My wife and I just returned from a most relaxing flyin camp out at Cavanaugh Bay air strip on Priest Lake in northern Idaho. This may not truly rate as a back country air strip but if you want to really kick back and relax next to a beautiful lake with just the right amount of comfort amenities, this is the place.
It had been 7 years since we have been back so we were wondering if the magic was still there. We were not disappointed. The runway is in great shape. Nice and green. Same for the camping tie down area. This is a 3,000 ft strip with a down hill takeoff so don't hesitate to come here if you are not of the Super Cub type. We were in our 180hp 172 loaded to the gills, but I would come here with just about anything that is suitable for non paved runway.
For those who enjoy a few of the comforts of home, there are running water bathrooms with hot showers, an outdoor sink for washing your dishes, a plugin for your gadgets, and even a refrigerator for public use! An added bonus is two courtesy cars. First come first serve with minimal cost on the honor system (so far).
The lake is warming up enough for swimming and even has a nice sandy beach with a dock to hang out on. The lakeside restaurant is regretfully close down for the time being so you must do your own cooking or borrow one of the cars to go into Coolin for grub.
Another nice destination that is nearby via your airplane is Sullivan Lake, a short hop to the northwest just across the border into WA. My co-pilot and I flew up there to take a look around and spent about 6 hours lounging around and doing a little hiking. This is a relatively short strip (1,700 ft if I remember right) but the turf runway is slightly sloped off the lake with landings from off the lake and takeoffs out over the lake. Absolutely no obstacles on takeoffs to the south over the lake. Drop dead gorgeous surroundings as you drop down into the valley that surrounds the pristine lake.
Plenty of room for camping. Vault toilets (clean). Picnic tables at camp sites, and I think there is free firewood. Very quiet and peaceful. The runway is a little bit choppy but nothing to fret about using proper technique with standard size tires. We heard there was a gopher problem, but it seems to be maintained enough to not have any worries. Be sure to do a fly over to check for deer and to let any of the would be campers nearby know that a plane is likely to be touching down soon. There is a foot path at the sound end of runway.
Now, back to planning my next Idaho trip.
