Camping in WA, OR or NorCal?

[Mountain Time]

Lots of good suggestions. much appreciated! With JonJay's added info I think Nehalem Bay looks like a prime candidate for this trip, so i'll keep an eye on weather for next week out on the coast (I've been stuck with morning fog at Seaside before, and it can take a while...)

Greg's suggestions also look good, Orcas is close by and I've been up there several times, so i'm looking a little further afield. Electric City may be an option.

Stitch, Cavanaugh Bay looks great, I'll need to check further and get a sense of field condition to see if it is dried out and good for an RV - maybe too early in the season? Sullivan Lake is closed until June 1 and I assume it is for that same reason - maybe not in good shape yet. Johnson Creek maybe a little far for this trip, I know it is also a very popular destination.

Sisters also looks good, and would get me over on the east side of the Cascades, so that also has some appeal. Columbia, CA also looks very cool but a little far afield for this first try at a quick fly/camp trip. Maybe on a later adventure.

So I'm feeling like maybe Nehalem Bay, and either Cavanaugh Bay or Sisters, as my leading candidates for this trip - maybe Electric City if the coast doesn't look good for some reason.

I picked up a new camera a few months back so will attempt to get some decent shots for a pirep. Looking like I will shoot to make the trip this coming week (fingers crossed).

Thanks again -

[mbauer]

I'm flying to Alaska 27 May thru 29 May. Plan to stop overnight at Orcas Island. They have camping tie-downs. Showers are close and fuel is right there as well. Pilot lounge too.

Courtesy car might be available, bicycles too with locks. Town is within walking distance at 3/4 mile on a path. Looks like a great place to visit-hotels are spendy on the Island though.

Contacted Airport manager and he reported to check NOTAMs due to runway upgrades. Haven't been there yet, but heading that way tomorrow the 27th.

Plan to depart early AM for Ketchikan, AK on the 28th. Winds and clear sky forecast.

[Mountain Time]

Orcas is a great place, I've not camped there but as you say, an easy walk to town, good food and activities, etc etc. The San Juans are really beautiful on a nice day.

Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is also excellent, with fuel and an easy walk to downtown, though no camping that I know of.

[BruceEicher]

Call Alan at 208-659-8198, field keeper at Cavanough Bay, Priest Lake. I would assume he has the field pristine.

I wish Oregon had some grounds, strip keepers like Alan. A prime location with camping on field or very nice across highway next to river, rafting, fishing, hiking, hotsprings, shuttles, bike rentals and 26mile mountain bike trail listed #1 in the country by some...is 00S McKenzie Bridge.

Field is "no wheel pants" but a little work it could be like the best of Idaho!

[BMC_Dave]

Cavanaugh (66S) is a sweet little strip. 30yds from a resort with a great restaurant, free firewood, courtsey car, and hot showers if that's your thing. Free camping for pilots You can call the airport manager and get a feel for current conditions, forget his name and number but it's published. Runway was fine for my Archer, 3 friends, and full load.

Check out www.PacificNorthwestflying.com they have great airport summaries and pireps.

[tracy]

Call Alan at 208-659-8198, field keeper at Cavanough Bay, Priest Lake. I would assume he has the field pristine.

I wish Oregon had some grounds, strip keepers like Alan. A prime location with camping on field or very nice across highway next to river, rafting, fishing, hiking, hotsprings, shuttles, bike rentals and 26mile mountain bike trail listed #1 in the country by some...is 00S McKenzie Bridge.

Field is "no wheel pants" but a little work it could be like the best of Idaho!


What do you mean by no wheel pants?

[BruceEicher]

Originally Posted by tracy

Call Alan at 208-659-8198, field keeper at Cavanough Bay, Priest Lake. I would assume he has the field pristine.

I wish Oregon had some grounds, strip keepers like Alan. A prime location with camping on field or very nice across highway next to river, rafting, fishing, hiking, hotsprings, shuttles, bike rentals and 26mile mountain bike trail listed #1 in the country by some...is 00S McKenzie Bridge.

Field is "no wheel pants" but a little work it could be like the best of Idaho!


What do you mean by no wheel pants?

A little rougher than say Cavanough Bay and some rodent holes that could catch low pants. Touch down area better than top end of uphill strip. Parking even less smooth.
BTW; One way in up hill. One way out down hill trees on each end...

[Mountain Time]

Well, the fabulous forecast for this week has turned out to be not so fabulous now that the week is here - back to same ol same ol gray here in the Seattle area. Being a VFR pilot in this part of the country is a character building experience, for sure.

Along with some not so great weather for camping (even if flyable), over the weekend I noticed my left main tire looking pretty thin on the outboard portion, and having just read a current thread on this it got me thinking: do I want to risk a problem somewhere a ways from home? Nope. So, new tires on the way from Spruce, and I'll get those on (along with a brake lining change, still on the original linings after 12 years and ~700 landings!) this weekend.

I'll make the trip to Cavanaugh Bay and Nehelem State sometime within the next month or so, weather and work permitting, and will post a PIREP then. One added benefit: my wife was overheard talking about the Cavanaugh Bay location and how it would be something she might want to check out. So, the extra lead time offers a chance to refine my plan and get her to go along. Those of you with SOs who are reluctant to fly with you, as in my case, know how significant something like this might be...

[BruceEicher]

John, I heard Cavanough Bay Resort restaraunt re-opened. They are on the lake at the end of the strip. Let us know, try the whole menu and report back.

[JonJay]

We try to get to Manzanita at least once a month. Let us know when you might be there. If we are there, I would love to see your airplane I never met an RV I didn't like.