ideal in wind/thermal). Longer glides to other options exist.

Local rules & hazards

Weather here is complex — Trinity Alps topography, proximity to the ocean and interior systems, elevation and convective setting all interact. Understand conditions before flying. No safe close-in bail-outs, so avoid high wind days. Consider supplemental oxygen — mid-day summer lift can exceed 16,000 ft ASL.

Check conditions before you fly

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