I am a fairly low time pilot and just want to make sure I don't get in over my head with JC on the 15th. I've landed on grass several times and have flown around in the Idaho backcountry just not made alot of landings. I'll be fairly lightweight in a 180HP 172N. This picture is the approach into Orofino, ID. There is rising terrain all around. I had no problems getting in and out of there and was told that if I could do that runway JC wouldn't be a problem. Anyone concur based off this pic my buddy took on final to RWY 27?

JC is a little more enclosed with lots of timber. Orifino offers a lot of alternatives in case of emergency with the highways leading in and out of the city.

The problem with a lot of newbies with the mountain strips is they want a safety cushion and remain way to high on approach. Once they get a look at it they say oh okay I can do that, cut power extend flaps and find out their way to high and are diving towards the strip only to make a very long landing.

If you want to scout it first, stay high for a look and then come around on a stable approach instead of trying to force it at the last second. Keep the strip from raising or lowering in your site picture with power once you have it pegged.

A lot of mountain strips are one way in and one way out with no go around options once your comitted on short final. Before you tackle these you need to ride along with someone comfortable in these situations.

Before flying the mountain strips you should be well acquainted with your aircrafts best angle of climb, best rate, best glide, best approach speeds etc. for various configurations by actually flying your particular aircraft.

Flying early morning in the summer is usually best in these areas.

J.C. is not the same! J.C. is More confined, Steeper approach, less options for a go around. The airplane is capable though. Supercub is right ( find someone who is competent to fly along with the first time)MM

The other thing you have to watch for is the traffic coming in from Yellow Pine doing a long straight in to the South. Some guys have a tough time talking and if you keep to some kind of a standard pattern over the strip at JC, watch the long final.
Learn to be comfortable on the slow side of your ASI, know exactly what the plane will and will not do and don't be afraid of flying within 1 or 2 wing lengths of terrain. The lift you can get is exilerating and can save your life.
I would also agree with Cubber, be on the ground by noon at the latest and don't plan on being back in the air by 6-7 pm. This country is one of the best reasons to be a morning person.
Enjoy yourself, it's some of the best flying in the country.