[/b]]HI Folks, Chris Here.
Me and a friend are planning to come have a flying holiday is the USA, and are thinking of an Idaho backcountry fly.
At present we are thinking of flying 2 up in a C172, a type we are both current on, and are comfortable flying.
We have some questions which if anyone can answer we would be most grateful.
1) We like the idea of slightly cooler days, for performance and comfort, what time of year do people recommend for cooler days but still good flyable weather?
2) We have found a club near Boise with 172s at a very reasonable rate, does anyone have any recommendations of a good place to rent a 172, we are both UK CPL/IR holders (FAA PPL+IR) with around 300 hours so fairly low time, we have mountain flying time and some limited short grass/gravel strip time on sloping and one way in/out airstrips.
3) In the UK most small airfields are happy with underwing camping, is this the same in Idaho?
4) We've seen a book called Fly Idaho, which gives airfields ratings based on the difficulty, and I think our personal limit, based on UK airfields
we visit, is up to around 15 RHI (Johnson Creek looks well worth a trip)
5) Any other recommendations would be much appreciated

good luck on renting from someone who will allow you to go into back country strips... especially since you only have 300 hrs time... it's a liability thing... better check on that to see if they will limit you to paved runways.... Idaho is mountain flying and canyon hugging stuff... it is very intimidating to many who venture up there... I have been vacationing each summer for 10 to 14 days at Johnson creek for the past 15 years doing so in 3 tripacers an now my Maule... most of the strips in Fly Idaho are not too rough for the 172 but density altitude and short strips will limit you to a select few like Moose creek , sulphur creek , garden valley, and smiley creek to name only a few... I think the best weather for camping there is now. although fires in the back country are a visibility problem as well as no fly zone problems... good luck...

This is a toughie. Very few places in Europe can compare to canyon flying in Idaho in terms of density altitude and proximity to terrain, and a 172 doesn't leave much room for error, even at supposedly "easy" strips like Johnson Creek.

I'd strongly suggest getting in touch with one of the backcountry flying instructors in Idaho. There are several good choices. I think you'd really enjoy flying with one of them. That way you can experience Idaho and gain some highly valuable experience without any white knuckle episodes.

I've met a number of euro pilots vacationing in the back country. The fall season is my favorite time back there for fishing, avoiding the heat, and performance. It is also the busiest time for air traffic, and this can be a factor at some of the more popular hunting strips to the point I avoid some of them.

A 172 can easily manage two out of three of the strips back there from a performance perspective when lightly loaded and cooler, but the terrain for the approach and departure can be intimidating for anyone, including newer pilots.

On the other hand, I have yet to meet a single flying newcomer who has not been 110% satisfied by the scenic and recreational opportunities at the handful of the most accessible airstrips. It is a big place, and it is really hard to feel like you are missing out no matter where you choose to go. I'd recommend planning around those.

As already mentioned, be sure the rental place allows the use of dirt strips (this can be rare), and consider a mountain checkout during the normal insurance checkout. It may take a lot longer, but your instructor may have valuable insight on where to plan your trip in addition to an introduction to mountain flying.

Thank you, a club I've found has a policy on backcountry strips, and even has a list of airstrips and the checkout required for different categories, the membership is a little pricey, but the hourly rates are good.
The plan would be to use a 172 for two of us, and light bags, and part of the reason we'd want to fly in cooler months is for a little extra performance.
I've sent a message to them, and we are more than happy to have a good thorough few hours check out before flying solo.

An appropriately loaded 172 can get to the vast bulk of Idaho strips. This isn't Alaska. Here's my shenanigans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN5jHtbGD4Q

You will best be served by hiring an instructor. They are cheap in the grand scheme of things.

The last half of June is a great time. The strips are green, the wet season is usually about over, no forest fires, still cool mornings.