Pepper Peak

61.425725, -149.113501
Updated January 14, 2025

Description

Pilot Recommendations

 

P3 skills recommended

 

In person site intro recommended,

especially for pilots flying XC

Weather Conditions

Wind Direction: 120° - 190°

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

 

Mountain Ridge and Thermal Site.  This site is NOT managed by the Arctic Air Walkers, and this Site Guide is provided to assist pilots in making good decisions 

Pepper Peak is a great early season site for advanced pilots.  It offers wicked strong thermals and challenging launch conditions but when it's on and you get clear of the terrain, the flying can be fantastic.  

The hike can be challenging in the spring with deep snow along the main trail.  People often diverge from the main trail and hike up the wind blown and more sun exposed ridge.

Land on the beach along Eklutna Lake near the trailhead.

Launch

Pepper Peak

Launch is accessed by following the Twin Peaks trail from the Eklutna Lake parking area.

The best landing options are along the shore of Eklutna lake, or the lake itself if it is frozen. Eklutna lake is the municipal reservoir and the lake level changes depending on how much the water and power utilities are drawing. At low level, there are plenty of landing options along the shore, but these become much more limited at high water.

Weather Considerations

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

Wind Direction: 120° - 190°

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

 

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

Other hikers/spectators/berry pickers may occasionally visit this site and the potential for a conflict exists. Pilots are cautioned to ensure an appropriate distance is maintained between launch and landing activities and the public.  Pilots are expected communicate to the public as needed to maintain clearances. 

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.

The thermals coming up the ridge below launch can be very strong. Launch early in the season and early in the day to avoid the strongest thermals.  This site is not typically flown later in the season because of the strong conditions

Be aware of the level of Eklutna Lake before you head up the hill.  At times of high water, the beach landing areas may not be possible!


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.