I would like to plan a trip to visit my son in Portland. I would like to take him camping two nights at two separate grass or "back country" strips. A cafe within walking distance would simplify things and I need to have some recreational activity, or something to do during the day. Obviously, flying around to some other strips would be great, ala Johnson Creek!

Also, info about time of year would be good. I also want to get my iPad 2 while in Portland.

Nehalam sounds like a prospect. I would appreciate feedback on others.

Thanks, Oso Loco

Tieton State Airport would be a good place to camp, it's less than an hour flight from PDX. It's a 2500ft grass strip in the mountains and on Rimrock lake. It is a short flight from Packwood or Yakima which both have places to eat. The Airport is supposedly closed from Oct-Jun, but I think it would be fine if the strip was clear of snow and not too wet. You could also camp at Daybreak which is about 15 miles north of PDX and on the Lewis River. It's a short flight from Woodland where you can make a 5 minute walk into town and have several options for food. Ranger Creek is another mountain strip you can camp at about an hour flight from PDX but a little further than Tieton. It is located on the northeast side of Mt. Rainier. It is a paved runway so you wouldn't have to worry about it being soft after the snow melts. Those are all good options on the Washington side. I don't have a lot of experience with places to camp on the Oregon side that are close to PDX, maybe someone else can offer advice on that.

Tieton from the air

For activities I'm pretty sure you can fish at all three of the places I've mentioned although I haven't my self. As I already mentioned Tieton is on Rimrock Lake, and Daybreak is on the Lewis River. Ranger Creek is near the White River. I don't know if you mountain bike or if you could fit bikes in the plane but Ranger Creek is right next to a trail called Skookum Flats. Skookum Flats is a IMBA "Epic Trail" it's about 12 miles one way. I've ridden there and it is a very good trail. Even if you don't mountain bike it would be a good hike.

Here are some pics from the trail:











The runway is on the right side of the picture

I've camped at Daybreak several times (been a few years though), and it is an awesome little place. More "back forty" than back country, but one of my favorite strips anyway. It should be kept in mind that it's privately owned. The Swanson's are real good about letting people fly in, but I think before presuming to camp overnight a courtesy call would be in order. Contact info is on airnav.com (daybreak skyranch WA46)