Anyone know the legality of landing on islands in the Columbia River in Washington State? The water is low right now and there are 10-12 sites that look like good candidates. I ask because when the water was drawn down for the wanapum dam repair, the Feds got all kinds of upset if people went out beyond the theoretical water line. Heard of people getting trespassing tickets.

Rod
7034G

Well.....when you see someone takeoff fast!

piperpainter wrote:Well.....when you see someone takeoff fast!

need a like button. [emoji6]

Two expression comes to mind:
1) hit and run
and
2) don't ask, don't tell.
People land on Cottonwood Island all the time, in the Columbia NW of Portland. I don't know who owns it, but apparently it isn't too big a deal. Who owns the islands you're talking about?

I thought about the ubiquitous oil light, but ended up talking to a friend that works for Dept of Ag, and he said most of the property I am looking at is tribal land. After growing up next to a reservation, I'm gonna tread very lightly... State or Feds after you is one thing, but tribal is a whole nuther ball of wax...

Cervelorod,

We are neighbors, I'm based out of RLD.

My Maule and I used to frequent the gravel bars on the Snake and Columbia. My avitar is on one such island this winter.

My understanding (I'm a doctor not a lawyer...) is that if the place you land is below mean high water its a part of the public waterway, and legal to land on.

With that said, I don't recommend it in your 172.

I've stopped landing in places like that; it's hard on the airplane. The nose gear throws rocks at the bottom on the plane, and punched a few fair sized holes in the bottom of my Maule. I'm sure it would dent your aluminum belly as well. Also, as you would anticipate, even the smooth ones are rougher than they look.

If you want me to point out some of the better ones, let me know though.

Avoid the areas in Hanford and up by the Yakima firing range by Desert Aire.

Here's a link to who operates the dams: http://www.cbr.washington.edu/hydro

Note that the Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for managing much of that river. I'd start by contacting them.....they're kinda the biggest gorilla in that jungle.

I wouldn't bet my airplane that they're amenable to aircraft operations......but maybe.

MTV

Well if you land behind the Grand Coulee Dam on any of the Lake Roosevelt National Park, your ass is grass!!
They have tickets and fines for everything!!
You can't even pick up a rock or piece of drift would with out getting a ticket, the only place a vehicle with tires can be on the beech is at the boat launches and that is only if you buy the correct permit!!
Now the park Service does not control the west side of the river as the Colville Indian Tribe does, not sure who you might contact to get there blessing!! But they might just keep your aircraft if it is on there sovereign ground!!
Do not know anything about down stream?
Good Luck!

Mountain Doc,

I had never payed much attention, but the islands I saw when coming back from a long trip over the top of Hanford got me thinking.

I would like to land a few, but not thinking it would be a regular occurrence.

I would appreciate any input from someone who has "been there, done that..."

Did you fly in to Desert Aire on Jan 1? There was a tricycle Maule parked next to us when we left, but I can't remember the colors.

Ro

Speaking of Desert Aire, be advised the airport is notam'd closed for the entire month of may for resurfacing.

Cervelorod,

That was me!

My buddy Monte and I were playing on the gravel islands working our way upstream that day and decided to go to Desert Air for lunch. We had no idea there was a fly-in, very nice. About the first time I ever saw 'traffic' at DA.

If you like it would be my pleasure to show you the little I know about the gravel islands on the Columbia. I have a friend with a grass farm strip north of Pasco that's fun too, but so small I can't find it sometimes. A little less than 1,000' in a field. Narrow, so when the corn comes up a fun place to practice.

Feel free to PM me and we can share cell numbers.

BTW I recall admiring your hotrod Cessna. Nicely equipped plane!