Fireweed Mountain

61.450769, -143.002022
Updated January 14, 2025

Description

Pilot Recommendations

 

P3 skills recommended

 

In person site intro recommended,

especially for pilots flying XC

Weather Conditions

 

 

Wind Direction: 140° - 210°

Min: 0mph / Ideal:5-8mph / Max:10mph / Gust:5mph

 

 

Hazards

This is a backcountry site that is flown infrequently. Pilots should only fly here if they are confident in judging conditions appropriate to their skill level

Ideal launch conditions can vary greatly during time of year and time of day. Pilots are urged to watch conditions for a while before committing to launch

Hazards can include, but are not limited to, water crossings, heinous bushwhacking, animal encounters, weather exposure, extreme terrain and difficult, complex navigation

Restrictions

Do not land within 50' of other recreators

 

Fireweed Mountain is located near McCarthy, a remote town in Alaska within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve at the end of a 60 mile dirt road.  Flying in the area was largely pioneered by Wil Brown and many opportunities remain for some exceptional first flights over stunning terrain. 

Access to launch is via a steep, 3,000ft, 2-hour hike that starts at the McCarthy Road Information Station.  Hike north about a 1/4 mile down the well established trail that starts behind the outhouse to a well traveled community trail that branches to the left.  Follow that trail another 2 miles up to launch.  It's steep and usually hot so bring plenty of water.  The most common launch for southerly/thermic days is in a small depression just past the last vegetated high point on the trail. Trail Map

There's no designated landing zone but there are many gravel bars and combination roads/airstrips to land within McCarthy.  Per capita, McCarthy probably has more aistrips than any other place so be hyper aware of air traffic as you descend and avoid descending within the approach path of any of these airstrips.  The most common and safest place to land is the airstrip that also serves as a road to the west of the Kennicott River.

Launch

Fireweed Peak Launch

Fireweed Peak Photo

Landing Zones

McCarthy Road/Runway

61.432277, -142.937795

While there are many places to land in the McCarthy area, this is probably the safest location.  It seems to align reasonably well with the valley flows, is not frequently used by aircraft or vehicles, and is within quick walking distance from the popular camping area on the east side of the foot bridge.  walk to the the north east end of the runway to pack-up your wing so that other aircraft and vehicles can use the runway.

Weather Considerations

Pilots need to keep a careful watch on weather conditions, both on launch and in the air.

Wind Direction: 140° - 210°

Min: 0mph / Ideal:5-8mph / Max:10mph / Gust:5mph

North winds can create dangerous rotor, that won’t be encountered until a pilot has thermalled high enough to be clear of the wind shadow

Requirements

Pilots are expected to evaluate the launch, the possible landing areas, the weather, and other conditions.  Flights are at the Pilot's own risk. 

This is a backcountry site with a general recommendation that pilots be P3 level or above.

It is flown infrequently, all hazards inherent to flying a backcountry site in Alaska may be present.

These hazards can include, but are not limited to, water hazards, heinous bushwhacking, animal encounters, weather exposure, extreme terrain and difficult, complex navigation.

Pilots must be comfortable evaluating weather and landing conditions from the air.

This site is located in a complex mountain environment, and strong knowledge of local weather patterns is recommended.

Hazards

This is a remote mountain site in a very remote part of Alaska - be sure that you have appropriate skills and experience needed before flying here.

This is serious Alaska backcountry flying.  Medical and rescue facilities may not be available.

There are many locations not too far from McCarthy where you could land but find it impossible to walk back to town.  You should have strong backcountry hiking and navigation skills if you plan to fly cross country.  Consider pre-arranging for a heli retrieve as a contigency.

This is a natural mountain site and there are many natural hazards that are common to many natural mountain sites in Alaska that could be a hazard for pilots. 

There may be no cell phone reception in many backcountry areas.  Pilots are expected to be prepared for self-rescue and by carrying Spot, InReach or other non-cell based communication equipment.


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.