Elk Mountain

Region and Location:

Fraser Valley, South Western British Columbia, Canada.

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:

During the spring, summer and fall be careful to avoid strong valley winds which often occur in the Chilliwack Valley. It is best to fly in the morning or evening.

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, contact local pilots.

Local Contact:

Please contact a WCSC Director for the latest information.

Other Information:

CYA 105 (H) to 8000' ASL.
Radio Frequency Local: 146.415 MHz or 146.460 MHz
Emergency: 911