A buddy and me will be taking off next week for a couple of weeks of camping and flying around central and northern Idaho and bordering states. I have read the recommendations made to Cory for his trip, and have noted ones of interest. Mine will be entirely inland.

We are planning a week in Northern Idaho. Setting up camp somewhere central to the strips we would like to check out and the areas that we would like to fly. So I would like to hear about anyones favorites in the area, also places with lowest gas prices, and mogas if available, hot springs, good places for snacks,etc. Will fly eastern Washington, and N.E. Oregon if there are places of interest. Also will be flying in W. Montana. I know about Polson, Bozeman, and Ryan.

Then will be headed South for a week, basing out of J.C. Pretty familiar with most of the strips in that area, but always happy to hear others thoughts, and learn/find something new. Staying for the Harmomnica Festival in Y.P., and then coming home, unless I have gas money left, then I may stay 'til it's gone. Weather permitting.

Thanks Gary

I always check airnav.com for gas prices when I leave for a big trip. Enjoy it and fly safe.

Also, I'll be down in Durango Aug 4-6. If you have time, maybe we could grab a beer.

Thanks Matt
Be happy to do the beer thing, except I will still be in Idaho, and since they have plenty of beer up there, no need to come down here early for one .

I know about the airnav thing, and that is good, but there are a lot of places not on airnav, so I am looking for"deals" that may not be publicized, and places I might be able to drop in and get Mogas.

But next time you head in this direction, drop me a line. Always got beers and margs at the hangar.

Gary

Gary makes a mean marg.

I guess I didn't pay attention on the departure date. I'll take you up on the Marg next time though.

Hopefully one of these days we'll be hanger neighbors (we love Durango).

Matt

I am expecting to be selling my hangar here if you are interested. I am hoping to upgrade. Mine is a newer one and has several upgrades.

Gary

Try Elk River, really nice grass runway right next to town. Good restaraunt in easy walking distance.

Boundary County and St. Maries usually have the lowest cost fuel in this area. There is a happenin' fly in & breakfast at Sandpoint on July 18th. Over 100 planes are expected. Lunch, too. Sullivan Lake in NE Wash. is a nice spot to camp for a night.

have a great time flying our Idaho back country!

In NE Oregon you've got Minam Lodge and Red's. The girlfriend and I flew into Minam and camped for a couple of days over the 4th of July weekend and had a great time. If you want a cabin or teepee they've got those too but if you want to camp you do get access to a shower and full meals. If you're totally self sufficient just land at Red's and you're on your own. Have fun on your trip!

Shortfield.com has some great info on strips!

West yellowstone would be on my list, good camping food on field. West Fork 4u7 has a food/bar and cabins

Hey Gary,

Let me know when you are close to Grangeville or in Moose Creek. I am headed south for a week of work & wont be back to ID until next Thursday if you are still up this way. I have only made one trip out but have been keeping the 180 well oiled...

As usual timing has not been good for me to make it to any fly-ins or do much more camping..


Dave

Hey Dave

I will be definetely getting in touch, and delivering the margs I owe ya

Gary

I have only been to a few places with Kirt but my favorites were Minam Ranch, Flying B and Wilson Bar (yes, I hope to go back and finish that camping trip we started). Elk City (River ?) was cool also. Be sure to spend some time with Curtis at Elk City, very nice guy and lots of cool stories and toys. Beware of rogue mule that likes to jump the fence and graze on the runway at Minam Ranch.

I haven't setup my own profile because I am only a passenger--no desire to be a pilot. I have fallen head-over-heels in love with the backcountry flying, however, and am enjoying this forum. Wish you guys and gals would post more pictures and vids. The one from "Pearl" at Wilson Bar was good.

Gina

Here's the offending mule, formally named Cue Ball but known by the locals as Speedbump for her tendency to graze smack in the middle of the runway. A quick call to the lodge will bring the dogs out to herd her back into the paddock. She alone is a good reason to make a clearing pass before landing.

[quote="Vick"]Here's the offending mule, formally named Cue Ball but known by the locals as Speedbump for her tendency to graze smack in the middle of the runway. A quick call to the lodge will bring the dogs out to herd her back into the paddock. She alone is a good reason to make a clearing pass before landing.

"Speedbump", what a great nickname. Hope she doesn't become "dogfood" someday for her sake and the pilots.

Hi All
Another great place to go is Smiley Creek, U87. Watch out for density alt. Nice strip but at 7150' elv. When you land you can walk to the restaurant on the road, lots of good food selections. Also a good place to camp and shower. Also Sulphur creek,ID74. I like to fly the back country for breakfast, then into McCall for lunch, shopping, provisions and fuel for the next day then in the later part of the day/evening go back to the camp site-JC. Happy trails. We will be back for the harmonica festival, just lacking the plane. Propably stand at the end of 16 at MYL with my thumb out.
Kirt

Hi
By the way, check out the hot spring/tub 45 min walk up the side of the mountain at Johnson Creeek.
Kirt

kirt wrote:Hi All
Another great place to go is Smiley Creek, U87. Watch out for density alt. Nice strip but at 7150' elv. When you land you can walk to the restaurant on the road, lots of good food selections. Also a good place to camp and shower. Also Sulphur creek,ID74.

Gina,

I think Shortfielder is asking specifically about Northern Idaho. I'd consider that north of Lewiston.

How about Cavanaugh Bay on Priest Lake? I think it is open now...love the place. Magee is a decent place with solitude, tables, pit toilet, water, and chained tie downs (about 26 miles ENE of Coer d' Alene) and Preist Lake on the west side of Preist Lake.
HC