Elk Mountain

• Wind directionS (180°) → NW (315°)
• Ideal speed5–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 17 mph base · gusts ≤ 20

Elk Mountain, ~10 mi N of Upper Lake, CA (Lake County). Primary South Launch is grassy/steep at ~4,000 ft MSL with ~2,600 ft vertical to LZ (preferred by PGs, fits 2 pilots). North Launch is good but tricky/brushy; West Launch occasionally used by PGs. Per the Fly Zephyr (local) guide: best wind is S through SW, W, to NW (ideal arc ~180-315). Flyable but more marginal in NE and SE; NOT flyable in straight E (rotor/lee). Flyable nearly all year; spring is best, fall can be excellent. Hot summer days are strong/thermic — better spent at Hull (HG) or Potato Hill (PG). Major hazard: Elk Mountain has a well-deserved reputation for a NASTY, tight LZ in the creek/Middle Creek Campground (~1,600 ft MSL) at the end of the valley — choose conditions carefully and land EARLY or LATE to avoid midday valley wind/thermal cycles and turbulence on final. Wind-speed figures are inferred from typical mountain free-flight limits (the club guide gives directions but not explicit mph): ideal ~5-15 mph, max usable base ~15-17 mph, gusts to ~20 mph; back off if gusty given the demanding LZ. Access via Elk Mountain Rd then a steep 4WD dirt road (20-30 min). Suggested for intermediate+ (H3/P3); supervision advised for H2/P2.