We’re planning on our annual Idaho trip next week, but it looks like it’s been raining up there for quite a while. I thought it’d be good to start a thread on runway conditions there.

I called Flying B, and they said the runway is good, I see two airplanes at Johnson Creek as of this morning (5-24) and have emailed Kiere at Sulphur Creek, but haven heard back yet.

Anyone have intel on which strips are usable so far?

It’s been wet and rainy for two weeks which is beyond abnormal. Next week looks like more of the same.

Normally when I stop at the strips along the Middle Fork during the spring “rainy” season they are wet with puddles but the soil is firm, no sloppy mud. With all this rain it may be more than the soil can handle.

I’d suggest calling one of the air taxi outfits and asking them. Pete at Middle Fork Aviation is who I’d call.

Arnold aviation flies into the backcountry every day.

Phone 208-382-4844
Latest email I have: [email protected]

TomD wrote:Arnold aviation flies into the backcountry every day.

Phone 208-382-4844
Latest email I have: [email protected]

Great suggestions!

I just got of the phone with one the pilots at Arnold, and he said most of the strips below 6000’ are in pretty good shape. Even some of the higher strips are ok. Bruce Meadows is marginal, but Smiley Creek is good.

Besides being really "moist", it's been cold the last 10 days or so. Good luck with your trip! I've used the wood stove in the house for the last time this year, about a dozen times lately.

We got stuck at Landmark for a few hours on Friday but made it back to Sulphur for the night. We could not make it back to cascade due to weather. Good place to be stuck.

Most middle fork strips handle water very well though I probably would not go into Cougar for a few days. Gorgeous day today in Cascade.

T storms for the next several days then improving.