I just got a call from the guy who used to make reservations for the Sulphur Creek Ranch and he said the ranch has been sold and the new owner has made it totally private with the runway "X" 'ed out.

Identifier: ID74
Lat/Long: 44-32-11.6510N / 115-21-03.3870W
44-32.194183N / 115-21.056450W

From what I understand the new owner is going to use it only for his private usage.

I don't know if this is true or not but that is the info I got today.

TD

Bummer. I was afraid something like this was going to happen when I heard the ranch was for sale last summer.

It looks like Big Creek will see some increase in business. We tried to get into Sulphur Creek a couple of weeks ago, but found out that the flying clinic was being done that weekend, so we opted for Big Creek.

It's too bad. Hopefully this is a temporary thing and the new owners will welcome back hungry pilots.

I just spoke with a friend of the new owners. She mentioned that they do intend to open Sulphur Creek to private pilots again and that they will continue to operate the cabins and the lodge. For now, the only access is via trail or Arnold Aviation, but that should change once the new owners sort out their insurance and staff up for the increased business. Right now, it's kind of a skeleton crew--Don's there keeping the place up and cooking for the visitors who charter in.

Personally, I'm relieved and grateful at the prospect that this gem will remain open to fly-in visitors. There are examples everywhere of fabulous places being bought up and then posted by the fabulously wealthy. I'm patiently looking forward to returning, and to meeting more kindred spirits there.

CAVU

Thanks very much for this update. I was very upset to hear of the closing. This is very good news.

http://www.backcountrypilot.org/gallery ... rCreek.JPG

CAVU wrote:I just spoke with a friend of the new owners. She mentioned that they do intend to open Sulphur Creek to private pilots again and that they will continue to operate the cabins and the lodge. For now, the only access is via trail or Arnold Aviation, but that should change once the new owners sort out their insurance and staff up for the increased business. Right now, it's kind of a skeleton crew--Don's there keeping the place up and cooking for the visitors who charter in.

Personally, I'm relieved and grateful at the prospect that this gem will remain open to fly-in visitors. There are examples everywhere of fabulous places being bought up and then posted by the fabulously wealthy. I'm patiently looking forward to returning, and to meeting more kindred spirits there.

CAVU

Posted by Bill M on the IAA web site:

Good news. I flew over Sulphur Creek Ranch on May 25 (07), and called them on the radio for an update on their status. THEY ARE REOPENING TO THE PUBLIC BEGINNING JUNE 1, 2007. You can go there now for breakfast...cabins will be ready for occupancy starting June 1. I appreciate the owner of this historic backcountry landmark re-opening this great fly-in destination to the public.

Ditto what Bill said. What a great place. I am really looking forward to returning this summer. BTW, you only need to call for reservations if you want a cabin or if you're bringing a large group in for a meal (so they'll have enough food for everyone). They're working on getting a sat phone to take reservations, but for now, Arnold Aviation is taking the calls.

Let's celebrate and make sure to show the owners how much we appreciate this and that they made the right decision.

CAVU

I have had many a meal at Sulphur Creek and stayed over several times.
The rumor that C-47's brought in... umm... lonely airmen seeking relief may or may not be true, the runway could handle them so... I am looking forward to going there again soon.

We dropped in for breakfast last Saturday. Stumbled across Idaho Supercub sitting at the table! Good to meet you, Eric...

The breakfast was quite possibly the best biscuits and gravy I have ever had. Very friendly service from Don, as well.

The main building and the accomodations appear the same as they did two years ago. We're very glad to have ID74 "back on the map".

We'll be back...

M

Flew into there a couple of times last week.

Nice folks running breakfast and food quality was top notch.

See: http://www.sulphurcreekranch.com/lodging.html

Also Big Creek has new kitchen managers. Check your weight and balance after eating one of their breakfasts.

TD

TomD wrote:Also Big Creek has new kitchen managers. Check your weight and balance after eating one of their breakfasts.

TD

I'll take that as an endorsement for Big Creek's new kitchen managers. I know we had great breakfasts there over the last few years. I'm glad to hear it since I'm headed there Monday.

Do any of you know if Sulpher Creek does lunch as well?