I just flew over the Big Bar strip today. There were three planes parked there! So much for going into Hell's Canyon to get away from the crowds!

Anyway, if it's someone that frequents BCP, I'd appreciate a pirep on the strip conditions. Anyone been to any of the others around there recently?

Thanks!

I wasn't with those guys Saturday, but have been in a few times this winter. Its in fine shape. Hell's Canyon is survivable now, unlike the 100+ degree temps in the summer. The FS approved a temp toilet there for the winter months and the IAA has one installed now. It has to be taken out by Memorial Day I think and replaced again in the fall. The IAA has a work party on Mar 27th at Big Bar. Rogersburg is open again for the summer, as of March 1. I tried to get a photo of the toilet, but I don't have the know how. I think its in the gallery, but I can't find it.

Jack

Hello,
That was my 9 year old son and I at the Big Bar Airstip this weekend in the red and white Maule. There was also two Cessna 180s there for a short time on Saturday. One of them is with the Idaho Aeronautics, and said there is going to be a group there working on the airstip on the third weekend in March I believe, real nice guys. Another Maule showed up for a very short time on Saturday too.

The airstip is in real good shape, but lots of catus and rocks along the sides. I forgot a broom to sweep out the shack, "The Rat Tird Hotel". There is no firewood to be had, and no driftwood along the river either. Bring your own firewood.

As far as the crowds go, Pittsburg, Salmon Bar, and Eagle Creek were empty for camping this weeked. I saw a couple guys landing on a ridge between Eagle Creek on the Salmon and Salmon Bar in supercubs or huskys.

What a great weeked! Two days of sunshine and 65 degrees in Hells Canyon with no wind.

James

did big bar last summer and it was pretty good fishing. not great though.. what's with the strip across the river. I heard that was open once. Is that true..

Back Country Pilots.,

The stip on the other side of the river is owned by Temperance Creek Outfitters. Just thought I'd add a couple more pictures of the actual airstip.

James

Thanks for the info guys!

james wrote: What a great weeked! Two days of sunshine and 65 degrees in Hells Canyon with no wind.

That's 65 degrees Celsius, folks. The density altitude is so high your prop won't generate any wind. Play it safe, go somewhere else!

Iceman,

The strip at Temperance Cr. on the OR side is open to guests only...they have breakfast, lunch & dinner and overnight accommodations available...just met the care takers in there a week or so ago, seem like real nice folks...they do require prior notice before you come in...go to their web site at http://www.hellscanyonpackers.com for more into...I think you'll find on their web site a phone number and an email that you can contact them ...Hope that helps...

Waking up under the wing at Big Bar.

by the way just for info... when I fished the river at the upstream end of the strip last summer I was climbing on the rocks to get to a point where I could cast out a little farther... when I ran across a local citizen... He rattled and I about killed myself getting away from him...of course it was a bit warmer then than now but be aware when going down to the water... they don't call it Snake river for nothing