I am just curious has anyone been here in the last 2 years? I know on Shortfield.com the last pirep was given in June 2008. Thanks!

I flew into Minam last July, while there we walked up to Red's. There was plenty of traffic flying in and out - the largest group was a gaggle of half dozen or so Cessna 180s. They said they only mow Red's once a summer though and when we were there the runway was bit a bit vague - if you have marginal prop clearance might want to find out when exactly they mow it.

The good folks at Minam were happy to have us camp along the strip at a reduced rate from taking a room in the lodge. Still got full meals, showers, and the hot tub. If you go into Red's you're on your own though a bunch of those that flew into Red's hiked down to Minam for at least one meal.

Really neat area, I'm looking forward to getting back there!

I was there late August of last year. Strip had recently been mowed and was in great shape. I was in a 182 with wheel pants. I have also heard the grass can get kind of long before they mow it.

We were there last august and camped at Reds. Grass mowed and we walked down to Minam. Great place.

Highroad,
I was there the same weekend you were. I was in the 182 and my friend in the 180. That was a fun weekend. Still have your Pacer? I miss mine.

Hey Piper,

I was in at Red's yesterday and it is in good shape...the grass is near 6" long and there are volunteers there also...I have no idea (well I do, but that's a campfire theory) why it is still listed on the charts as private...The USFS aquired it in 1994 from a group of private folks...anyway it is public and open to all of us...

Also, on my flight home I passed Shawn heading into Minam Lodge and he said he would be opening up on Memorial Day Weekend...hope this helps...

66skylane wrote:Highroad,
I was there the same weekend you were. I was in the 182 and my friend in the 180. That was a fun weekend. Still have your Pacer? I miss mine.

I thought that may be you.......how have you been? Good to see you here at BCP. We still have the Pacer. Having a boy any day now so we are going to have to pack a bit lighter with the four of us now.

Did you guys make it into Cabin Creek April?

Hey, I think I bumped in to you guys last fall. I've got a white/teal 182.

I was in at reds today, and it looks good. Grass hasn't grown much yet. Fishing at the pond was great. Not many people around yet.

Seth

Seth,
That was us. My daughter still talks about the kitten you had along with you.

Sounds like we need to do a reunion

Brent

Awesome Bill! I really appreciate the Pirep, you should put that on shortfield.com although I might go in there in a week or so and make one myself! Hopefully the weather is decent when I get home and its time to fly!

Reading through the various comments on Red's and Minam, did I understand correctly there is a fee to land at these airstrips?

There is no fee to land either Red's or Minam. There are accomodations available at Minam that will cost you. Not much goes on at Red's since the Forest Sircus acquired it. They usually have caretakers who keep the lawn mowed and occasionally want to make sure you aren't fishing w/o a license.
Lodging is available at Minam beginning Memorial Day, I believe, and going on until maybe September.
There are places to camp at the South end of Red's strip, although you'll have to bring water or carry it from the cabin at Red's.
Hope this helps.

Thanks for the information on the possible fees. When I viewed one of the posts again, it was referring to a reduced camping fee. My follow up question is there a fee to camp by your plane at Minam or Reds?

We camped at Reds last summer with no fee. The volunteers that stay at the cabins were very friendly and gave us a tour. You can camp in the trees on the south end of the strip as there are some nice spots. Minam is a bit of a walk to the north.

From this thread, it sounds like there may be a fee to camp at Minam next to your airplane, but there are some services provided if you do. I would eat at least 1 meal at the Minam lodge no matter where you camp.

Both strips are pretty basic back country strips. It seems that most treat the strips as one ways, landing up river and departing down. If you were to lose an engine on a down river take off out of Reds, Minam is right in front of you for an emergency which is nice.