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Tiger Mountain (PooPoo Point)

General Information

Tiger Mountain is a beautiful place to fly with majestic views of Mt. Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, along with Puget Sound and the lakes and cities of the greater metropolitan area. The views, along with the easy access to launch, and great consistent flying have made Tiger Mountain one of the most popular flying sites in the United States.

Extensive work has been done at Tiger by the paragliding community, Northwest paragliding club and Team Chirico over the last 15 years. Trees have been cleared (in cooperation with DNR), grass planted, bathrooms installed, and more artificial turf laid on north launch to support an upper and lower launch, as well as a new 80' weather tower providing conditions every 5 minutes.  The club also worked with DNR to build an access road for the shuttle service which eliminates a 300 yd hike through the woods to transfer into a 2nd shuttle, instead allowing the shuttle to drive from the LZ directly to launch. The city of Issaquah officially lists paragliding at Tiger Mountain as a community treasure.

Tiger is flyable with winds from the south, west and, preferably, the north. During peak season, Tiger Mt. provides prolific lift for beginner pilots to enjoy hour long flights. More advanced pilots will find ample cross country potential at Tiger. Flights from Tiger have gone as far North as the Canadian border, South past Mt. Rainier, and East through Snoqualmie pass into eastern Washington. A soaring flight over launch provides spectacular views of Mt. Rainier to the south, Mt. Si, to the east, Mt Baker and Lake Sammamish to the north, and Seattle’s skyline to the west. It’s beautiful. With extended daylight hours in the summer the last flights typically land around 9pm. If timed correctly one can launch, catch the glass off, and watch the sunset from the air. Complimenting the great flying are the many pilots who hang out at Tiger. A quick 30 minute drive from downtown Seattle make’s it possible to catch a quick flight after work, or even as an extended lunch flight. Local pilots often gather for good flying, post flying BBQs, and good company. The popularity of the site can make for somewhat crowded conditions on launch and in the air.

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  • Site Rating: P2+ or P1 under direct instructor supervision

  • Site Support: Site is paid for, managed and maintained by the Northwest Paragliding Club. Washington State DNR (Department of Natural Resources) expects that all pilots flying Tiger are NWPC members.  Visiting Pilot Memberships are available.

  • Best months to fly: April - August, but flyable all year.

  • Best times to fly: Given an 8:30 PM sunset, thermals are best from 1-4pm. Glass offs often run from 5 to 8:30 pm.

  • Pilots can hike up or ride the Tiger Shuttle (join the Telegram for more information)

Launches

North Launch

  • Elevation: 1,830'.  GPS Coordinates: 47°29'58"N 122°0'30"W

  • North Launch Weather Station Updated Every 5min. Click Here

  • LZ Weather Station Updated Every 1min. Click Here

  • Glide ratio to LZ : 2:1

  • Wind Direction: Ideal N through NW. West through NNE OK

  • Wind Strength: Min: 0, Ideal: 7, Max: 12 MPH (Max 15 MPH for HG)

South Launch

  • Elevation: 1,680'.  GPS Coordinates: 47°29'48"N 122°0'38"W

  • When launching from south, pilots must navigate out and around to the right to clear the southwest arm of Tiger in order to then fly north to the LZ.  

  • Glide ratio to LZ : 3:1 

  • Wind Direction: Ideal SSE to SW  East winds in excess of 2 kts create hazardous conditions

  • Wind Strength: Min: 0, Ideal: 7, Max: 12 MPH (Max 15 MPH for HG)

Site Requirements:

  • Helmets are required.

  • Conditions at Tiger Mountain can be unpredictable and change rapidly. A site briefing is strongly advised. A NWPC visiting pilot membership includes a site briefing.

  • Use extreme caution when East winds are present or possible.

  • Pilots should follow all USHPA rules when flying at Tiger Mountain, including utilization of proper safety equipment (reserve parachute, radio, boots, back protection, speed bar, etc).

  • All pilots are required to follow USHPA right-of-way rules and to maintain adequate separation from other pilots.

  • Motorized paragliders and motorized hang gliders are not permitted in the LZ.

  • The minimum rating for hang pilots is H2 with instructor or H3 without.

  • Use of the upper north launch is prohibited when horses are present.

  • Pilots must follow FAA rules which include VFR separation from clouds. For more information, see Aeronautical Information Manual at www.faa.gov.

LZ Info

Tiger LZ

  • Elevation: 180'.  GPS Coordinates: 47°30'01.6"N 122°01'19.1"W

  • From Seattle take I-90 east to exit #17, Front Street exit in Issaquah. Head south on Front Street. It eventually turns into Issaquah-Hobart Road. After leaving downtown Issaquah, follow for about 2 more miles to where the road widens with a 2-way left turn lane. The LZ parking and grass field will be on your left. Parking is limited so you may find yourself parking on the street. There is also a $5 pay lot on the west side of the street about 50 yards before the LZ.

tigerNorth.jpg
North Approach
tigerSouth.jpg
South Approach

Address:

Northwest Paragliding Club

PO Box 2265

Issaquah, WA  98027

Contact:

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