Description
This site is NOT managed by the Arctic Air Walkers, but is included here for informational purposes only. Flying at this site is entirely at the pilot’s risk. There are many remote mountain hike-n-fly sites in the Anchorage area and other areas of Alaska. Since these sites are typically in State or National Forest Service Land, there are no man-made hazards. The precise launch and landing areas are typically undefined since these sites are above tree line and there are often numerous locations on the mountain where pilots can set up and launch. This site is not suitable for P2 pilots, and pilots are encouraged to seek out pilots who are experienced with flying at this site in order to fly here. The actual Nike Missile Site is off limits, posted with signs and video monitored by Military Police! Various launch areas are available to the north of the Nike Missile site, depending on the winds. Be sure to be north of the saddle between the Nike Site, and Mt. Gordon Lyons to the north
Landing Zones
Highland Airstrip
61.292365, -149.533437
Hiland airstrip is the fairly obvious private gravel airstrip that is situated on the lower flanks of Hiland Mountain and runs parallel to the Eagle River valley. The owner of the property is friendly and may come out to greet you when you land.
This is primarily a bailout LZ for those that find themselves unable to make it to the Woodlot.
Woodlot
61.294396, -149.575188
The Woodlot is a fantastic LZ. It's a decommissioned landfill that is spacious, mostly free of brush, and aligned with the predominate valley winds. It's most often used by those that fail to connect with thermals when crossing Eagle River valley from Baldy.
After the landfill was decommissioned, the site was used as a collection area for wood and brush where it would be chipped and hauled off. It was around that time that cross country flights were starting to happen more frequently and the site name of "Woodlot" has stuck ever since. It's been many years since the area was used as a woodlot and it's now used most often by neighborhood locals as an unimproved recreational area.
Weather Considerations
Winds within the Arctic Valley Bowl can be a real toilet bowl, and flying to the east into the valley is not recommended.
WARNING: The descriptions of typical flying conditions listed in this Site Guide reflect the experience of the authors of the guide. The conditions that you encounter at the site may differ, sometimes substantially, from those described. These descriptions may not be relevant to the possible experience of any other pilot, particularly one who is relatively inexperienced or new to the Site.