BCP'ers...

Gotta question related to June weather in Idaho, open to suggestions or other general opinions on making a trip. I've only been in September. I know the major fly ins are in June....but how early in June is too early? Is late May a good option?

Flying/camping in the cold is not an issue, more concerned about storms, rain with low vis, etc. please fire away.

Bill

It is hard to say; spring weather in Idaho is unpredictable. I've camped at Thomas Creek in April with great weather, spent three days hiding from the rain in a tent in May and been on a 5 day rafting trip in mid June where the first two days it snowed and the last three days it was warm.

Late June gives you the best chance for good weather. May and early June...you just never know, but I could be great.

What Whee said is spot on.

I don't know why, but Memorial Day weekends produce rain about 90 percent of the time in Idaho! By mid-June the weather is generally good, and it can be before then too, but it is more variable so the odds of hitting a good weather window aren't as good. Given this is an El Ninio year, I'd definitely be thinking mid-June or later if you're traveling any distance to get there. Its not unheard have to get snow on the 4th of July so be prepared.

I live in Nevada, 2-hours from Johnson Creek by plane. If I'm planning an Idaho trip, I always have an alternate if the weather isn't looking good. SE Utah, Oregon Cost, Montana, etc.

Also, Hells Canyon is a good alternative if the weather is low or cold. You can generally get in and out of there. It is also warmer than the other Idaho destinations since it's about 1,200 feet in elevation. Big Bar or Dug Bar are worth looking at. The desert strips are often overlooked, but can certainly provide solitude, if that is what your after (Hollow Top, Bear Trap, Owyhee Reservoir, etc). They can be more accessible if the mountains are socked in. Lots of options in Idaho.

Keep in mind too, that northern Idaho is generally wetter than southern Idaho.

I agree with Blackrock. We go up late June but weather is something you work around. So when we need to we bounce into the desert flying which is awesome in its own rights. Also the run up to Washington in hells canyon is really nice. Different than Idaho but super cool. When flying is nice, idaho is awesome but if your willing to work around a little weather, There are some great flying options when weather is tough.

Thanks for the reply guys. Looks like late may/early June may be a little too variable for a trip from Texas. Not that I'm anti-social, but I know the 3rd week of June gets pretty busy and wanted to avoid. May not have a choice with the vacation options...but those are first world problems to have for sure. Might look into last week of June or July 1st.

Still planning an Early September run as well. Hope to see some of you guys out there.

Bill

Keep us informed Bill. There's a lot of us that close enough if the sun moon stars lineup we could fly over for a beer or a cuppa coffee.

OregonMaule wrote:Keep us informed Bill. There's a lot of us that close enough if the sun moon stars lineup we could fly over for a beer or a cuppa coffee.

Excellent....will do. That would be worth the trip for me right there. Thanks again.

Bill