Now that the weather’s warming up across the country, it’s got me thinking about summer missions. What are your top backcountry strips to fly into this time of year? Could be a quick hop for breakfast, a place to explore, or a solid spot to pitch a tent.

Always looking to add a few more pins to the map.

My Girlfriend and I went to Wilson Bar last Thursday, it was her birthday. The river was way up, the flowers were in full bloom, the beer was cold, it was sunny and hot. I pitched a tent.

We set up a camp and spent the night, cool spot.

What's your general radius of interest? Some really nice strips in Alaska.....

Some great strips in NW Arkansas. Go to flyoz.com for info.

Utah is a terrible place, flat and boring with lots of mosquitos and rain… but IF you wanted to explore join Utah Backcountry Pilots association and download the content pack from the website and there are tons of great spots.

Yeah and Idaho is hot, windy, and full of Californians now so wave at us as you fly by to more desirable destinations

That said, I'm actually trying to figure out which of our local strips are good for camping. Indian is great but busy. Many of the strips that are near the river and suitable for camping are not for green pilots.

mtv wrote:What's your general radius of interest? Some really nice strips in Alaska.....

No specific area, open to anything. I’m interested in hearing about the top spots you’ve flown into, wherever they are. Definitely interested to hear what strips in Alaska come to mind.

A few favorites in Oregon and Washington are:

Stehekin
Orcas Island Eastsound
McKenzie Bridge
Manzanita
Rager
Tokatee
Owyhee
Powers

Idaho:
JC
Indian Creek
Atlanta
Moose Creek - though I've heard that the surrounding forest has been pretty thoroughly torched by last year's fire

Back in the early-ish days of BCP, there was a guy (Chris) who started a backcountry airstrip wiki (shortfield airstrip explorer).

https://www.shortfield.com/

It was very comprehensive database with a super slick interface, often including approach and departure videos, campsite pictures, etc... which really helped one to prepare for a first visit to one of the featured strips.

I and several others here contributed content for years. If I recall correctly, there was even collaboration between BCP and SFX for a spell. Chris did an amazing job with it, but I believe that user input waned and he seemed to let it go a bit.

Another reminder that these things take a LOT of work to develop and maintain,

JRBAF 45 Ranch!

Camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, shooting, all kinds of fun activities there in southern Idaho.

https://jrbaf.org/properties/45-ranch/

Oregon:

Mckenzie State Bridge (00S)


Nehalem Bay State (3S7)


Powers (6S6):

Class E wrote:Definitely interested to hear what strips in Alaska come to mind.

There are quite literally hundreds of strips in Alaska that fit the bill. Thousands? Definitely thousands if you consider the countless gravel bars, beaches, and ridgetops you can land on.

I’ve got 2:
1) Trigger Gap, AR (17A). It’s famous for a reason. Fire ring, camping area, gazebo (probably not what they call it, but that’s pretty much what it is), and composting toilet.

2) Red Pine Grove, ME (82ME). Not famous but should be. Paved, with a nice area for camping, and another area for picnics. Short walk to the St John River.

Both are RAF strips, detailed in the Airfield Guide.

Another one that people around here seem to like is North Fox Island, MI, which is very cool. The time I was there it was impossibly full of mosquitoes and snakes, but I’m told that isn’t always the case.

Its been mentioned twice already but (Manzanita/ Nehalem Bay) is currently NOTAMed as closed unless you get managers approval until 9/30/25.

If you're coming to Arkansas, then I recommend Richland Creek (4AR9). It's down in a valley with a creek next to it, and also has an RAF pilot shelter.

If you need air conditioning then fly into Gaston's (3M0).

I love Arkansas, but proceed with caution in the summer. It gets warm down here and sometimes doesn't cool off much at night.

Brian M wrote:

Class E wrote:Definitely interested to hear what strips in Alaska come to mind.

There are quite literally hundreds of strips in Alaska that fit the bill. Thousands? Definitely thousands if you consider the countless gravel bars, beaches, and ridgetops you can land on.

Yep, what he ^^^ said.

Lots of great strips in the Rockies. Find a copy of Galen Hanselman's books: Fly Idaho, Fly the Big Sky, and Fly Utah.

They're out of print now, but can be had, and well worth the price.

MTV

Another favorite for Washington State is Sullivan Lake, 09S. It's in the NE corner of the state. The RAF has done a good job of adding fire pits at the camp sites and bear boxes for your food. It is adjacent to a state park if you feel the need for a hot shower. The lake is perfect for swimming or paddling with an inflatable kayak or canoe.

slowmover wrote:I love Arkansas, but proceed with caution in the summer. It gets warm down here and sometimes doesn't cool off much at night.

Thanks for all the great strip recs. Super helpful.

With how hot it gets in the summer, when’s the best time to fly and camp in Arkansas?

CBBC, Bella Bella, Campbell Island, BC

Flying amphibious floats on the British Columbia (BC) coastline at times requires finite logistics and ground support. Weather delays, fuel shortages, mechanical breakdowns are magnified. Sometimes, it’s the same old story: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”.. Having the right telephone numbers in your sat phone is paramount!

The natives at Bella Bella Campbell Island were super accommodating to small aircraft. Call ahead however to confirm availability of services!

Note: Denny Island, Shearwater has straight float services (waterborne) — MoGas (STC ok), JetA, AvGas, bunk house, store, etc

Lower 48: Marble, Colorado