Description
Located along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho's Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, Thomas Creek is a state-owned airstrip situated on a plateau beside the river, between Indian Creek and Mahoney Creek airstrips. It offers easy access to whitewater rafting, excellent fishing, and two nearby natural hot springs.
Operations
Recommended landing on Runway 21 (upstream) and takeoff on Runway 03 (downstream). The first 400 ft of Runway 03 has a dogleg with a heading of 360°. Go-arounds are extremely difficult. No winter maintenance. Considerable air taxi operations mid to late summer.
Key hazards: rising terrain, density altitude, and canyon/mountain weather.
Recreation & Camping - There are no formal facilities at Thomas Creek, though camping is available along the river or next to your airplane (note: the area is quite dry and dusty in summer). A roughly 2-mile hike leads to nearby hot springs. The airstrip is also a popular access point for commercial fly-fishing trips and serves as a fly-in point for the Middle Fork Lodge, which offers hot springs and log cabin accommodations just across the valley.
Note for rafters: Thomas Creek is less convenient than Indian Creek due to a longer carry to the river and no water available on-site.
Runway
-
Length
2100
-
Width
75
-
Surface
TURF-DIRT-G
Details
-
Facility ID
2U8
-
Elevation
4415
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CTAF
122.9
-
State
Idaho
Gallery
Location
Lat: 44.72330555556 , Long: -115.00397222222 - IDAHO, USA
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