Thinking of going to Cavanaugh Bay next week. I see a beach near the end of the strip, is that public and therefore open to anybody who flies in?

It is all private but a section is owned by the resort on the lake. They don't seem to mind people using it but it's close to the deck of the restraunt and close to boat traffic coming into/out of the resort parking. We frequently swim off the end of the resort dock just to cool off on a hot day before flying home.

If you go up the strip away from the lake 100 m or so there is a wide spot that is mowed. You can park and camp there and it still is a short walk to the lake.

Zoom in on this:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Cavanaugh ... 9&t=h&z=17

and you will see a bunch of planes parked in the area.

TD

If you want an abundance of public swim/beach area near an airstrip, consider Sullivan Lake, WA (09S). Priest has a lot of public beaches in State and Federal parks but not easily accessible from airstrips.

Bonanza Man wrote:Thinking of going to Cavanaugh Bay next week. I see a beach near the end of the strip, is that public and therefore open to anybody who flies in?

Let me know how you like it. We are planing on go there the last week of July.

We've changed our mind, we're going to go to Indian Creek instead.

The hot springs just down river from Indian Creek are great! Not sure if you can hike from I. Creek, but they are accessible from Thomas Creek airstrip, also a fun v-tail airstrip.

Went to Thomas Creek 2 years ago and hiked to the hot springs, not very impressive. A 6-8 inch deep pool was not what I was looking for. The main river was running way too high to be able to stand under the hot water running into it. We'll look around Indian Creek and if we don't like what we see we'll go to JC or Moose Creek.

maybe when I was last there the pools were deeper and we made them a little deeper by placing rocks at the outlet... in any case the shower in the river is fantastic when you can actually stand under it...

Cavanaugh Bay is awesome.
The camping area with covered picnic tables, hot, clean showers, hot coffee and all the fire wood you want is all at no cost and only available to fly in traffic. Allen is the name of the caretaker and will make sure you have what you need. A great guy.
There is also a car to take into town for $5. Coolin is about 8 miles away and has everything you need at the general store.
A bunkhouse at the campground is also avaliable that sleeps 6 and is also no charge.
There is a donations box to show your appreciation.
The camping area is rarely crowded and the whole place, including the restaurant on the lake is very fun and user friendly.
The 4th of July there were up to 25 planes and we met people from around the country.
The strip is well groomed grass. Easy in and out.
Highly recommended!

Ditto the last post. I have flown in to camp a number of times. Really enjoyed it. Real laid back and friendly. Nobody seemed to mind us using the nice beach area and dock to swim etc. Good BBQ at the lakeside restaurant. Hot showers, etc. A great place for flyin camping. The camping spot for flyin campers is very close to the lake and facilities yet very secluded also.

was at cavanaugh bay just last week and the mosquitos were out in force, so if going do yourself a favor and bring a bug-hat and plenty of bug spray.