A scary paragliding flight off Mount St Helens!

Mount St Helens is an active stratovolcano in the Pacific Northwest region of the USA. Two paraglider pilots flew off the summit ... but only one made it to the planned landing. This is their story.
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[@FlyWithGreg]

Unexpected strong wind can strike at any time, so factor it into your flight plan! For the detailed analysis check out

[@pvsoutherland]

I joined a group of friends way back in 1990 to climb and descend Mt St Helens on telemark skiis. In case I found favorable wind conditions, I elected to carry my jaguar 11 cell paraglider (early days!) stuffed into my pack along with a small climbing harness. Light winds on the summit found me unfurling my wing and going for it. Had a wonderful flight back down to the snowline where I landed among a group of boy scouts that were just waking up in their tents! My buddies soon joined me after a nice ski down. We pioneered several WA state descents back in the day. Good memories!

[@BruceBusby]

I flew my HG in September 1998. I launched into light soaring conditions and flew near the lave flow for 20 min l forecasting wasn't as good then, the wind switched 120° in only a few mins. I was sinking and couldn't make the top landing area. I went over the black lava flow and got hammered by the rocketing thermals. I was a low time pilot lacking the experience that I should have had to fly that site. After nearly tumbling on 2 occasions, I finally the height to make the top landing. I skimmed the edge of the launch site that I'd taken off from an hour ago. Flying into the wind (blowing strong down at launch now) at what must have been 100 kph or more, I touched down firmly and waited for several mins until a passing hiker could assist my nose wires in order for me to unclip form the HG. I packed my glider and thanked him for the help. My luck bucket was lighter following that day but my experience bucket was much heavier.

[@richardhorwath7210]

They passed me and my friend climbing up the mountain that day. They were questioning the flight on their way up. It really was a glorious day; I dont blame them for taking off! Glad theyre ok.

[@TheNorwoodCat]

I have climbed up Monitor ridge many times. Never in winter and was before I discovered paragliding. I was 13 when it erupted and was awesome to watch. I have been near summit and holy cow where did the wind come from!!

[@donc9751]

Many things to consider when making such a flight in a paraglider!!! I drove for a couple of paraglier friends who were very experienced back in 1994. They launched from a peak on the Oregon side of the river and its been so many years i cant recall their launch but it was just an open patch of shale rock basically.

[@flightographist]

Just north of St Helens, this is known as 'Getting Parked", daily forecast knowledge and insight from locals is vital.

[@ThibaultROHMER]

Great story and insights Greg! I'll share this one for sure.

[@barrywebber100]

What an exciting trip and flight.

[@TheIronEzreal]

Thsnks for showing you got the forcast material from RASP, neat tool

[@Tyani-sz6cg]

Was there. Remember seeing that exact view. Its quite a beautiful spot

[@vmlinuxz]

Wow Greg that's a great video

[@JoarABTheflyingraven]

Thanks for making this video :)

[@milospejkovic5606]

Thank you Greg. I have learn a lot from you. Last year I am become better pilot, with your videos. Weary helpful

[@benparadude2028]

I have flown over that mountain in my light sport airplane a few times and have always experienced turbulence and down drafts…….I have always wondered what it would be like to PG off of it. Ice job Greg

[@kevinpowers9024]

Very clear day. Not only can we easily see Mt Hood, but you can see Mt Jefferson beyond Mt Hood. And is that one of the Three Sisters beyond Mt Jefferson?

[@hhgg1105]

You're awesome!!!

[@andyinzuerich]

I wonder why he took off with crampons, the snow was soft and it doesn't look steep. Easy to say from the comfort of my armchair, but I'd take off without crampons there.

[@nedmacallen]

I dream of flights like this one day well maybe without the complications. Do you know Nate Scott? He’s a local instructor in my area. They fly mt Shasta a lot well he just flys a lot in general good share thanks!

[@FlyingSalsero]

Hey Greg, great vid, thanks! what camera providing the telemetrics data like on the video please? is it Hero 8? which software you used for edition? Thanks, cheers