Looking for pireps on Toketee and Tieton. Planning on heading up there on the 25th and would love to know what to expect.
Thanks

As of May 24, Tieton was dry, firm, and not obviously mowed. Fine with 8.00s. The West end has some ruts from donuts, and the vehicle path is well worn. I wouldn’t want to hit the deepest rutted areas or path at speed. They are visible from the air. The locals were out in force on the weekend, including a truck parked at the West end on the runway. If you want to party, the weekend is is for you. If you like solitude, go on a weekday.

If you haven't been to Tieton, consider how you want to land. Your choices are to the West, which has a dogleg approach next to a mountain and then downhill to the lake, or to the East, in which a low go-around could be very sketchy, as all the terrain rises and the mountain is at the end of the runway. Typically the wind blows from the West, making a downhill landing with a simple go around over the lake my preferred choice. I always take off to the West, downhill over the lake.

Be aware that there are open range cattle in the area that frequently graze on the runway. I've been up there a few times and been unable to land. They seem to be used to buzzing...

Ranger Creek is also open, and more low key. The pilot side camping is usually quiet, and prettier amidst old growth with the river nearby.

I'll be at Toketee on the 25th to the 26th and tieton on the 26th to the 27th of june and then on to Canada. I'm not too worried about the approach and the length as I am the condition of the runway. I have no problem getting in and out of grass fields but long grass and ruts from douschebags doing donuts on the runways might cause problems for my stubby mooney gear.

The runway condition at Tieton is great. No ruts. Was just there with a 195 and 180. Unfortunately the Memorial Day crowd left dumpsters worth of trash all over the beach and campsites. Broken glass on the beaches etc...not real nice.

Toketee is in excellent condition and should be no problem for your Mooney. Watch for wildlife on the runway early morning and late afternoon. Best camping is at the East end.

Check it out on http://airfield.guide.


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