Ok so here is the plan….
5-6 days beginning of June (yes two weeks away); 2-3 planes and a tentative base camp at Moose Creek.

The question…
What are some fun, not so known or traveled backcountry strips in Idaho/Montana? Remember we are based out of moose creek and the Maule and Supercub are no speed demons.

Our planned trip consists of leaving Steamboat (NW Colorado) probably fueling up in Driggs and then Hamilton so we have full tanks for the backcountry. Once we get to Moose Creek we unpack and time and weather permitting we might head over to Shearer. Then the rest of our trip is up in the air. We do want to head up to Fish Lake probably in the morning one day when there is no wind and depending on conditions Wilson bar and others in the area.

Again anyone who has been out this year would be a great help. Also with all the weather and rain the past few weeks/months how are the conditions of the strips in the area?
Thanks -Matt

gonagain wrote:Ok so here is the plan….
5-6 days beginning of June (yes two weeks away); 2-3 planes and a tentative base camp at Moose Creek.

The question…
What are some fun, not so known or traveled backcountry strips in Idaho/Montana? Remember we are based out of moose creek and the Maule and Supercub are no speed demons.

Our planned trip consists of leaving Steamboat (NW Colorado) probably fueling up in Driggs and then Hamilton so we have full tanks for the backcountry. Once we get to Moose Creek we unpack and time and weather permitting we might head over to Shearer. Then the rest of our trip is up in the air. We do want to head up to Fish Lake probably in the morning one day when there is no wind and depending on conditions Wilson bar and others in the area.

Again anyone who has been out this year would be a great help. Also with all the weather and rain the past few weeks/months how are the conditions of the strips in the area?
Thanks -Matt

Hello Matt,
The nearest 100LL to Moose Creek is probably Grangeville, Idaho. If you need any groceries, I'd suggest Kooskia, Idaho because the grass airstrip is right in town so there is no need for a courtesy car. Fish Lake will probably still have snow on it in June. If it is open, the mosquitoes will be there to welcome you too. Enjoy your trip.

James

Jame

I think Johnson Creek would be a better base camp. It has many more conveniences and is closer to more strips. You probably have been there and know all of this.

You might get some good ideas from this guy.....

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/8247077 ... nson-creek

Near Moose Creek two good fuel stops are Hamilton MT, (6S5, courtesy car) and West Fork Lodge (http://www.westforklodge.com/). As already mentioned, while Moose Creek is a beautiful spot, it is not the best if you want to hit a lot of strips because of distance to the others. If you are looking for someplace other than Johnson Creek with more primitive camping, Indian Creek or Thomas Creek are good as alternatives. Mackay Bar is also a great spot and privately owned (email/call ahead of time, not primitive, low elevation).

also remember there's no water at the campground at Moose creek.. You gotta walk to the ranger station and lug it back...while your there you might even meet the ranger who doesn't like private aircraft in her forest...

Not sure how often you come to Idaho. But, I'm also thinking Johnson Creek would be your best all around base camp. It has everything you need and not far from many airstrips. Your close to Cascade which usually has the cheapest fuel in the area. Have fun where ever you end up at.

Well we might have to discuss Johnson Creek a little more. I agree it is nice to have the extra amenities but it always seems to be so busy there when we go. I like being more secluded. I'll have to look at Indian Creek and Thomas Creek to see what they are about.
So you think Fish Lake will have snow? any of the other higher elevation strips in the same condition.
Thanks all for the grate ideas.

gonagain wrote:Well we might have to discuss Johnson Creek a little more. I agree it is nice to have the extra amenities but it always seems to be so busy there when we go. I like being more secluded. I'll have to look at Indian Creek and Thomas Creek to see what they are about.
So you think Fish Lake will have snow? any of the other higher elevation strips in the same condition.
Thanks all for the grate ideas.

As you are likely aware the snow packs are still heavy across most of the west and I suspect around Fish Lake is no exception. It is notorious for being muddy and buggy normally; it drys out by mid-July most years.

At Indian Creek you can camp just above the river which is a very nice setting and there is potable water at the ranger station.

Thomas Creek has a nice camp off the approach end down by the water if you don't mind carrying gear a little ways. No water. Avoid the boater's camp. About 2-miles upstream is Sunflower Hot Spring - cross the bridge to the Lodge and follow the trail along the river. There is a Hot spring downstream but not usually worth soaking in. Elk, sheep and deer hang out there early morning.

Upper Loon is also a good camp, but there is a dead-end road to it. Cabin Creek is another one to consider this time of year - always lots of mosquitoes and rattlers to keep you company however.

Do you know Rod with a C-170 from Steamboat or Bob who used to own a Maule? I've run into them several times at Moose Creek over the past couple of years.

I was thinkin a few days at Upper Loon this year. Supposed to be some good hot springs, maybe good gold pannin, probably good fishin. Nice lodge pretty close if ya wanne eat somone elses cookin.

But, like they say,hard to beat JC, and Cascade is my favorite for fuel and supplies.

Gary

blackrock wrote:Do you know Rod with a C-170 from Steamboat or Bob who used to own a Maule? I've run into them several times at Moose Creek over the past couple of years.

That I do Rod will be coming in the 170 and i believe Bob has the use of a 172 so he will be coming as well. Should be a pretty good group I hope. So if anyone is out and about you can stop by Moose creek we always have good food and plenty of adult beverages

I'll go against the conventional wisdom and recommend against JC, and this is coming from someone who lives 42 nm west of it. At the first of June, you might have good weather there, but there is a good chance that you might not be able to get in, or you might get in and then be socked in for a week.

Moose Creek is much lower elevation, and I think you probably have a better chance of guaranteeing that you can for sure get in and out, although maybe it's just as bad because the clouds really stack up there as they push up against the Bitterroots.

If the weather ends up looking marginal, you might want a plan B to camp at a very low strip like Big Bar, Wilson Bar, etc.

kevbert wrote:I'll go against the conventional wisdom and recommend against JC, and this is coming from someone who lives 42 nm west of it. At the first of June, you might have good weather there, but there is a good chance that you might not be able to get in, or you might get in and then be socked in for a week.

Moose Creek is much lower elevation, and I think you probably have a better chance of guaranteeing that you can for sure get in and out, although maybe it's just as bad because the clouds really stack up there as they push up against the Bitterroots.

If the weather ends up looking marginal, you might want a plan B to camp at a very low strip like Big Bar, Wilson Bar, etc.

Yeah weather might be the issue since i figure someone up in your neck of the woods has a weather machine on overdrive in their backyard.

If it comes to that Plan B is Utah. now just hope it isn't to hot down there. either way it can't be near what i deal with sometimes in August in Texas.

Unfortunately the weather could still be an issue. I am sure the snow will be gone but we have been experiencing significant amounts of rain and wind which have resulted in many early morning clouds and fog. If this weather pattern continues Moose Creek is very susceptible to these conditions. JC is a nice place to be stuck with wireless so you can get up to date weather and consider your options. If avoiding the crowds is your goal Shearer looked pristine a few days ago. Cayuse Creek is a nice option. Generally there is a good deal on fuel at Kamiah (S73) but you may have to call ahead to let them know you are coming. Orofino (S68) fuel is also open to the public now with a call.

If your planning on hitting Orofino send me a PM. My Dad lives in town and would be more than willing to help out a fellow pilot I'm sure. My parents still have snow in Pierce at 3300ft which is only about 18NM from Orofino. They had more snow this year then the past 25 years. And as others have already mentioned the weather this spring has been dismal. They just got snowed on a few nights ago which is almost unheard of for the last week in May. Enjoy your trip and take lots of pics! I find myself looking at my JC pics from last year a lot....especially lately!

That I do Rod will be coming in the 170 and i believe Bob has the use of a 172 so he will be coming as well. Should be a pretty good group I hope. So if anyone is out and about you can stop by Moose creek we always have good food and plenty of adult beverages

You guy's really do have fantastic food and know how to have fun! One year Rod/Bob brought fresh salmon form AK; everyone at MC got fed that trip.

I'll have to wait until it gets closer to see if I can make it. It will be good to see those guy's again. Here a few photos from October:



Moose Creek Camp - Steamboat Gang



Shearer Fishing Excursion



Hike from Hell, but what can we say about the fishing!!!

blackrock wrote:

That I do Rod will be coming in the 170 and i believe Bob has the use of a 172 so he will be coming as well. Should be a pretty good group I hope. So if anyone is out and about you can stop by Moose creek we always have good food and plenty of adult beverages

You guy's really do have fantastic food and know how to have fun! One year Rod/Bob brought fresh salmon form AK; everyone at MC got fed that trip.

I'll have to wait until it gets closer to see if I can make it. It will be good to see those guy's again. Here a few photos from October:



Moose Creek Camp - Steamboat Gang



Shearer Fishing Excursion



Hike from Hell, but what can we say about the fishing!!!

Great pictures! Can't beat Alaskan salmon or the Halibut for that matter. Yeah I hope the weather is as good this time as that trip was.

another thing to bear in mind regarding fishing... I was up there one summer that early and moose creek was so high and fast fishing was impossible... Hell of a hike down and back up after finding out you couldn't fish with all the high fast water...as for Upper loon I've fished it every year that I've gone and never been skunked... good fishing all along the creek, with some great holes and pools... I usually walk up the road for about a mile then work my way down to the stream and fish it all the way back and come up at the departure end of the strip. Same for Cabin Creek... never been skunked there either. If you want solitude try Chamberlain.. the howling wolves will serenade you at night...probably best forget the bigger streams and rivers at that time and concentrate on the smaller higher streams...another great camping strip if you want solitude and no amenities is Wilson bar. but then that's another big water strip and might not be good fishing at that time either... The local guys would know better.

iceman wrote:another thing to bear in mind regarding fishing... I was up there one summer that early and moose creek was so high and fast fishing was impossible... Hell of a hike down and back up after finding out you couldn't fish with all the high fast water..

That's going to be a problem this year. Here in Billings we got 3.1 inches of rain yesterday, the most in one day. Ever. The mountain snowmelt hasn't even started yet here. Many rivers won't be fishable until July. Not sure if Idaho will be similar but it may be worth checking into.