Back to
Idaho Paragliding & Hang Gliding PageThe Lost River Valley runs 70 miles from Arco through Moore and Mackay to Willow Creek Summit south of Challis, Idaho. Bounded on both sides by mountains rising 5,000 - 6,000 feet above the valley floor, the valley is 10 - 15 miles wide, providing a beautiful corridor for X-C flying. King Mountain is the premier site at the sourhtern end of the Lost River Valley, providing some of the best foot launch soaring and cross country opportunities anywhere. Other launches include Coyote, across Beverland Pass from King Mountain, and Big Southern Butte, a 2,400 ft. cinder cone in the desert of Arco.
King Mountain launch is on land managed by National Forest and the landing zone is on land managed by Bureau of Land Management. The site is managed by the Idaho Hang Gliding Association and insured by the USHGA. King Mountain is a very dynamic Hang/Para 4 site in thermal or high wind conditions. It has a gentler side and Hang 2-3 can fly at times if assisted by experienced by H-4 pilots, preferably local people. Extensive mountain/desert flying experience and good judgement are necessary to safely fly here.
King Mountain is the first big mountain at the south end of the Lost River Range, just east of Moore, Idaho. A new road to the launch has been built with the help of the local communities and the Forest Service. The road is still a single lane 4-wheel drive road, but much improved with less grade and better protection fro erosion. Please drive cautiously and avoid spinning out.
There are one lower and two upper launches. The lower launch is at 7,400 feet (1800 AGL) and is a wide open flat slope launch. This launch is used more by paraglider pilots and by hang glider pilots in strong winds. The upper launch spine is at 8,100 ft (2400 AGL) has a more restricted setup with a north and south launch. The north launch is a steep slope with ramp through a tree notch. The south launch is a wide open flat slope launch overlooking the lower launch. All launches require strong, aggressive technique and experience judging strong, variable thermal cycles. Pilots need to keep in mind the high density altitude. Also, dust devils frequently trach up the upper launch spine.
King Mountain is a premier cross country site. The flying is similar to high desert mountain flying anywhere (think Owens Valley) with strong lift, rapidly developing weather and changing winds. The terrain is unique, with three parallel valleys separated by single spine mountain ranges. Cloudbase is often high enough (15,000 - 18,000 feet) to cross the ranges, opening up many different, unique and beautiful X-C routes. The main milk run goes up the Lost River Range to Challis (for 70 miles) and on to Salmon (for 100 miles). The range is fairly continuous, with a few passes and other terrain challenges to make it more interesting. Proper equipment includes oxygen, water, radios and a map.
The Idaho National Engineering/Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) covers a large area south and southeast of King Mountain. This is federally restricted airspace. Study the maps and don't land there - most routes off King Mountain do not cross the INEEL. Be aware of the airport in the area - especially Challis and Salmon are active with back country flying. Hang gliding and paragliding pilots have been asked to avoid landing at the grass strip at the mouth of Pass Creek.
The valley is very beautiful with many recreational opportunities:
Hiking; many trails through the mountains
Fishing; The Big Lost River is full of trout
Mountain biking; Mackay hosts the White Knob Challenge bike race in August and there are many area trails
Climbing; Some rock climbing. Mount Bora, in the Lost River Range, is Idaho's highest point at 12,662 feet and is a good non-technical day hike/scramble climb
Sun Valley is about a 1 1/2 hour drive and has all this plus great restaurants and shopping
Big Southern Butte, a 2,400 foot cinder cone, is in the Snake River Plan about ten miles west of Atomic City. It is a good alternative when the ranges overdevelop, but launch can blow out early on strong days.
Coyote, a northwest site across from King Mountain, is good in catabatic valley flow.
Jumpoff, above the town of Howe on the back side of the Lost River Range, is an east site that is occosionally flown. Many tow roads are available both in the mountains and out in the desert flats.
The Lost River Valley communities have been very supportive of hang gliding and paragliding at King Mountain, including donating time and money to improve the road and keep the site open.
Please Return the Favor.
Let the locals know you are here flying and (hopefully) having a good time.
Don't land in crops or close to livestock.
Leave gates as you found them.
Watch speeds on gravel roads.
Ask permission to go on private land for retrieval, etc.
Motels/camping/restaurants are available in Arco and Mackay, along with unimproved camping throughout the National Forest. Please be careful with cook and camp fires.
For more information on someone to fly with contact IHGA:
Lisa Tate - Idaho Hang Gliding Assn. 208-376-7914
Mark Mason - 208-529-2106
Ken Cavanaugh - 208-237-9157For local information and lodging, contact the Arco Visitor Center, Pixanna Walker, P.O. Box 46, Arco, ID 83213. Phone - 208-527-8977, or lrvc@cyberhighway.net