Washington’s diverse landscapes offer some of the best hang gliding experiences in the Pacific Northwest. From coastal cliffs to mountain ridges, Washington is home to several great hang gliding sites and companies that offer lessons and tandem flights.
Top Hang Gliding Locations in Washington
Black Mountain (Bellingham, Washington)
This scenic site offers stunning views of the Pacific Northwest, making it a popular spot for hang gliders.
Blanchard Mountain (Bellingham, Washington)
Located near the coast, Blanchard Mountain provides excellent thermals and breathtaking views of the Puget Sound.
Chelan Butte (Chelan, Washington)
Known for consistent thermals, Chelan Butte is a top spot for long, scenic flights over the Columbia River.
Dog Mountain (Morton, Washington)
Offering reliable flying conditions, Dog Mountain provides gliders with spectacular views of the Cascades.
Rampart Ridge (Snoqualmie Pass, Washington)
This mountainous site offers excellent thermals and great views of the Cascade Range.
Saddle Mountain (Mattawa, Washington)
A well-known site for hang gliders, offering great conditions and stunning desert landscapes.
Tiger Mountain (Issaquah, Washington)
A popular spot for both hang gliders and paragliders, Tiger Mountain provides excellent views of the surrounding forests and mountains.
Hang Gliding Companies in Washington
Free Spirit Paragliding
- Location: 5633 322nd Avenue Northeast, Carnation, Washington 98014
- Details: Free Spirit Paragliding offers hang gliding and paragliding lessons and flights in the scenic area around Carnation.
Inland Air Sports
- Location: 4503 East 5th Avenue, Spokane Valley, Washington 99212
- Details: Inland Air Sports provides training and hang gliding experiences in the Spokane Valley region.
Ultralight Flight Service
- Location: Grays River, Washington 98621
- Details: Ultralight Flight Service offers flights and training in ultralight aviation and hang gliding.
Alternative Outdoor Activities in Washington
Washington offers a wide variety of outdoor activities:
- Hiking: Explore trails in Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park.
- Rock Climbing: Climb at Leavenworth or Mount Erie.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Paddle through the San Juan Islands or along the Columbia River.
Safety Tips and Best Time to Visit
The best time for hang gliding in Washington is during the spring and summer when weather conditions are favorable. Always ensure proper safety measures and check weather conditions before flying.
Conclusion
Washington State offers some of the best hang gliding locations, from the mountains of Issaquah to the deserts of Mattawa. With companies like Free Spirit Paragliding and Northwest Hang Gliding offering lessons and tandem flights, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the state’s scenic beauty from the skies. For those seeking more outdoor adventures, Washington also offers a variety of other activities.
Hang Gliding in the US – Choose a State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming