Picture of the Burn Launch | |
|---|---|
| MSL | 6,250 |
| AGL | 2,600 |
| Glide to LZ | 5:1 |
| Rating/Skills | unregulated but recommend H3 |
| Wind Directions | W, SW, WSW |
| Season | spring, fall summer. |
| Restrictions | None. |
| Site Type | NFS - BLM |
| Fees | None. |
| Coordinates | Burn Launch 40.19466447 -120.9229073
School house 40.14174197 -120.9455957 Tweeten LZ 40.16967156 -120.9344756 |
| Links | |
| <googlemap lat="40.19466447" lon="-120.9229073" zoom="14">
40.19466447, -120.9229073, Burn launch http://www.evilleoutfitters.com/hg/index.html </googlemap> | |
Overview
What can I say - it is simply gorgeous! Mt. Lassen and Lake Almanor are the biggest landmarks. You can reach altitudes of 15K. Head south over rugged terrain with high mountain lakes that may still have ice in it. Landing zones plentiful in the valley. XC potential is high. Triangles and out and returns are preffered.
History
The main launch use to be Keddie it was a narrow cliff launch named after the range on which we fly. Since discovering new launches not many pilots launch from the Keddie launch. The main launch that we have now was from a fire more than a few years ago that created a nice flat slope launch.
Geography/Meteorology
High mountain, high altitude launch. Rugged terrain plenty of back roads to explore. High mountain lakes good for fishing and hiking.
Launches
Launching can be from pretty windy to light. Later in the afternoon launch conditions smooth out and flying can be a lot more enjoyable. Congervence sometimes set up and getting down can be difficult. Sunset happens fast.
It’s about a 35 minute drive to launch from Greenville. The launch is about 6200 ft. It’s a rough 2WD road or 4WD and you can use the ‘short cut’. The first launch is known as “The Burn” It’s the main launch but it is a FLAT slope launch. Even in wind, and it can get really windy, you have to run a loooooong way. Remember you are at altitude. Below this launch just past the bushes there is a steeper launch. If the wind is primarily from the left or right, consider looking at the other two launches nearby, since they will be facing more directly into the wind.
There are two other launches further up the hill about 75yds or so away and down a moderately steep road. (I recommend a 4wd for these launches.) You can see one of the launches from The Burn launch - it's called the "Good Launch" and faces more WSW than the Burn. It also can be less affected my the mid-day strong winds that overpower the Burn. In the same area but through the trees to the left, is the “Goldilocks Launch”. There is not much room for maneuvering or setup here. The Goldilocks launch is a short ramp and you do want SOUTH winds. You will use up every bit of the ramp and once you get airborne the ground does not drop away.
There are a few more launches around the Valley such as the Keddie launch, Mt. Hough and Hard Rock. Hough and Hard Rock are early morning sites and are usually sled runs. Keddie launch is a cliff launch and not many pilots go there any more.
Landing Zones
The bail out is called Tweeten’s. Why? It used to be owned by Mr. Tweeten; now it is owned by the youth camp. You can only see part of this LZ from launch but you can see the ‘T’ on the side of the hill when you are in the air. Like most bailouts it is not very friendly. Thermals are generated from there! Do walk Tweeten’s to familiarize yourself with the fence line and where the streamers are located. There may even be horses in the field now. Hopefully they will be behind the fence. Smoking is absolutely NOT allowed in the field. Note that from launch level you cannot fly straight out and make it across the wide row of trees to North Valley Road or to the schoolyard. You need at least four hundred feet above launch before heading straight out. This does not apply to glass-off conditions or to late launches. In those conditions you can pretty much launch and fly straight out. Another good reason to head left after take off is that the tree line gets narrower and there are plenty of LZs to the left.
There really is no primary LZ on the valley floor. The valley is generally one gigantic LZ, but there are a few overarching rules to prevent upset landowners. If cows are present, pick one of the countless other fields. This applies throughout the valley. DO NOT LAND IN A FIELD WITH COWS. Close all gates especially if cows are present. Don't drive into pastures to retrieve gliders. Don't hang out in fields after landing - break down quickly and get out. Also, don't bend or damage fences. Pilots generally have a good reputation in the valley - don't ruin that condition.
The last field on the corner of North Valley Road and Stampfli Lane is Mr. Ed’s field. This LZ can be very switchy; do not count on streamers being in that field. It is worthwhile to drive to the field and put up your own streamers.
One last LZ I will mention is the schoolyard. It too is a good place to meet and land. I have not landed there myself because of my way of thinking there are 500K plus acres out there so why limit yourself to a small LZ with a fence line for your final approach? But hey that is just me, plenty of pilots land there. Do not land at the schoolyard if kids are present. Smoking and drinking are absolutely forbidden in the schoolyard. Small streamers line the fences. Note that if you do not think you can make it across the fence, landing outside the fence is okay as well. But you must break down your glider and have someone help you get your glider through the fence. Mostly you can land just about anywhere. MOSTLY
Getting There Indian Valley is an unregulated site but I recommend that you be a strong Hang III pilot to fly there. Paraglider pilots are not known to fly this site. Indian Valley is a huge valley located between Greenville, Crescent Mills and Taylorsville off Hwy 89. It is a five hour plus drive from the Bay Area. The main route is through Oroville on Hwy 70 to Hwy 89 and takes you through the gorgeous Feather River canyon. There aren’t many towns in the canyon and the road is narrow so I suggest that you get gas in Oroville before getting into the canyon. The other route you can take is from I-5 to Hwy 36 to Chester.
Enjoy the site, have fun, and if you are having fun then you are probably flying safe. Remember to pack out what you brought in. Before climbing any fence, and this is NOT recommended, check for open gates or find the landowner. Ernie is one of the local pilots who lives just off hwy 89 just before the town of Greenville. Another long time pilot who has since moved away but you will see him there on most, if not, all holiday; weekends his name is Tim. Take advantage of their advice if it is offered.
Accommodations
Camping is primitive since the premier camping site at Round Valley Reservoir has closed because the owners have retired. There are two main campgrounds close to Greenville. One is the Greenville campground that has lots of trees, Wolf Creek running behind it, pit toilets and no showers. The camping fee at Greenville is $8.00. The other campground is in Taylorville that is located about 7 miles away. The fee is $10.00 and it has pay showers. There are other campgrounds that are closer to Lake Almanor but I’m not sure of the camping fees. The Lake Almanor campsites are about 20-30 minutes away from Greenville.
Disclaimer: Most of the above is my own opinion from flying there over the years. Be sure to check with the local pilots in case things change and they change all the time up there.
Clubs/Owners/Manager
At least two local live in town off of hwy 89
Site Records
Flex wing ?
Rigid wing ?