1) AFD says “Attended June-August” and “No winter maintenance,” how late in the year would one be able to safely fly into Johnson Creek? Do they still mow the turf in Sept? Oct?

2) Is there ATT cellphone reception at Johnson Creek? Yellow Pine? I’m sure this question is considered sacrilege, but I’d like to be able to check weather and find out if I can continue my trip or need to return home.

Thanks for the help,
Craig

1) Until the snow flies, but check the webcam. People have been hauled in and out of there approaching hunting season.

2) No cell phone, but there is free wifi. In general Verizon works best in the Idaho backcountry, but JC is a no go for everyone.

cogito wrote:1) AFD says “Attended June-August” and “No winter maintenance,” how late in the year would one be able to safely fly into Johnson Creek? Do they still mow the turf in Sept? Oct?

2) Is there ATT cellphone reception at Johnson Creek? Yellow Pine? I’m sure this question is considered sacrilege, but I’d like to be able to check weather and find out if I can continue my trip or need to return home.

Thanks for the help,
Craig

1) I have flown in to J.C. in the end of November. I think that the grass went brown this year because of irrigation pump failure, so grass height shouldn't be an issue.

2) exactly what Idair said.

Verizon works in Yellow Pine if you stand by the sign/pavilion on main street across from the General Store.

Thank you Gentlemen, much appreciated.
-Craig

Caretakers leave after Labor Day. The power is still on but the facilities will be closed (bathrooms, showers, etc.). I can't remember if the wifi was left on.

As said before, spotty cell signal in YP depending on your carrier.

Some of the very best flying/camping is Fall and Winter weather.

Just find a good weather source and watch the trends. Think about using XM weather while out in the boonies. No cell or wi-fi needed to get current wx, forecasts, and radar. I use XM Lite in my Garmin 396, and I think I pay a little over $30 a month. Worth every penny.

http://www.xmwxweather.com/aviation/

Gump

Caretakers plan on leaving later this year. Check with Idaho Aeronautics for the exact date. The facilities will be open until they leave, but, even after they leave at least a vault toilet will be unlocked.

Resky wrote:Caretakers plan on leaving later this year. Check with Idaho Aeronautics for the exact date. The facilities will be open until they leave, but, even after they leave at least a vault toilet will be unlocked.

I will check with Idaho Aeronautics before I go.
On their website it says, "Fishing usually is pretty good in Johnson Creek." Have any of you fished there? any Trout?
-Craig

Fishing can be good. Caught this one at the North end of the strip near the fish trap.



Up stream at the "Ice Hole" is another good spot. Borrow a bicycle to get up there.

I was into Johnson Creek the 22nd of August this year and the runway sprinklers were going and the grass was nice and green.

jiott wrote:I was into Johnson Creek the 22nd of August this year and the runway sprinklers were going and the grass was nice and green.

That's great news! It was tan and dry on July 4th.

I was supposed to go last weekend but did not as the smoke was an absolute %$#@.

I called the State of Idaho three weeks ago and they told me the caretakers would be there until the end of September. Obviously things can change. A small group of us is planning on being there starting on the 14th or 15th.

blackrock wrote:Verizon works in Yellow Pine if you stand by the sign/pavilion on main street across from the General Store.

yes I concur on this exact location.....

I am assuming they don't turn off the land line phone when the caretakers go away. If that is true, then carry a phone card (AT&T or similar) and you can dial a 1-800 number then call anywhere in the world from the land line.

TD