
You will start by meeting with your tandem pilot at the Tiger Mountain Landing Field on Issaqauh Hobart Road in Issaquah and reviewing the wind conditions and weather. Here is a map:
You can hike up the Tiger Trail ( 1500 vertical takes about 1 hour ) or take a shuttle from the LZ to meet Michael Miller and his Tiger Shuttle service on the DNR logging road up to launch. It is about a 20 minute ride on a bumpy road. Your friends and family may ride the shuttle with you to the top for $12 per person.
Once on top, take a few minutes to enjoy the view and the launch activity and then go through a brief orientation about launching and landing procedures.
How it Works
The tandem student flies in front of the pilot and has the most awesome view for the flight. To launch, the tandem student and the pilot run together downhill to bring the glider to full inflation for take off.
What to Expect in the Air
Once airborne, you will be lifted over the trees into the air for a beautiful and unforgettable lifetime experience. Your instructor pilot will try to locate the "thermals," columns of warm air that lift the glider higher into sky. Bring your camera! Above launch over Tiger Mountain, you will have magnificent views of the Seattle skyline, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, and the city of Issaquah.
The length of your flight is entirely dependent on the day's weather conditions. If it's a typical July day you'll most likely get a 15-20 minute flight. If the weather isn't particularly cooperative, your flight time may be a little shorter.
If it is a soarable day, conditions may allow you to land back on the top of the mountain where you launched. There is a shuttle truck that can take you down the mountain or you can hike back to the landing zone. It is about a hour long hike down a moderately steep trail.
If you decide you want to learn how to fly and sign up for an instruction package the investment in the tandem paragliding flight is fully credited to your startup package.