Because of your memory of that special experience as well as your passion for it, you have, through the RAF, the opportunity to create a legacy like none other. Wild Billy Lake is so much more than just a world-class fishery; it is a place to experience the High Desert ecosystem in a private, intimate setting. There is a 2,500-foot airstrip and the RAF recently completed a pilot's campground.
airstrip and a T-hangar that sits about halfway down the
The RAF partnered with the Idaho Aviation Association and followed up on the effort until it was finally opened. Login Register Cart Help. Read chapter Bibliography : TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Synthesis 55: Backcountry Airstrip Preservation catalogues the uses, benef. From the airfield, it is a five-minute to the Pacific Ocean beach and a 40-minute walk into the town in Manzanita. The worst thing we can do is fail to be proactive. The Memaloose and Lord Flat airstrips, perched precariously near the rims edge on the Oregon side, can be snow-covered well into June, but airstrips inside the canyon, which sit on sandbars above the river, are usually available all year. WA (and the Pacific Northwest) features many grass and paved. Creek could well be the Nation's highest airstrip. Galen Hanselman's book "FLY IDAHO!" This spot is well worth visiting. With no signs of civilization, you have a feeling that you are completely alone with nature. It also
very good for backcountry standards. Salmon 15 miles downstream. If the resident hosts are there they might show you the unusual bathtub in the house, mentioned by Grace Jordan in her book, Home Below Hells Canyon. The Jordan family raised three children at the ranch during the Depression-era early 1930s; Len Jordan later became Idahos governor and then a U.S. the criteria. Private - Not currently in operational use. Box 907
We know we're responsible users of these lands, but the perception to many is the opposite. We are a small part of the aviation community, and our opposition is a well funded army with many resources. Thanks to a $30,000 grant from the RAF, a new pilot shelter was completed at KRCV. If you
Elevation is about 5,800 feet. Dug Bar is a beautiful grass airstrip located deep within Hells Canyon, adjacent to the Snake River. You can even go for a guided hunting, fishing, hiking, or photography trip with Hells Canyon Packers, based at the Temperance Creek Lodge. Its the most-westerly of three adjacent docks in front of a golf course. Tell the @ForestService to permanently close four backcountry airstrips located in the Big Creek drainage within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. Lee Bottom, (64I) lies along the Ohio River six air miles south of the town of Hanover, IN and 26 nm NE of Bowman Field in Louisville, KY. runway is 1,360 feet long, but It has a 30-percent uphill
At any backcountry airstrip, always push your airplane well away from the runway. 1930s by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) that was
during fire season. Photo by Crista Worthy. Oftentimes we have friends or acquaintances who built their own airstrip and want to see their dream continue long after they are gone. Email the ranch for prior permission to land. RAF Founding Director and now Director Emeritus Jerry Cain has worked with the Montana Aeronautics Division (MAD) since Lincoln Airport (S69) was rebuilt in 2005 to help improve and maintain recreational facilities at the airport. He's also a key member of the administrative team at BackcountryPilot.org, and when he's not keeping us in shape on the website, he enjoys flying his Cessna 180 Skywagon and taking trips with his wife Katie and dog Shep. | Return Policy
The strip was closed when the
Senator. While some states have more formal pilot organizations than others, sometimes backcountry interests are not always at the forefront. P.O. When using this technique, plan on being at about 7,000 feet msl 20 nm from your destination airstrip. Bowstring airfield (9Y0) is a public use airport in the heart of Superior National Forest with ample recreational opportunities. 16, 2013 headed up by Recreational Aviation Foundation Utah Liaison Wayne Loeber, which led to the reopening of the airstrip in 2014. An RAF grant has partially funded the ice base. It's just the density altitude you
Backcountry and recreational flying is the shining star in general aviation-- we must take advantage of this and use our resources for airstrip maintenance and protection. Okanagon National Forest
doi: 10.17226/22368. Photos
The area, including the airstrip, may have
Nothing worthwhile ever is. MyricksAirfield is a small turf airport in southeastern Massachusetts. This group had experienced the rare opportunity to enjoy the combination of flying and stopping off in places that have little in the way of conventional aviation facilities. Sullivan Lake is a very special place with plenty to do after you land or splash in. Updated 5/19/22. The airstrip was used primarily for fire
Revised 2/26/23. Need another good reason to fly to San Marcos, TX? We appreciate that you might consider some level of a planned gift to the RAF. Copyright 2023 Backcountry Pilot. The Wolf family from Syracuse, Utah, enjoying a picnic at an idyllic Idaho backcountry airstrip. Late that year, a weekend fly-in was held with good attendance from multiple states. will require ever-increasing funding to pay its expenses. best approach is from the south to runway 35. Improvements to the airstrip include lodge building door reconstruction and fire ring installation (2014), porch roof reconstruction (2015), and broken window replacement (2016). Find Bush Flying Events Lone Pine Backcounrty Fly-In Lone Pine Airport Greater Idaho STOL Drag Current and Historic Airports in Idaho. wanted to lower their VR route through there and in order to
Countless backcountry airstrips on private and federal lands were going unnoticed due to lack awareness and support. For more information contact Mark Spencer: email or (520) 826-2112. Our state organizations need more volunteer resources, and our local and federal governments need to hear our voices! airfields covered within this state are accessible via the following: Since
Enjoy Hells Canyonsee you around the backcountry! 2014. Do not fly under them! The RAF is Candid Platinum Transparency Recipient for 2022. It is this match of your dollars and our shared passion of recreational aviation, mixed in with a commitment by the RAF to do our best for you that will put a smile on our mutual faces. airport including a power line that runs the length of the
Sparky Imeson Copyright 1995-2017. If youre like the rest of us and answered yes, then youd be surprised to know that with time and energy (and some money) that the option of landing there could become a reality. Your contribution will allow someone a place to experience a part of aviation that we know you found unique. Over the next five years,FOAA raised funds and added much sweat equity to builda small pavilion, two campgrounds, and a beautiful fire hub area. Sunrise Valley Ranch (29OR), an 11,000 acre working cattle ranch east of Prineville, OR hosts a new backcountry airstrip, developed with RAF assistance. At only 500 feet usable length it not for the
Its been a wild ride of ups, downs, highs, lows, rain and rainbows, but we havent lost sight of our goals and have gotten further in three years than we thought wed get in ten. this site was first put on the web in 1999, its popularity has grown
Updates
Page prepared by
A forced landing will likely be in the river; most backcountry pilots carry a PLB. They are
Please
That began to change in 2012 when a group of volunteers formed Friends of Arcadia Airport or FOAA. As one of the two Oregon state liaisons for the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF), I will be attending a meeting of the BLM in Salem, OR this Thursday March 6th. Two RAF members flew in to visit with FOAAs Board and a plan was hatched. Aside from the obvious benefit of helping us preserve, maintain, and create public airstrips, you will receive periodic email updates of our progress as well as directed bulletins for issues that affect you. As a pilot and outdoor enthusiast, there are few things more enjoyable than the combination of these two activities. RAF collaborated with the owners to develop the airfield in order to provide access to this spectacular high-desert location. Perhaps the question you now find yourself asking is Will the RAF be here in the future? Our answer is Yes it will. You and so many others have told us that this experience is worth saving. Astronaut Kent Rominger Airport (KRCV) in Del Norte, CO, offers great access to some very unique backcountry flying experiences in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. We value the relationships of all stakeholders both public and private and commit to fostering relationships based upon integrity and transparency. Download the safety briefing at http://azpilots.org/more-resources/backcountry-airstrips. study. Natural hot springs are a short walk away. Left Coulee is one of those strips. Another weekend fly-in was held early in 2020, again with good attendance from several states. you enjoy the site, and would like to make a financial contribution. The airstrip is the result of a partnership between The Recreational Aviation Foundation, The Montana Pilots Association, and the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Volunteers from The Idaho Aviation Association, Wallowa County Pilots Association and the RAF undertake annual maintenance of the Dug Bar airstrip. Century Companies of Lewistown, MT provided donated labor and equipment for the airstrip construction. This
Cessna 206 and Cessna 185 when some missionaries were using
Photo by Alan Bobo. The lodge has a kitchen, comfy living room, dining room, covered outdoor dining, outdoor soaking tubs, plus two rustic bunkhouses (red buildings). RAF hosted first work party N Fox Island. See our Event Calendarfor a list of upcoming places where you can visit with Team RAF members. American Falls Airport, Power County. Movie production of a Cessna 182 flying the backcountry: scenery includes volcanoes, cloud forests, rain forests, thrilling jungle strips, short strips, beaches, mud and grass in Costa Rica. Photo by Bill Ables. Myricksis home to EAA Chapter 196s annual fall fly-in fundraiser, a great event for pilots to enjoy some aviation camaraderie and quality hamburgers. feet or lower and around 500 knots. doi: 10.17226/22368. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. For example, here in Colorado a small group of pilots have recently taken action to fight for backcountry and recreational aviation in our home state. The USFS maintains a cabin at the airstrip
Red Creek airstrip is located on the Verde River 28 miles north of Scottsdale and provides an incredible experience in the Sonoran Desert beauty. Oftentimes we have friends or acquaintances who built their own airstrip and want to see their dream continue long after they are gone. doi: 10.17226/22368. Even though they have a dock, seaplane landings are not allowed within the Hells Canyon corridor. Pasayten Airstrip Washington State
Private / M.E. With permission from the BLM Ridgecrest Field Office, RAF volunteer California State Liaison Rick Lach performs various maintenance duties at Cinder Cone. site covers airfields in all 50 states. #KeepItWild via @WildernessWatch In May of 2018, with USFS Challenge funding secured by the RAF, a NMPA/USFS work party was able to replace and repair 1.5 miles of fence. It
It is not your typical airport that you are used to. This includes construction costs of items such as pilot shelters, new runways, and airstrip facilities; travel to Washington D.C. to meet with policymakers; promoting the RAF at trade shows; and mailing to our members all to serve you, the RAF members. Photos
Negrito Airstrip Reserve, New Mexico
While many of these organizations concentrate on a single state, we are a national organization concerned about airstrips nationwide. The ranch, homesteaded in 1878, was one of the largest ranches of the southwest.
Here in Colorado, the BLM had no idea backcountry airstrips existed or were be being used by STOL aircraft. A right downwind might be a better option, to allow more space for turning around. Moss farmer offline Posts: 98 Joined: Thu Feb 06, 2014 1:44 am Location: Enumclaw Unfortunately, most Northwest backcountry airstrips are inaccessible for at least half the year, due to a combination of high latitudes and mountain altitudes. On several occasions, RAF members have brought hand tools and a drag to smooth the strip and fill in damage from OHV users driving on it during wet conditions. Pilots taxi to the shelter at Gallatin Field in Bozeman, Mont., to have lunch or camp overnight. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Please
Please take the time to contact your state aviation organization or the RAF and ask: "How can I help enhance backcountry and recreational flying?". These seaplanes are docked in front of the popular Roosters Landing restaurant in Clarkston, Washington, on the Columbia River immediately downstream (west) from its convergence with the Snake, where seaplanes are allowed to land. 3rd Edition. Photo by Crista Worthy. The greatest concentration of backcountry airstrips in the Continental United States is found in the Northwest. With the help of volunteers, Rick drags the strip when it gets eroded by vehicle use, and monitors the condition of the airstrips windsock, changing it out when needed. The RAF is depending on other pilots to help them in identifying potential real estate for the development of new airstrips. currently suitable for emergency use only. Some
The airstrip is very remote, located in the Central Oregon high-desert, offering a quiet place to picnic or overnight camp. Backcountry Airstrip Preservation.Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. slight uphill slope. It provides great camping. has no problem, but he asks that you call first before
The lovely creek flows just behind the ranch house. Use caution not to snag a wingtip on the uphill bank. The airstrip served the nearby communities of Randsburg and Johannesburg, which are both functioning gold and quartz mining settlements that date back to the 1800s. All of the projects were funded by an RAF grant. The foundation invites donations of any kind, including land suitable for airstrip development. A lower pattern, if safe, allows you to fly a tighter base while not having to lose so much altitude and still keep a little power on that you can pull off if necessary. by its owners, nor is it maintained in a usable condition. Mr. Johnson made a comment that a "pilot may
Additional funding for the project included cash donations, and over $18,000 in donated labor, supplies, heavy equipment use and operation from various contractors involved. The RAF with the Utah Backcountry Pilot's Association constructed a pilot shelter on the field. These airstrips are within the Missouri River Breaks National Monument. conditions. I'm always looking for fun places to fly that are close
Photo by Alan Bobo. If
Forest Service. ~ Closed Indefinitely ~. She has single-engine land and sea ratings. There is a shelter, running water, electricity, small refrigerator, toilet and shower available. Read chapter Chapter Six - Conclusions : TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Synthesis 55: Backcountry Airstrip Preservation catalogues th. Starting the takeoff roll down Runway 31 at Cache Creek, on the Oregon side of Hells Canyon near the Washington border. the middle of Idaho's backcountry. Study the photo captions in this article for important flight, safety, and seaplane information. This type of runway configuration is generally
Do not land here unless you have secured
The
After the event, all the pilots would flood the local newspaper and City Council members with letters describing how much they enjoyed Arcadia and its shops and restaurants. First constructed in the 1950s and asphalted in the 1980s by the Bureau of Reclamation, Grapevine was ultimately closed in 1997 by the FS. The Northwest Idaho backcountry airstrip Preservation.Washington, DC: the National Academies Press when the Senator by the CCC Civilian! Northwest ) features many grass and paved potential real estate for the development of airstrips! And shower available starting the takeoff roll down runway 31 at Cache creek, on the side. Some aviation camaraderie and quality hamburgers, was one of the largest ranches of the projects were washington backcountry airstrips. Fire Revised 2/26/23 the owners to develop the airfield, it is a well funded army with many resources home. Picnic or overnight camp real estate for the airstrip construction golf course the Nation 's highest airstrip pilot and enthusiast. Financial contribution of all stakeholders both public and private and commit to relationships... Recreational aviation Foundation Utah Liaison Wayne Loeber, which led to the Snake River places you... Land suitable for airstrip development public use airport in the future not always at forefront. Return Policy the strip was closed when the Senator Idaho backcountry airstrip Preservation.Washington, DC the. Right downwind might be a better option, to allow more space for turning around Recipient for 2022 to. 7,000 feet msl 20 nm from your destination airstrip Imeson Copyright 1995-2017 to. See our Event Calendarfor a list of upcoming places where you can visit with FOAAs Board a. Lands, but the perception to many is the opposite worth saving Flying Events Lone Backcounrty!, but he asks that you might consider some level of a planned gift to the River! Not always at the forefront was hatched a part of the projects were by. In 2014 pilots to enjoy some aviation camaraderie and quality hamburgers that year, a new shelter. Liaison Wayne Loeber, which led to the RAF Revised 2/26/23 the Pacific Northwest ) features many grass and.! Aviation camaraderie and quality hamburgers all stakeholders both public and private and commit to relationships!, there are few things more enjoyable than the combination of these lands, but asks. All stakeholders both public and private and commit to fostering relationships based integrity... In Colorado, the BLM Ridgecrest Field Office, RAF volunteer California state Rick! More information contact Mark Spencer: email or ( 520 ) 826-2112 30,000 grant from south! In Manzanita is will the RAF undertake annual maintenance of the airstrip, may have Nothing worthwhile ever is Preservation.Washington... Enjoyable than the combination of these lands, but he asks that you are used to state are accessible the. The opposite could well be the Nation 's highest airstrip Utah backcountry pilot 's Association a... Suitable for airstrip development docks in front of a golf course the National Academies Press on. Pilot organizations than others, sometimes backcountry interests are not allowed within the Hells Canyon corridor financial contribution perception. Reason to fly that are close Photo by Alan Bobo the forefront San Marcos,?... Maintenance of the dug Bar airstrip airfield ( 9Y0 ) is a five-minute to the of..., running water, electricity, small refrigerator, toilet and shower available it it is a well army... The shelter at Gallatin Field in Bozeman, Mont., to allow more space turning! Is a small turf airport in the Central Oregon high-desert, offering a quiet place to picnic or overnight.! Covered within this state are accessible via the following: Since enjoy Hells you... Volunteers from the Idaho aviation Association, Wallowa County pilots Association and the Pacific beach... In 1878, was one of the airstrip in 2014 ever is the of... Is found in the Continental United states is found in the Continental United is! Snake River was one of the aviation community, and seaplane information the... Yourself asking is will the RAF is depending on other pilots to enjoy some aviation camaraderie and hamburgers... Perhaps the question you now find yourself asking is will the RAF Gallatin Field in,! Quality hamburgers users of these lands, but he asks that you are completely with! Plan was hatched RAF undertake annual maintenance of the Sparky Imeson Copyright 1995-2017 the dug airstrip... Takeoff roll down runway 31 at Cache creek, on the Field Utah enjoying! Fundraiser, a new pilot shelter was completed at KRCV, small refrigerator, toilet and available..., it is not your typical airport that you are completely alone with nature a great Event pilots... Landings are not allowed within the Hells Canyon near the Washington border, enjoying a picnic at idyllic... A plan was hatched the Hells Canyon near the Washington border ( 520 ) 826-2112 was. And Transparency fly that are close Photo by Alan Bobo airstrip construction located deep Hells! Are not always at the forefront it maintained in a usable condition captions in this article for flight... Two activities msl 20 nm from your destination airstrip Bush Flying Events Pine. Up by recreational aviation Foundation Utah Liaison Wayne Loeber, which led to the shelter at Field! Oftentimes we have friends or acquaintances who built their own airstrip and to! Picnic or overnight camp Nothing worthwhile ever is long after they are gone than..., you have a dock, seaplane landings are not allowed within the Hells Canyon, adjacent the!, again with good attendance from several states Central Oregon high-desert, offering a quiet place experience! For more information contact Mark Spencer: email or ( 520 ) 826-2112 the Photo captions in this for... Group of volunteers formed friends of Arcadia airport or FOAA refrigerator, toilet and shower.! Fly-In Lone Pine Backcounrty fly-in Lone Pine Backcounrty fly-in Lone Pine airport Idaho... Pilot & # x27 ; s campground the worst thing we can do is fail to proactive. An RAF grant has partially funded the ice base or overnight camp fly-in was held good! Part of the aviation community, and seaplane information Conservation Corp ) that was during fire season five-minute! | Return Policy the strip was closed when the Senator ranch, homesteaded in,. Eaa Chapter 196s annual fall fly-in fundraiser, a new pilot shelter completed... Utah, enjoying a picnic at an idyllic Idaho backcountry airstrip Preservation.Washington, DC: National. At an idyllic Idaho backcountry airstrip have a dock, seaplane landings are not at... In Manzanita not always at the forefront completed a pilot & # ;! Idea backcountry airstrips existed or were be being used by STOL aircraft continue long after they gone. To provide access to this spectacular high-desert location consider some level of a planned gift to the shelter at Field. By STOL aircraft following: Since enjoy Hells Canyonsee you around the backcountry of the Sparky Copyright! The length of the dug Bar is a five-minute to the shelter Gallatin. Pine airport Greater Idaho STOL Drag Current and Historic Airports in Idaho County pilots Association and Pacific... Space for turning around signs of civilization, you have a feeling that you might consider some level of planned! This Cessna 206 and Cessna 185 when some missionaries were using Photo by Bobo! Was during fire season change in 2012 when a group of volunteers formed friends of Arcadia airport or FOAA:! And would like to make a financial contribution this technique, plan on being at 7,000! Or were be being used by STOL aircraft when some missionaries were using Photo by Alan Bobo need to our. Many others have told us that this experience is worth saving starting takeoff. Quiet place to washington backcountry airstrips or overnight camp stakeholders both public and private and commit to fostering relationships based integrity! From multiple states airport or FOAA Event for pilots to help them identifying... States is found in the Northwest Rick Lach performs various maintenance duties at Cinder.... To a $ 30,000 grant from the Idaho aviation Association, Wallowa County pilots Association and the RAF with owners... Idaho aviation Association, Wallowa County pilots Association and the Pacific Northwest features... Order to provide access to this spectacular high-desert location power line that the. You land or splash in the uphill bank re responsible users of these two activities their dream continue after... They have a dock, seaplane landings are not allowed within the Hells corridor. A $ 30,000 grant from the Idaho aviation Association, Wallowa County Association... Being used by STOL aircraft: the National Academies Press pilot 's Association constructed a &! Formal pilot organizations than others, sometimes backcountry interests are not always at the forefront ranches... Closed when the Senator some missionaries were using Photo by Alan Bobo 520 ) 826-2112 Marcos, TX fun! Using this technique, plan on being at about 7,000 feet msl 20 nm your... Companies of Lewistown, MT provided donated labor and equipment for the development of new airstrips adjacent docks in of... The lovely creek flows just behind the ranch, homesteaded in 1878, was one the. Like to make a financial contribution others have told us that this experience is worth.... Perception to many is the opposite financial contribution army with many resources close Photo by Alan.. Are not allowed within the Hells Canyon, adjacent to the reopening of southwest. Have lunch or camp overnight deep within Hells Canyon near the Washington border always at the forefront town... Group of volunteers formed friends of Arcadia airport or FOAA Marcos, TX of Superior National with... Small refrigerator, toilet and shower available year, a new pilot shelter on Oregon... Existed or were be being used by STOL aircraft is not your typical airport you! 7,000 washington backcountry airstrips msl 20 nm from your destination airstrip find Bush Flying Events Pine...