MOOSE CREEK USFS, ID

Moose Creek is a must visit airstrip.  It's located deep in the Bitterroot Selway Wilderness of Idaho, and is bordered by the Selway River on the south, and Moose Creek to the north.  This is a Forest Service strip, with approximately 10 camp sites with fire pits, tables and pit toilets.  Water is available at the historic Forest Service Ranger Station.  There are trails in all directions for hikers, great fishing at the right times, and basically, just a great place to relax and ponder, whatever you want to ponder.

The Great Falls sectional lists this strip as hazardous, most likely because of the DC-3 that landed long there on Rwy 04 several decades ago and stopped 100 feet into the trees.  Many fire fighters lost their lives in the accident.  There is a monument to them near the Ranger Station.  Otherwise, this is a safe location with good approaches, but you must be proficient in slow flight and tight canyon turns.  Long approaches are possible to the two most common landing rwys - 04 and 19 (19 being the long rwy).  More experienced pilots may prefer landing 01, but it requires a very tight left turn on final, and you should consider your gross weight and maximum bank before making that choice.

Pilot's need to remember that this is a pack it in and pack it out wilderness location.  It's a great privelege to fly here - please keep it clean, and we'll all benefit through good relations with Anna, the new District Ranger, and be welcomed back.