For most of my twenty something year long backcountry flying life, I've been focused on using my airplane to get to spectacular places to camp, fish, hunt, hike, bike, kayak, etc, and have managed to see a lot of airplane based adventuring... I have always camped, because I really enjoy camping with friends and family.

My father is getting a little older and is no longer interested in camping, so I am exploring plans to take he and two friends (split loads - two trips in two trips out) to a lodge somewhere in the mountains for four or five days to enjoy some time in the wilderness in mid to late June. I am looking for recommendations and experiences from others who have flown to and stayed at the various lodges in the Pacific Northwest.

While I have been to many of the lodges for a quick visit or a meal, I haven't stayed at any of them except for Sulfur Creek Ranch and West Fork Lodge, which are both now closed. I am sure that there are destinations that I am unaware of. I am looking for any and all recommendations.

Desirable criteria

1. (Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Northern California, British Columbia in about that order) We are primarily focused on the Frank, Selway-Bitterroot and Gospel Hump wilderness areas in Idaho, but could be convinced to go elsewhere.
2. Comfortable Accommodations - Does not need to be posh. Authenticity is a higher priority than luxury.
3. Decent fishing close by
4. Good hiking close by
5. Hot springs - huge bonus
6. Nice indoor and outdoor spaces to hang around at. The main goal of our trip is to just spend some quality time together.
7. Nice scenery is a high priority
8. Not too far from a general aviation airport where they can park a rig - I'm going to fly split loads in the Skywagon - so two trips each way.

Pretty open about where at this point, so hit me with your suggestions!

Take a look at Morgan Ranch just east of Sulphur Creek. It has most of what you listed. A place in BC that is nice is Tsuniah Lodge although it has been some time since I last visited so the recommendation is dated.

geoedgerton wrote:Take a look at Morgan Ranch just east of Sulphur Creek. It has most of what you listed. A place in BC that is nice is Tsuniah Lodge although it has been some time since I last visited so the recommendation is dated.

Morgan Ranch is a great suggestion! I have been to Tsunia Lake Lodge. It’s beautiful! I may call and get the details of their operation.

You might think about BigCreekLodgeIdaho.com, Root Ranch or the Flying B (https://flyingresortranches.com), BeaverLodgeAtlantaID.com, SmileyCreekLodge.com or WapitiMeadowRanch.com. An excellent option in Montana are the RAF tiny cabins available at Ryan Field (TheRAF.org/ryan-field) if you're willing to cook in their shelter or can use the car to get to West Glacier. Another MT possibility is Benchmark Wilderness Guest Ranch. In Oregon, Minam-Lodge.com is awesome if your budget can handle it. Temperance Creek (https://hellscanyonpackers.com/fly-in/) in Hells Canyon is another OR option. You'll find great hiking available near all of those but use of a courtesy car to get to the trailheads or fishing spots may be needed at some.

offroute wrote:You might think about BigCreekLodgeIdaho.com, Root Ranch or the Flying B (https://flyingresortranches.com), BeaverLodgeAtlantaID.com, SmileyCreekLodge.com or WapitiMeadowRanch.com. An excellent option in Montana are the RAF tiny cabins available at Ryan Field (TheRAF.org/ryan-field) if you're willing to cook in their shelter or can use the car to get to West Glacier. Another MT possibility is Benchmark Wilderness Guest Ranch. In Oregon, Minam-Lodge.com is awesome if your budget can handle it. Temperance Creek (https://hellscanyonpackers.com/fly-in/) in Hells Canyon is another OR option. You'll find great hiking available near all of those but use of a courtesy car to get to the trailheads or fishing spots may be needed at some.

Thanks Fred! All good suggestions!

Check out Minam River Lodge in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of Eastern Oregon. They have a grass strip adjacent to the lodge. I've enjoyed my visits there immensely.

https://minam-lodge.com/

FWIW per an article in the Idaho Aviation Assn newsletter,
it appears Sulphur Creek Lodge will not be open for the 2023 season.

Flyhound wrote:Check out Minam River Lodge in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of Eastern Oregon. They have a grass strip adjacent to the lodge. I've enjoyed my visits there immensely.

https://minam-lodge.com/

It is a fantastic $pot! I have been there numerous times.