Hello Backcountry Forum
I plan to visit Johnson Creek Sept. 23-27 in my Kitfox for the first time.
My son "Highroad" will also be nearby at the same time but he will be occupied with hunting unless they fill his brother in-laws tag right away.
Otherwise he would guide me into some of the nearby strips.
If any Backcountry pilots will be in the area during this week and would not mind showing a slow tag along some of the other strips please let me know.
I realize that during the summer months, most flying stops before noon.
What flying conditions can be expected in Idaho late September, especially since this has been a warmer September than usual here in Oregon?

Thanks
Herman Pahls
hpahls&gmail.com
541 404 6464

Herman,
Your Kitfox is perfect for the Idaho backcountry because it can fly slow and is lightweight. Slow landing speeds allow you to go to any of the landing strips there.

I've flown my Kitfox there three times this summer and was planning on being at the Kitfox Factory fly-in in McCall this weekend 'till the storm stopped me from getting out of Utah. Did you attend? They planned a group fly-out to several strips on Saturday.

Just remember to respect the mountains, drainages and weather at all times.

As far as conditions go, from my experience, when the temps start topping out in the mid 70s or so, you can fly all day long and have fairly stable air all day as well. The winds don't pick up as much either. Bring a warm bag because it will be chilly. Many times we've seen temps in the teens in the morning. Plan on needing some time in the morning to let frost burn off. And like SkySteve said, respect where you are and always leave yourself an out. Have a great time!

We are planning on going somewhere that weekend. JC is on the list, but some closer strips here in UT are first on the list if they haven't gotten too much rain. If we head that way, I'll let you know.

Herman enjoy your trip! Wish I was going along with you. Go to Sulpher Creek for Bfast and then make the loop back down the Middle Fork and hit Thomas Creek, Indian Creek, Mahoney, and maybe Lower Loon. All fairly long easy strips with easy approaches. From there you can turn left up the Big Creek drainage and check out the Big 4. Makes for a really good early morning loop. Flying along the Salmon at 70mph next to the bluffs is one of my favorite things to do up there.

Herman

Be aware , yes it has been a mild summer and fall but there is a significant weather change in the Idaho area forecasted starting Monday. Forecasts being what they are you never know but it is past the time when we generally see the weather change. Cooler .... For sure..... Rain and low clouds maybe...... Snow, I hope not...

Late September to early October in Idaho .....plan and be prepared for all

Enjoy.....

Thanks for the replies.
My son Brent (Highroad) and I have planned this week in Idaho for months.
Our wives are taking the grand kids to Disneyland and we want to fly Idaho for the week.
Of course this will be weather and conditions dependent.
Knowing this trip was coming up and so I could take a friend, I have been desperately trying to find another Pacer to replace the one Highroad sold to get his Maule.
I will be bringing the Kitfox if I cannot find a Pacer this week.
If the weather in the last week in Sept. does not allow flying the Johnson Creek area,
what Backcountry flying is available in the Nampa area where the weather could be better?
Thanks Herman

Idahomauledrive is right, be prepared for anything. I flew up there last year in Sept and Nov and it was fantastic both times but the weather can change quick.

There is some good front country stuff you can do from Nampa, Owyhee is one. Warms springs, Graham, Weatherby, Garden Valley are a few others I can think of right off. I flew them when I lived in Boise and found you could usually follow the rivers back to the treasure valley if the weather turned bad while you were out.

Because my NW trip didn't work out we are going to try to get out to central either this weekend or the next but it sounds like that will be before or after your trip.

Hi Herman,

I just got back from Idaho and camping at JC. Just so you are aware, the caretakers are finishing today and the power is scheduled to be turned off this week for some construction project. I am not sure what the status will be for your dates, but it might be worth checking. Have a great trip.