MT. Woodside 

Location:
8 miles west of Agassiz on Hwy 7

Launch:
Find the Mt. Woodside FSR entrance opposite of the 'Koffee Kettle Cafe' on Highway 7. Follow Mt. Woodside FSR 4.2 km (2.6 miles), then take the left fork in the road. Park at the first available spot if you don't have 4 wheel drive. Hike/drive 250 meters (275 yards) to launch.

PG Landing:
The 'Riverside LZ' is located 10 minutes hiking time south of the Lougheed Highway junction with the FSR. There is a trail out of the field through a neighbors property starting near the NW corner of the field leading to the Cafe. If you open a gate close it behind you.

HG Landing:
The 'Best' field (because it is owned by Bill Best) is located west of the old LZ on the north side of the highway. Turn onto Mill Road from Highway #7 heading north and then a left shortly after to get to the LZ.

Flying Season:
End of February to beginning of November.

Type of Site:
Mountain site with Thermal and Ridge soaring. Rumours of Wave lift? Suitable for HG and PG.

Cross-Country:
Cross-country flights to Hope on both types of wings. An easy and pleasant XC Flight is to Harrison Hot Springs: a good place to soak your bones after a day of flying.

Description of Launch:
Launch is a groomed gradually steeper slope facing WSW at 2250' (680 m) ASL. Set up area for 10+ gliders. Large parking area. Clean takeoff. Wire men required in strong thermal conditions. In poor conditions there is a good HG ramp lower down the slope. Leave for the LZ when no more than 50' below the old lower launch. Use small field ("the Swamp") on S side of Hwy 7 in an emergency only. (Turbulent and wet.)

Description of LZ:
100' (30 m) ASL. Winds tend to be southerly at 3 - 8 MPH. Land only in the designated LZs. Outlanders will be fined. Riverside LZ is a scrubby 10 acre field with a bit of a slope up from the south. The 'Best' LZ is a large flat field west of the old LZ. Landing fees ($50 annual or $10 day use) must be paid for use of the Riverside LZ.
Please contact a WCSC director for instructions on using alternative Landing Fields.

Transportation:
Most vehicles can make it most of the way to launch, but 4 wheel drive is best (keeps the road in better condition).

Site Regulation:
Formal, the WCSC has a License of Occupation for the launch area and has agreements in place for the use of landing fields. Follow the WCSC Site Safety Standards. HPAC Insurance is required and Club membership is requested.

Local Contact:
Please contact a WCSC director for the latest information.

Other Information:
CYA 132 (H) to 6000' (1800 m) ASL (Maximum). Watch for small aircraft over Riverside LZ. One of the WCSC's most high profile and valued sites. Can get crowded in spring and early summer. Only land in the designated landing fields. Do NOT land in any other fields. Long glide to HG landing field in any headwind. The WCSC has an XC meet running two to three weekends here every year starting Mid- April. Great way to start the year. The site has very nice coastal influenced air combined with pleasant thermals which are generally well away from the hill. The scenery is outstanding.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft), 173.640 Mhz
Local: 146.460 or 146.550 MHz
Emergency: 911
Flight Services Abbotsford 250-855-1010 Fax: 250-855-1181

Bridal Falls

Location:
Fraser Valley, between Chilliwack and Hope BC on the Trans Canada Highway.

Launch:
Back road is barely 2 wheel drive. Take the Chilliwack Lake Rd from the Vedder crossing south of Sardis. Turn up the Chipmunk Creek road. Turn left over Chipmunk Creek and then take the first west fork. Near the summit, take the right fork and then turn south at the ridge top to launch. It is best to have someone guide you up the road since it is very easy to get lost on the logging roads.

HG Landing:
To access the Hang Gliding LZ take the Bridal Falls overpass and turn left (South) onto Yale Road E. Proceed 3.3 km (2 miles) and turn left onto McGrath Road, turn left onto Nevin Rd. and 0.6 km (0.4 miles) later turn right onto McElvee. The landing fields rotate under crop but are normally to the East side of the road.

PG Landing:
End of driving range at Mountain Brook Golf Course or on the other side of the road in the 'swamp'.

Flying Season:
From the beginning of June to the middle of September.

Type of Site:
Suitable for both HG and PG
Mostly Thermal with occasional Ridge soaring at lower knoll.

Cross-Country:
Cross-country flights to Hope, out and returns, flights along the ridge.

Description of Launch:
Well groomed launch, large set-up area, WNW facing Launch is at 4620' (1400 m) ASL and has a short season (starting late June). This launch is attractive to hang glider pilots since it is an easier glide to their landing field.

Description of LZs:
150' (50 m) ASL. Small paragliding LZ between golf course driving range nets or 'swamp' area on the other side of the road. Huge HG LZ on the north side of the highway on McElwee Rd which is visible from launch. HG LZ is on the East side of the road which has a blue steel gate. Make sure the gate is left closed.

Transportation:
4 wheel drive is best for upper launch. Hiking over the deactivated section of road between Lower Bridal and upper launch is possible (and short).

Site Regulation:
Formal, WCSC holds a License of Occupation on the launch area, HPAC Insurance required and Local Club membership recommended

Contact:
Please contact a WCSC director for the latest information.

Other Information:
100 km (60 miles) east of Vancouver. A wonderful site with breathtaking scenery, and possible PG top landings. Flyable just about every day during the summer.
CYA 105 (H) to 8000' ASL.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft), 173.640 Mhz
Local: 146.460 MHz or 146.550 MHz
Emergency: 911

Lower Bridal

Location:
Bridal Falls between Chilliwack and Hope BC on the Trans Canada Highway.

Launch:
4 wheel drive only. From the Bridal Falls exit go to Popkum Rd. Turn left at the T intersection. Lower Launch is on a fork to the right about 3 to 4 km from the pavement.

HG Landing:
To access the Hang Gliding LZ take the Bridal Falls overpass and turn left (South) onto Yale Road E. Proceed 3.3 Km and turn left onto McGrath Road, turn left onto Nevin Rd. and .6 km later turn right onto McElvee. The landing fields rotate under crop but are normally to the East side of the road.

PG Landing:
End of driving range at Mountain Brook Golf Course or on the other side of the road in the 'swamp'.

Flying Season:
From the beginning of April to the middle of September.

Type of Site:
Suitable mainly for PG, seldom used for HG.
Mostly Thermal with occasional Ridge soaring at lower knoll.

Cross-Country:
Cross-country flights to Hope, out and returns, flights along the ridge.

Description of Launch:
Well groomed launch, large set-up area, WNW facing
Launch is at 2500' (750 m) ASL and is mainly used by paragliders. This launch is not recommended for new pilots due to normally cross winds. Swirling winds at this site make it difficult to launch safely. Be cautious.

Description of LZs:
150' (50 m) ASL. Small paragliding LZ between golf course driving range nets or 'swamp' area on the other side of the road. Huge HG LZ on the north side of the highway on McElwee Rd which is visible from launch. HG LZ is on the East side of the road which has a blue steel gate. Make sure the gate is left closed.

Transportation:
4 wheel drive or hike.

Site Regulation: Informal/HPAC Insurance/Local Club

Contact:
Please contact a WCSC director for the latest information.

Other Information:
100 km (60 miles) east of Vancouver. A wonderful site with breathtaking scenery, and possible PG top landings. Flyable just about every day during the summer.
CYA 105 (H) to 8000' ASL.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft), 173.640 Mhz
Local: 146.460 MHz or 146.550 MHz
Emergency: 911

Sumas Mountain

Location:
15 km northeast of Abbotsford use Number 3 Road or Whatcom Rd. exit off of Highway 1

Launch:
Follow North Parallel Rd. to Lower Sumas Mountain Rd. to Batt Rd. and then to the summit on the gravel road. There is a gate on the road to launch 0.9 km before the parking lot. For access to a key please contact a WCSC director.

PG Landing:
Exit Highway 1 at No 3 Road and cross over to the NW side. Follow North Parallel Rd. NE to where it ends near the Vedder canal bridge.

HG Landing:
Exit Highway 1 at Whatcom Road and use farm fields on either north or south parrallel roads east of the exit.

Flying Season:
Good ridge flying in winter and early spring in easterly "outflow" conditions. Very seldom flown during summer.

Type of Site:
Launches and landings for both HGs and PGs. Mountain with Ridge soaring mainly, some Thermal. Reasonable student site.

Cross-Country:
Some limited potential (15 km or 10 miles).

Description of Launch:
Faces east at 2950' (900 m) ASL. Take the trail leading to the lookout, but turn right off the trail beside the tree that you can see the valley behind. Follow this trail to launch. Hang gliders have a flat launch with vertical cliff. Gets tricky in winds above 20 kmph (12 mph). Launch is fine in winds under 8 kmph (5 mph) but can become very difficult above this, even with a wire crew. Beware of right wing lifting. Set up area for 8 gliders. The paraglider launch is just to the west of the HG launch. The paraglider launch has a good slope, but is sheltered from the wind, so walk to the HG launch to check the true wind strength and direction.

Description of LZ:
Large open field(s) at 100' (30 m) ASL. Can be slightly turbulent below 50' (15 m) AGL if wind is strong. LZ is a 1/1 glide. In soaring conditions turbulence can set up if you are close to the road behind the farm buildings. Do not land in any crop fields. PG landing in field at cul de sac ending of North Parallel Road. PG landing area tends to be out of the venturi effect area on the sides of Sumas. PG alternative is to land at No. 3 Road or Whatcom Road LZs.

Transportation:
Two wheel drive possible, 4 wheel drive best.

Site Regulation: Informal/HPAC Insurance/Local Club The launch is within the boundaries of a Fraser Valley Regional District Park, so be very respectful of the site.

Local Contacts:
Please contact a WCSC director for the latest information.

Other Information:
CYA 128 (A) (H) to 5500ft (1650 m) ASL
Good site for pilots doing their early high flights but only in very light winds. (6 MPH max). Dress warmly.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft), 173.640 Mhz
Local: 146.460 MHz or 146.550 MHz
Emergency: 911

Little Nick

Location:
13 km (8 miles) east of Mission, take Highway #7 to Dewdney Village and follow Hawkins Pickle Road east.

Launch:
Follow the FSR up to the Norrish Creek reservoir and then take the right fork after crossing the bridge and head south along the main road for about 8 km (5 miles).

Flying Season:
Best in May, good March to August, rarely flyable September to February.

Type of Site:
Mountain with both Ridge and Thermal soaring suitable for HG and PG.

Cross-Country:
Both types of wings have made it to Hope, approx. 50km (30 miles) away.

Description of Launch:
Natural slope between chute in trees. Faces WSW at 1500' (460 m) ASL. Set up for 2 gliders maximum. Becomes ridge soarable in light westerlies. You can take off from the top of the slope or the bottom. If you take off from the top then make sure your wings are level before running or you will be in the trees. Limited height so head to the LZ early!

Description of LZ:
Large open grass field at 100' (30 m) ASL. Alternate LZ is gravel area west of creek which is closer but more turbulent. You can land on the creek bed if you get low. Beware of turbulence from the trees to the west!. Main landing field will present no problems. Try to land near road so that the grass doesn't get flattened. Check to see if any streamers are present before flying.

Transportation:
Newly re-built gravel road to launch is approx. 16 km (10 miles) long with driving time up to 40 minutes. 4 wheel drive is prefered all year. Watch for traffic on the road. Alternative is to hike from the LZ for 1:20.

Site Regulation: Informal/HPAC Insurance/Local Club

Local Contacts:
Please contact a WCSC director for the latest information.

Other Information:
Good site but has long turn around for 1400 ft site. Resident thermal to the left of launch. Tends to drift back a lot. Be careful about losing it behind launch and to the north! Good place to learn ridge soaring and XC.
CYA132 (H) to 6000' ASL.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft), 173.640 Mhz
Local: 146.460
Emergency Phone: 911

Vedder Mountain

Location:
Fraser Valley, just north of the US border east of Abbotsford.

Launch:
Take Columbia Valley Highway to Cultus Lake, turn right at Parmenter Road and then right turn onto Vedder Mt Forest Service Road. Take the right hand fork to go up the front (North) side of the Mtn. When you reach the top and the road starts to head south take the rough dirt road to the left. Half way up take the right fork and continue straight to the take-off.

Landing:
Yarrow Sports Park which is off Sand Road.

Flying Season:
Spring to fall, inflow days with upper winds from NW.

Type of Site:
Mountain Thermal soaring suitable for HG and PG.

Cross-Country:
Somewhat under utilized site, part of a long ridge (10 km or 6 miles) that in theory should be good.

Description of Launch:
NW facing launch at 2700' (820 m) ASL. Launch cut beside the road with trees on either side. The launch is difficult for paragliders due to a raised berm just before the slope steepens. Winds tend to cross from the left. The slope below launch turns into a cliff. Good high flight site for HG.

Description of LZ:
100' (30 m) ASL at Yarrow Sports Park. There is a chain across the road sometimes when the field is not in use. LZ consists of a soccer field, with goal posts, bleachers and a building. Winds tend to pick up during peak hours of the day (12 - 5 PM) Do not land in cultivated fields surrounding LZ.

Transportation:
4 wheel drive on last section of road to launch due to washouts

Site Regulation: Informal/HPAC Insurance/Local Club

Local Contacts
Please contact a WCSC director for the latest information.

Other Information:
CYA 128 (A) (H) to 5500' ASL
Good site for supervised Novice pilots and also offers good soaring in Spring. Mtn. is 6 miles long so good for out & returns. Have had problems with landing fields in the past. Do not land in cropped fields, even if they are cut.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft), 173.640 Mhz
Local: 146.460 Mhz or 146.550 MHz
Emergency: 911
Flight Services Abbotsford 250-855-1010 Fax: 250-855-1181

Deroche Mountain

Location:
13 km (8 miles) east of Mission, take Highway #7 to Dewdney Village and follow Hawkins Pickle Road east.

Launch:
Follow the FSR up to the Norrish Creek reservoir and then take the left fork after crossing the bridge and head north along the main road for about 3 km (2 miles). Take the side road on the right and follow it for 7 km (5 miles) up to the mountain. When you reach the ridge line overlooking the Fraser Valley to the South, park and hike down the slope 50 m (55 yards) to get to the launch area.

Landing:
The easiest landing field is the large lens or crescent shaped field visible from the launch. It is located just east of Highway #7 along Athey Road, before the Highway crosses a bridge into Deroche village.

Flying Season:
Flying season does not start until June at this site, due to snow on the road.

Type of Site:
Mountain with both Ridge and Thermal soaring suitable for HG and PG.

Cross-Country:
New site with unexplored potential.

Description of Launch:
Natural slope facing SSW at 3800' (1150 m) ASL. Set up for a few gliders. Scrubby blueberry bushes are the main vegetation on the slope.

Description of LZ:
Large open grass field at 100' (30 m) ASL. Alternate LZ is field near a gravel area to the west which is farther and more turbulent. Main landing field will present no problems. Try to land near road so that the grass doesn't get flattened. Check to see if any streamers are present before flying.

Transportation:
Gravel road to launch is approx. 22 km (14 miles) long with driving time over 1 hour. 4 wheel drive is preferred all season.

Site Regulation: Informal/HPAC Insurance/Local Club

Local Contacts:
Please contact a WCSC director for the latest information.

Other Information:
Good site but has long turn around.
CYA132 (H) to 6000' (1800 metres) ASL.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft), 173.640 MHz
Local: 146.460 and 146.550 MHz
Emergency Phone: 911

Elk Mountain

Location:
East of Chilliwack exit Highway #1 at Prest Rd. and go south to Elk View Road. At Elk View Road turn to the east (left) and follow it for several kilometres until you reach the Chilliwack Bench FSR.

Launch:
Follow the Chilliwack Bench FSR road for less than 1 km (0.6 miles) until you see a parking area. Stop at the parking lot and hike up the trail for 1.5 hours.

Landing:
Follow the Chilliwack Bench FSR for about 5 km (3 miles) east, take the first fork to the right on Slesse Rd. Follow Slesse Rd. for several km until you see a couple of large fields on either side of the road.

Flying Season:
Best in the winter months.

Type of Site:
Mountain with both Ridge and Thermal soaring suitable for PG.

Cross-Country:
Limited (15 km), ridge soaring out and returns.

Description of Launch:
SSW to SSE facing natural meadow at 4500' (1300 m) ASL. Fall and winter launching is made easier by clean blown snow covering. Set-up area for several hundred gliders. Avoid littering and damaging vegetation.

Description of LZ:
Main (safest) landing is at 600' (175 m) ASL. The field is a large cattle grazing field on a plateau and surrounded by trees. Another option is to land at a local pilot's (Eddy Schultz) cabin if you are his guest, or at the intersection of Prest Rd. and Elk View in a large field to the SW of the intersection.

Transportation:
2 wheel drive to the start of the trail to launch and to the landing fields. Hike to the launch.

Site Regulation: Informal/HPAC Insurance/Local Club

Local Contact:
Please contact a WCSC director for the latest information.

Other Information:
CYA 105 (H) to 8000' ASL.
Radio Frequency 123.4 MHz (Aircraft), 173.640 MHz
Local: 146.460 MHz or 146.550 MHz
Emergency: 911

Liumchen/Baldy

Location:
Drive to Cultus Lake.

Launch:
Follow the Columbia Valley Highway to Sleepy Hollow Road. Turn left onto Sleepy Hollow and then take a right at the next fork. Follow this road which turns to gravel after a few kilometers, and take the first right after crossing a bridge. From this point drive about 30 minutes on the main road, take the right fork and drive 10 more minutes until you see a parking area. Stop at the parking lot and hike up the trail for 10 minutes. Baldy is an additional 1 hour hike along a relatively easy scenic trail which gains 260 m (850 ft) in elevation.

Landing:
There are many possible landing fields. Two options are to land in a large field on the Soowahlie reserve or a sports field between the petting zoo and Cultus Lake Elementary School.

Flying Season:
Best in the summer months.

Type of Site:
Mountain with both Ridge and Thermal soaring suitable for PG and possibly HG.

Cross-Country:
Good potential, but unexplored. The glide from Baldy to Cultus LZ is over 9 km.

Description of Launch:
North facing groomed slope at 4800' (1450 m) ASL. Baldy at 5660' (1726 m) ASL, is launchable in all directions except WNW. Both launches have set-up area for several gliders. Avoid littering and damaging vegetation, because the trail is a maintained recreation area.

Description of LZ:
There are several large fields with friendly landowners in the area. Possibly the safest field is the on on the Soowahlie Reserve, since it is huge. The Soowahlie field is at 150' (50 m) ASL and is overgrown and un-tended.

Transportation:
4 wheel drive to the start of the trail to launch. Hike to the launch.

Site Regulation: Informal/HPAC Insurance/Local Club

Local Contact:
Please contact a WCSC director for the latest information.

Other Information:
Liumchen has never been used by HG, but it should be possible to launch from it and go far. The hike to Baldy is quite easy and very scenic.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft), 173.640 Mhz
Local: 146.460 MHz or 146.550 MHz
Emergency: 911