![]() It hosted the hang gliding national championships in 1976, and it’s become a go-to site for many of the region’s gliders ever since. Since the mountain was first flown in 1974, it’s become a hotbed for hang gliders, whose contraptions frequently color the weekend skies above the lake’s blue waters. “It’s soarable more times than anywhere else in the state.” “This is probably the best site in Washington,” said Aaron Swepston, another Dog Mountain regular. On the east end of Riffe Lake, the site features near-constant winds that funnel their way through a gap in the Cascades, then crescendo up the mountain, forming strong updrafts by the time they reach the launch platform. Jorgensen is part of a group of hang gliders who make their flights from Dog Mountain near Glenoma. “Let’s go!” he says, and we run toward the drop-off. ![]() My legs shaking from pent-up adrenaline, I tell him yes. After what seems like forever, Jorgensen again asks if I’m ready. The sock shifts as a crosswind moves through. ![]() Ready as I can be, I reply in the affirmative, clutch the straps of his tandem harness and prepare for a sprint off the ramp atop Dog Mountain. “Are you ready to fly?” he asks, hoisting our hang glider above us. Park at the picnic area and remember to post your Adventure Pass.By Alex Brown / hundred feet above Riffe Lake, Larry Jorgensen and I watch a wind sock flutter in the breeze. Head north on Sunrise Highway to the Pioneer Mail Picnic Area, just past mile marker 29 – it will be on the right. We turned right along a use trail that split off from the PCT.Īt the top we found a rocky outcropping where we could kick back and enjoy the outstanding views.Īfter admiring the views, we returned the way we had come. It was such a beautiful day out we decided to continue a little bit further. We picked up the trail again on the far side of the turnout, aiming for the modest promontory on the right. Just beyond the memorial rock, we saw the paved turnout where the less adventurous folk could park. We came upon a large rocky outcropping adorned with numerous memorial plaques. There were more outstanding views here as well. Rounding a bend, we found an outer retaining wall, still intact. On our left was a tall rock wall where the mountain had been cut away to make way for the old Highway, and remnants of old rock slides littered the former road. ![]() In the distance, Anza-Borrego Desert stretched out before us. To our right was a steep slope leading down into Cottonwood Canyon. It didn’t take long for the views to begin to open up around us. The pavement was long since removed from the old roadbed, so we had a wide, dirt path lined with green chaparral before us. This stretch of trail offers breath taking views of Cottonwood Canyon and the Anza-Borrego Desert beyond.Īfter parking at the Pioneer Mail Picnic Area, we found the trail at the north end of the parking lot just beyond the large wooden information board. Here, the PCT follows an old stretch of the Sunrise Highway that used to traverse the edge of the mountains before being re-routed to its less exciting present course. While its possible to just drive to Kwaaymii Point, a much more enjoyable adventure can be had by hiking a short stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from the Pioneer Mail Picnic Area. Kwaaymii Point is a popular hang-gliding and star gazing spot just off of the Sunrise Highway in the Laguna Mountains.
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