Warren, ID

The Warren USFS Airport (3U1) is a remote, Forest Service-managed backcountry airstrip tucked just northwest of the small historic community of Warren, Idaho. It sits at roughly 5,900 feet elevation on about 14 acres of mountain terrain, and serves a mix of firefighting operations, Forest Service personnel, and recreational pilots venturing into the Idaho backcountry.

The runway is a gravel strip running about 2,765 feet long and 75 feet wide, oriented roughly east-west. Recent inspections have rated the surface as fair, noting some loose rocks toward the southeast end but generally level ground without major dips or bumps. The CTAF is 122.9.

Pilots planning a visit should be well-prepared. The preferred technique is to land toward the east (Runway 11) and depart toward the west (Runway 29) — departing to the east is not recommended. Summer months bring notable downdraft activity, and early morning or evening flying is advised when thermals are less active. The strip carries no winter maintenance and is considered unsuitable for pilots without solid backcountry experience.

For those up to the challenge, Warren is a genuinely rewarding destination. The airstrip sits right on the edge of a charming old mining town where pilots can find a meal, a place to stay, and a taste of Idaho's frontier history — all within walking distance of the ramp.