Without a doubt, Idaho is one of the few locations that has this level of backcountry flying in the lower 48. It simply doesn't exist elsewhere, especially at the wilderness level. Idaho was treated to a set of circumstances that made aviation a good accessible option for transportation and has flurished ever since. Our per capita pilot statistics reflect this.
I suggest you get a copy of two books:
1) Bound for the Backcountry by Richard Holmes.
http://www.amazon.com/Bound-Backcountry-Richard-H-Holm/dp/0615681123
Call rediscovered books in boise to order (google it).
This is not a how-to book, but rather a history book. It provides the story behind how backcountry aviation came to be and why it is here still today. When you are done reading it not will you understand the history behind each airstrip, but you will understand why it still exists today in its current form. It will make our trip more meaningful as you understand the the history and public policies surrounding this outcome of backcountry aviation flourishing in Idaho - and its dismay in other similar locations (like Montana).
2) "Fly idaho". This is strictly a how-to bok, but it picks up where the airport facility directory drops off.
3) Idaho Aviation Associations website (google it).
These folks were established in he 80s to maintain and preserve backcountr aviation, amongst other advocacy groups. Additionally, the state aeronautics department plays an important role.
Without a doubt, Idaho does have the most backcountry landing strips in the lower 48.
Come out and say hi. Burgers and Breakfasts have been known to buy tours
Finally, we have to maintain and use them. If we don't, we lose them. We can't make any more. If you're not aware, in wilderness areas you can't even use a chainsaw to remove a tree fallen on a runway, and you can't use a lawnmower to remove grass.
Public Law 96-312
The Central Idaho Wilderness Act of 1980
Permitted land uses; continuation.
Aircraft landing.
SEC. 7. (a) Within the River of No Return
Wilderness and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness
additions designated by this Act-
(1) the landing of aircraft, where this use has
become established prior to the date of enactment
of this Act shall be permitted to continue subject
to such restrictions as the Secretary deems
desirable: Provided, That the Secretary shall not
permanently close or render unserviceable any
aircraft landing strip in regular use on national
forest lands on the date of enactment of this Act
for reasons other than extreme danger to aircraft,
and in any case not without the express written
concurrence of the agency of the State of Idaho
charged with evaluating the safety of backcountry
airstrips.
That was just amazing - thanks for posting!
That's exactly the kind of freedom and fun I want to get involved in once I move back to the Rockies.
I'm curious - Idaho seems to have a high density of backcountry airstrips. Is it the only state in the Rockies to have that many? If so, I wonder why? Do they have a state organization that promotes backcountry airplane travel, or maybe just a really good collection of plane owners who promote it, and take care of the airstrips?
I've never really given much thought to doing much traveling in Idaho. My Mind's always been focused on Colorado, and the greater Yellowstone area of Wyoming and Montana.
But Idaho looks like it's got some spectacular places to go, so it's going on my "list"
