I will be flying from KSLC to McCall, Id in about 2 weeks. I began flight planning today and it looks like a nice 305nm trip I can do @ 10.5 according to flight planner, maybe 12.5K if I'm up for it.

Anyhows, there is a lot of chatter here about McCall so I thought I would ask for any advice on flying up from the South. I know DA and forest fires are always a concern but if there are any other considerations (large rocks), I'd love to hear em. I flew to Boise once but never been in this area. We'll be there about 24 hrs. and head back.....anything I should see in that time?? Places to eat??

Thx.

Smiley Creek for breakfast!!

58Skylane wrote:Smiley Creek for breakfast!!

I second what 58 said. Easy to get into, no worry's.

Rob

If you are flying a direct route it will take you over the Sawtooths. You can do it at 10.5 and get a great view but it might be kinda bumpy and you'll only be about 500ft above some of them.

How about this route?

Get out of Salt Lake early and stop at Smiley Creek for breakfast or lunch. Leave Smiley Creek and fly up the valley over Stanley and then over Bruce Meadows, then direct to Cascade (check there fuel price before you go to McCall) ($4.22 at Cascade on 6-28-09). After flying over or leaving Cascade it's just a short flight up to McCall.

Or if you want to go more direct just go SLC, TWF, MYL. Early in the morning, I would think 10.5 should be good.

Yea Cascade(U70) usually has the cheaper fuel And if you have any questions about the backcountry I'm sure the pilots in the FBO (one of the guys is my instructor also) would be willing to give some advice, good people. If you need anything, I could give ya a hand, Unless I'm at w**k or something. Good luck and have fun

Thanks for the advice. I would like to makle a stop at Smiley or Cascade. Pat, tell me more about the food stuff at Smiley??? Is it a restaurant or lodge??? is it on the field???


Thanks again, I'm looking forward to this trip.

The resturant at Smiley is across the road, maybe a 3 minute walk. Its a store/resturant/gas station, all you need.
McCall is also known for having a movie theatre within walking distance of the airport. However, it, along with Salmon and very few others, is one of the few places I could not find a place to camp, we ended up in the cemetary, also nearby. Usually I can find a out of the way place between or behind some hangers, not there.

If you are looking for camping Johnson Creek is not to far away and is the camping spot in the area. you can look at the Johnson Creek Airport webcam and see for yourself.

For the best fuel stop going and coming back, hit Gooding. $3.78/gallon last week.

If you get to Boise then you can get to McCall at about 7500 by flying up the Payett River canyon to Cascade then McCall. We have no movie theater in McCall anymore but we do have a beautiful lake and many other recreational activities, come and enjoy.

No McCall theatre anymore?? Lets see, that leaves Blackfoot and West Yellowstone, both a short bike ride away. And its IMAX in West. I'll cross McCall off my list.