CAYUSE CREEK USFS, ID

Departing Cayuse Creek, USFS airstrip in Idaho

"A beautiful strip surrounded by high terrain. I'd classify it as moderately difficult. Watch the DA here!" ~ Todd

Landing and taking off at Cougar Ranch, a new strip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho.

Flying into Cayuse Creek USFS airstrip for some camping in the C-175 Skylark tailwheel conversion.

Flight into Big Creek airstrip Idaho U60. The elevation is 5,700ft and the runway is long at 3,500ft surrounded by 9,000ft+ mountains. The ski jump runway and close in mountain slopes look to be a challenge but is not that tough. On take off one is literally launched into the air and out into the valley high above Big Creek The location is very isolated and beautiful spot for a fly in camping trip. The impressive new lodge should be open later this year. We will be back for a longer stay.

Landing and Takeoff at Krassel Ranger Station Airstrip on the South Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. 2016

A evening landing from USFS Fish Lake (S92) airstrip in the Idaho backcountry with a Super Stinson 108-2.

This is a one way in and one way out - no go around airstrip that is 2650ft long. Please proceed with caution and make sure the weather is on your side (downdrafts are common mid day). Amazing area, very remote, and lots of wildlife. Also, make sure your piloting skills are top notch, seek qualified backcountry and mountain flying instruction.

Also, please support the IAA and the RAF, as they aid in keeping these beautiful places open to backcountry pilots.

Filmed with a Drift HD camera at mypov360.

Approach and Landing at Big Creek (U60) in June in a Cessna 182. There are several ways to approach this landing, and since it was my first time we took the extended route flying through the bottom of the mountain for a nice long approach. You can make a shorter left base if you are familiar with the terrain, or the mountain also supports a right base if you can turn around in the bowl to the north of the airstrip. As always use lots of caution and careful planning when going into new mountainous airstrips.

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