Black Cap

• Wind directionSSW (200°) → W (270°)
• Ideal speed5–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 22

High-desert thermic XC site above Lakeview, OR (~6,250 ft MSL), part of the famous Lakeview "Festival of Free Flight" suite of sites. Launch faces roughly SW/W with launches commonly described around 240 deg; ideal arc is SW-to-W (~200-270 deg). Marginal/edge works S through NW (per paraglidingEarth octants S,SW,W,NW); becomes cross/unflyable outside that. Typical day cycle: light southerly in the morning, building thermic mid-day to early afternoon, wind swinging more westerly late day; renowned for smooth EVENING GLASS-OFF soaring. Big XC potential (Matt Henzi flew 146 mi to Rome, OR setting an Oregon PG distance record from Black Cap). Hazards: strong high-desert thermals and gust cycles mid-day, potential for overdevelopment/strong valley wind, leeside rotor if wind backs to E/SE, and high density altitude at 6,250 ft (faster true airspeed on launch/landing). Best windows are mid-morning thermic launch and the late-afternoon/evening glass-off. Speed ranges (5-15 mph ideal, ~18 base / ~22 gust max) are inferred from general high-desert thermic-launch norms; no explicit club/USHPA speed limits were published. Site accessed via short drive up from Lakeview; intermediate (P3/H3)+ recommended given thermic/XC nature and altitude. Coordinate with local hosts (Desert Air Riders / festival organizers) for current access and conditions.