SITE GUIDE
revised 2025
Launch
Although this site may be flown year round, the most consistent conditions are found in the summer months. The primary launch has seen many improvements over the years and although it has been made very user friendly, it still demands correct technique and control of one's wing. As you walk out to launch, you will often encounter strong winds. This is typical and a characteristic of the site. Due to the high desert location, topography, and geographic influences this site boasts some of the best glass off and consistent conditions one can find. With that being said, it also is known as a technical site which requires a specific skill set needed to safely launch and fly the site due to the often stronger winds encountered on launch. Please see pilot requirements and parameters below. It is recommended that a thorough and proper pre-flight containing all the necessary gear be performed in the set up area located to the left of launch. Always assess the conditions and fly within your skill set and rating parameters. Once you walk out to launch, you should be prepared to fly as the wind gusts may be unpredictable. When deciding to launch in stronger winds, we strongly urge you to pick your cycle. Wait for a lull. It is recommended to set up lower on the gravel slope in stronger conditions. In perfect conditions, it is recommended to set up further upslope and in the true wind. Use caution in lighter winds as it often necessitates paraglider pilots in particular to set up further back. One will find a lengthy runway but you will be inflating your glider potentially in the rotor. Hang glider pilots light wind recommendations are to practice patience, pick a straight cycle, and use judgement when assessing conditions.
Please follow wind direction launch recommendations as specified below. Hat Creek Rim's launch is west facing and can accommodate a slight cross in both directions. When there is a south component, please use caution as the true velocity and degree may not be easily assessed properly due to the terrain influence which shelters the launch zone. HG's are particularly cautioned about launching in crosswinds; especially south crosswinds. It is important to note the wind streamer beyond the launch run to the left. Do not attempt launching if this wind streamer is showing a cross south. Patience will usually reward a straight cycle. Do not launch in a tailwind. This is a P3/H3 site and all first time P2/H2's are required to have a club approved sponsor to fly the site. Approval to launch without one thereafter will be at the discretion of the sponsor. It is highly recommended that first time visitors and newer pilots connect with our club mentors as they are very experienced with launching at Hat Creek Rim. Please utilize our program and know that our mentors are happy to assist and give site intros. Both hang and paraglider pilots have encountered challenges which have resulted in blown launches. The terrain is unforgiving. Although rare, pilots of both wing types have found themselves too low over the back and have failed to penetrate out, resulting in blow backs. Being confident of ones launch skills and having the appropriate assistance in higher winds is recommended. Pilots should have assisted windy cliff launch (AWCL) Turbulence (TUR) and Restricted landing field (RLF) skills Ratings to safely fly this site.
WING/RATING WIND VELOCITY (MPH) WIND DIRECTION
IDEAL MIN MAX GUST IDEAL MIN MAX
| HANGGLIDERS: H3+ | 14 | 2 | 22 | 10 | 270 | 250 | 290 |
| PARAGLIDERS P3+ | 7 | 0 | 18 | 10 | 270 | 250 | 290 |
| MINIWINGS: M2+ | 10-18 | 5 | 22 | 10 | 270 | 250 | 290 |
Elevation 4500'
Ideal wind direction: WSW to WNW
Glide to LZ 1 is 3:1
Glide to LZ 2 is 7:1
Environmental conditions can change radically throughout the day. Flying midday through early afternoon in summer is only recommended for advanced pilots with XC skills with potentially very technical conditions. All LZ's begin heating up with the first sunlight and are thermal generators. Conditions can rapidly change, be very turbulent with quickly switching wind directions. Good descent techniques and control of one's glider is a needed and required skill. Morning flights are often quite enjoyable but it is recommended that all pilots, regardless of rating, be landed by 11:00. The green fields located in the Hat Creek Valley below and in front of launch are privately owned and no landings are allowed. p
Most summer pilots launch in the early evening for the famed Hat Creek glass off. There is ample space for numerous gliders to set up simultaneously with a large parking lot located adjacent which accommodates enough area for pilots and spectators alike. The club provides and maintains a porta potty on site and we ask that all visitors utilize it. No spectators or other pilots should be found in the launch zone while a pilot is preparing to launch. There are established viewing areas. One located to the south of the parking lot where there are benches provided and ample shade in the summer months. Another bench is located above the primary launch, to the north. Please help keep everyone safe and request spectators view launches from these locations.
LZ 1 elev 3490' is the closest to launch approx 3:1 glide and due to its size and the fact that it is surrounded by tall trees is used primarily as a PG LZ. Landing here in a modern high performance glider can be demanding. Landing in any significant wind can be very demanding due to the fact that it is surrounded by tall trees which can create a severe wind gradient and this LZ is a natural thermal producer during midday conditions. Please visit and become familiar with the LZ if you think you may land there.
LZ 2 elev 3570' is the most popular LZ for HG's but is great for PG also. It is a large field with a permanent windsock and landings should be made to the South of the windsock and the line of painted rocks running East/West, as the land North of these rocks is private property. This LZ also has tall trees on some sides which can make the LZ rough in high winds, midday thermal activity, and prone to a severe wind gradient . It is approx a 7:1 glide from launch. Please visit and become familiar with the LZ if you think you may land there.
LZ 3 elev 3860' is mainly used as a "bail out" LZ if pilots are caught low trying to head back to LZ's 1 &2 from the south ridge. This LZ is not as user friendly as the others. The road in is in POOR condition and requires a high clearance vehicle. As with all LZ's if you think you may land here you should go and walk it.
Hat Creek Rim HCPA Site Rules
USHPA MEMBERSHIP
To Satisfy terms of the use permit, the HCPA requires that all pilots intending to fly HCR be current USHPA members, sign the HCPA waiver, and join the club prior to flying. Membership is annual.
All pilots must fly with a parachute and a helmet.
PILOT PROFICIENCY
1) Pilots must have a minimum H3/P3 rating and AWCL,TUR,RLF sign offs are recommended
2) H2/P2 Hat Creek Must fly with sponsor and must be USHPA rated and current (flying recently) to be accompanied by a sponsor.
3) Meet minimum requirements for H2/P2 to safely fly with sponsor.
a) H2/P2 at Hat Creek must be USHPA rated and current (flying recently) and
be accompanied by a qualified sponsor.
b) Read and understand the site guide.
c) Perform a walk through of LZ1 and LZ2 and discuss the details of a
proper landing approach.
d) Have a good understanding of the weather and the physics of air density
at altitude and how it will relate to the launch, flight, and landing.
e) Understand what a wind gradient is and how it affects landing at the
LZ’s. This is especially important for the coastal pilots coming up for their
first mountain flights.
f) Before launching, the sponsor will discuss the details of the current
weather conditions and how it will relate to the flying. How to avoid some
common mistakes new pilots have made in the past e.g. drifting too far
behind the ridge, flying too far away from LZ’s to safely make it back. How
to deal with other air traffic.
g) The first 6 flights should be performed before 11:30 am and after 6pm
(P2’s 7pm)during the summer months.
h) Wind speed at launch should be no more than 18mph with a low gust differential and wind direction should be WNW to WSW
Pilot and sponsor shall be in direct radio contact at all times.
H4/P4 Sponsor Minimum Requirements
1)Pilot sponsor must have extensive experience flying Hat Creek and have
AWCL TUR and RLF sign offs.
2)Sponsor must take novice pilot and inspect LZ 1 and LZ 2 and discuss
approaches, and landing conditions to be expected.
3)Sponsor must ensure novice pilots has a good understanding about air
density at altitude , wind gradients and have previous knowledge/
experience with higher wind launches and zero wind landings.
4)Sponsor should either have first hand experience with the novice pilots
experience or be able to inspect log book and converse with pilot to
assess whether pilot is ready for the conditions.
5)Before launching, the sponsor will discuss the details of the current weather
conditions and how it will relate to the flying that day.
6)Pilot and sponsor shall be in direct radio contact at all times.
Tandem
All Tandem flights must be conducted in accordance with FAA, USHPA, and HCPA requirements and guidelines. No commercial tandems may be performed unless school is insured separately for Hat Creek Rim. All recreational tandems must meet all Ratings required, and paperwork verification, and rating waivers with their USHPA membership including their tandem exemptions with them while flying this site. The HCPA requests that all pilots intending to perform a tandem flight contact our Safety Officer to be made fully aware of any additional dangers that may be encountered at Hat Creek Rim.
CONDITIONS
Hat Creek Rim is famous for its glass offs that occur many evenings throughout the summer months. Most pilots opt to fly the late afternoon early evening glass off conditions. If you fly in the day be aware that conditions can change from mellow to strong conditions quite quickly. Launch conditions can be strong and gusty. Pilots must be aware of the wind shadow and wind gradient in the LZ’s when landing. These require the pilot to maintain adequate maneuvering airspeed during set up and final approach. Density altitude on a hot summer day can creating thinner air must also be taken in to account. Landings can be challenging at Hat Creek, wheels and knee pads can be beneficial.
LAUNCH
Pilots must use the designated launch area. The launch experience at Hat Creek can vary greatly with the conditions. Please read the launch “Safety Advisory” below for your wing type.
The main launch is a graveled slope launch suitable for Hang Gliders and Paragliders and is used the most. There is a launch adjacent to the main launch that Paragliders also use. Strong and gusty winds can be challenging in the summer months, and pilots should be confident in their ability to control their wing in these conditions.
LANDING
There are three LZ’s. LZ 1 and LZ 2 can be seen from launch. LZ 3 is further south, cannot be seen from launch and is primarily a “bail Out” LZ for pilots that may have ventured to far south on the ridge to make it back to the main LZ’s.
It is recommended to visit the LZ’s before flying. We do not have permission to land anywhere else. Top Landings are not allowed.
CROSS-COUNTRY FLYING:
All cross-country flying should be done in an easterly direction (downwind of the ridge) or out and return along the ridge. The entire Hat Creek Valley is private property and it has no designated landing areas.
FOREST FIRE AIR TRAFFIC
If there is any fire bomber traffic in the area, DON'T FLY, or if you're already in the air, GO LAND IMMEDIATELY!
DON'T TAKE CHANCES! Please remember that we are in a very fire prone area that has fires throughout the summer and it is not worth risking lives and property for recreational flying. Please act wisely.
PILOT RESPONSIBILITIES
a) Safety: Pilots are responsible for their own safety and the safety of other pilots and spectators. Each pilot is ultimately responsible for avoiding people and other gliders.
b) Judgement: Good judgment is a necessary part of aviation. It requires a thorough knowledge of the limitations of your aircraft, your abilities, and the prevailing conditions etc., and whether your chosen landing zone is safe to land.
When deciding whether you are going to fly, take all things into consideration.
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.
Dial 911
Coordinates
Launch 40° 50.582', -121° 25.637'
LZ 1 40° 50.347’, -121° 26.28'
LZ 2 40º 50.457' , -121º26.989'
LZ 3 40° 48.708’, -121° 25.757’
Coordinates are posted on the Forest Service notice Board at launch currently.
SITE ADVISORIES
WEATHER CAUTIONS
Stormy conditions that cannot be observed from launch can sometimes be lurking way behind launch and only observed once flying. It is wise to be observant and cautious as these kinds of conditions can change quickly without notice. These kind of conditions can cause pilots to be blown away from LZ's. It is recommended to carry a radio and a cell phone when flying.
HANG GLIDER SAFETY ADVISORY
Launches during summer glass off conditions can be quite windy. Make sure that you are in full control of your glider after you have hooked in, make sure to brief any helpers/wiremen if needed, and consider backing off and waiting if not comfortable as conditions usually mellow later in the day.
The most dangerous launch condition at the rim is a south cross. The south point will hide the true direction and wind speed under WSW to SSW conditions. The effects will vary depending upon strength and direction. Even under a strong SSW the bowl will generate thermals and show straight launch cycles. The more South it is the more the point shadows launch.
The windsocks in LZs 1 and 2 are better indicators of the southerly component !!
Hang Gliders are particularly cautioned about launching in south conditions. The MOST important wind streamer to take note of is around 100 feet in front of launch to the left. If this wind streamer is showing a south component to the wind (blowing from the left) regardless of the other streamers, you are likely to have your left wing lifted during your launch run.
PARAGLIDERS
PARAGLIDER SAFETY ADVISORY
The most dangerous condition at the rim is a south cross. The south point will hide the true direction and wind speed under WSW to SSW conditions. The effects will vary depending upon strength and direction. Even under a strong SSW the bowl will generate thermals and show straight launch cycles. The more South it is the more the point shadows launch.
The Windsocks in LZs 1 and 2 are better indicators of the southerly component !!
For PGs it is important to be mindful of mechanical turbulence from the south point and a strong southerly component that makes it hard to make either LZ. In these conditions, I always fly South first to check how well I am able to penetrate before venturing into the bowl. In the event you are pinned and going backwards, know that the reservoir under Bald Mtn is the next best option.
Also, if you are planning on landing in one of the LZ's do it after 7 or before before 12. Midday commands serious respect and skills
MINI WINGS
Mini Wing pilots should hold an M2 rating and must maintain a safe altitude over terrain.
PILOTS NEW TO HAT CREEK RIM
It is highly recommended that all pilots new to Hat Creek Rim contact an experienced pilot for their first flights at Hat Creek Rim.
HCPA officers can be contacted here…… https://hatcreekrim.com/contac
Emergency Action Plan
911
EMERGENCY SAFETY NOTICE
Do injuries require immediate medical
attention?
IF PILOT IS IN A REMOTE LOCATION, REQUIRES
TECHNICAL RESCUE, AND POSITIVE COMMUNICATIONS
HAVE NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED OR IF INJURIES
REQUIRE IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION DIAL 911.
CALLER WILL ASSUME COMMAND OF THE INCIDENT
AND WILL STAY IN AREA TO BRIEF INCOMING
RESPONDERS AND TRANSFER COMMAND. IF IT IS
DETERMINED THAT RESPONSE CAN BE CANCELLED
DUE TO A FALSE ALARM POSITIVE COMMUNICATIONS
MUST BE MADE WITH RESPONDERS AND OR 911.
BE PREPARED TO GIVE YOUR LOCATION, BEST
ACCESS, NUMBER AND EXTENT OF INJURIES. RELAY
TO DISPATCH IF INCIDENT IS REMOTE OR IF
TECHNICAL RESCUE WILL BE REQUIRED. START
RESPONDERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. YOUR CHANCES
OF SURVIVING A TRAUMATIC INJURY ARE GREATLY
INCREASED IF YOU CAN MAKE IT TO AN EMERGENCY
ROOM WITHIN THE "GOLDEN HOUR"
When possible caller should stay on phone with
dispatch until first responders arrive at scene.
Caller should try to direct first responders to correct location.
Launch Location
Approx 10 miles east of Hwy 89 near Hat Creek on Forest
Route 22. (Hwy 89 to Doty Road to Bidwell Road, left onto
Forest Route 22 to Launch turn off)
Coordinates 40°50'34.9"N 121°25'38.2"W
LZ 1 Location
Approx 8 miles east of HWY 89 near Hat Creek. Turn 2nd left
off of Forest Route 22 follow dirt road approx 1mile to LZ.
(Hwy 89 to Doty Road to Bidwell Road, left onto Forest Route
22, 2nd left onto marked LZ 1 road)
Coordinates 40° 50.347’, -121° 26.28'
LZ 2 Location
Approx 7miles east of HWY 89 near Hat Creek. Turn 1st left off
of Forest Route 22 follow dirt road approx 1 mile to LZ. Hwy 89
to Doty Road to Bidwell Road, left onto Forest Route 22, 1st left
onto marked LZ 2 road)
Coordinates 40°50'27.3"N 121°26'59.4"W
LZ 3 Location
Approx 9 miles east of Hwy 89 near Hat Creek. Turn right off of
Forest Route 22 (Hwy 89 to Doty Road to Bidwell Road, left
onto Forest Route 22, approx 1mile turn right follow poor
condition dirt road and make left turn in to LZ after approx 1
mile.)
Coordinates 40°48'48.5"N 121°25'41.6"W
Local hospital/Clinic numbers
Mayers Memorial Hospital, Fall River Mills 530-336-5511
(CLOSEST EMERGENCY ROOM)
Dignity Health,Redding 530-225-6000
Shasta Regional Medical Center 530-244-5400