Hey every one,

I am planing a trip down to Idaho from Vancouver BC, I have flown my 170 in the mountains in BC a lot, we have very few back county strips compared to Idaho.

My 170 is stock with a new 0-300 and a standard prop, im looking for suggestions on strips that we can go in and out of safely. Id really like to go to the flying b ranch for breakfast. We are looking for good camping spots or cheaper accommodations. We are planing Mccall Idaho for the first night as our first leg will be about 400 miles after work on Thursday.

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

thanks!!

I flew my old 170 into almost all of the backcountry strips in Idaho. Keeping the plane light and flying when it’s cool in the morning is one of the most important things you can do to help performance. You’ll be fine going to the Flying B, I’d also recommend Sulphur Creek for breakfast. Johnson Creek has the most amenities for camping. Just plan your takeoff out of there to be in the cool morning air and not full of fuel, McCall is just a short flight to top off on your way home. Moose Creek is another nice spot to camp at and it’s lower in elevation so it’s easier to get out of with a loaded 170.

My first trip to Idaho in my 150hp PA 12 I landed at Big Creek, Chamberlain, and Indian Creek. It wasn't the greatest performer and I didn't want to get too brave the first time. Indian Creek is one of my favorite places and the hike upstream beyond Pistol Creek to a hot springs is pretty neat.

I've seen SuperCubs overshoot Johnson Creek and other really long strips.

We had a 172 do three go arounds at schafer meadows in Montana last weekend. Probably landed at 85 mph 3/4 down the runway on the 4th attempt.... a 3400 strip.

In Idaho, its mostly about the pilot... not the airplane. The vast majority of strips are plenty long for any average piston single.

Know your speeds and nail them on every approach or go practice. Too much speed is NOT your friend on one way strips. Know the strips by watching videos and starting on easy ones like Landmark, Johnson, Sulphur, Chamberlain, Garden Valley.