loon lake bomber hike

The weekend of Oct 25-26, a large contingent from Troop 100 hiked in to Loon Lake north of McCall in Idaho. Leaving Nevada, the crew had just finished their training mission and were heading home to Tacoma, Washington. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! The closest airport would be in Boise, Idaho. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot decided to attempt a landing in Boise. Met some riders coming the other way at a high rate of speed while we were stopped for a Kodak moment. Most of the logs are burnt and brittle and will collapse under too much weight. Dense new growth is coming in after a fire in 2007 wiped out large areas of the hike with a High mountain lake. The hike to the abandoned war bomber is exquisite. This was one of my favorite alpine lakes we have been to this year. status date description; ... Don’t forget to ditch the bikes at the lake and hike over to the crashed B-1 bomber plane. Forest service says this trail was maintained in March of this year which appears to maybe have jumped the gun. The elevation at the trailhead is nearly the same as at the lake, but to get from one point to the other across ridges and drainages requires a lot of accumulated gain and loss. You can visit the bomber on the southeast side of the lake via a short (~1 mile) spur trail. The outlet side of Loon Lake. The plane slapped against the frozen ice and skidded its way across the surface slamming into the surrounding trees, shearing off its wings and coming to a sudden stop. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. The second way involves a 1.5 mile paddle on Loon Lake, a short 40 rod portage into Crab Lake, a ¾ mile paddle on Crab Lake, and then a ½ mile hike to the falls following the streams that flow into Gunflint Lake. But if you want to see the bomber, it’s decision time at the lake. The pilot took a chance and nosed the plane down. Best time of year: July and August You’ll start in rocky mountain country, dip into some dense forest and wade through tall grass. But if you want to see the bomber, it’s decision time at the lake. The slog to the bomber is a slow journey and eats up a lot more energy but it is safer. You will Hike into a downed B-23 Dragon Bomber with 2 trails lead in from the campground. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona. Here's a view of Loon Lake from near the bikes, looking southward. If all you did was hike there, you’d be pleased. A popular walking loop leads from the Chinook Campground in the Payette National Forest, along the banks of the Sesech River to the majestic Loon Lake. If all you did was hike there, you’d be pleased. Nine Mile Falls, WA. The hike is approximately 10 miles round-trip. Loon Lake itself is a stunning destination. Type: Out and Back You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The plane was returning to McChord Field in Tacoma, Washington from a training mission in Nevada when it flew into a heavy snow storm near Pendleton, Oregon. It's the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy all of Idaho's grandeur before making the trip back. Nine Mile Falls, WA. Find a rock or a place on the beach and sit down for lunch. As the Bomber reached Central Oregon, the clouds began to swell and a snow flurry began to distort the pilot’s vision. Get more stories delivered right to your email. You may return the way you came, or you may follow trail #081 back north to Chinook Campground. If you feel like taking a short hIke there is a B23 Dragon Bomber crashed on the far end of the lake. Andes Hike. The pilot knew they were not going to make it to Boise. All 8 men survived the accident and the bitter cold. I chose not to include a picture of the bomber because it ruins some of the surprise. The trail constantly changes in elevation so there is no section that is harder than the other but overall, you’re looking at 3355′ of elevation gain over the course of 10 miles out-and-back. Loon Lake from the trail. Please note that this trail does not start at the road north of Chinook Campgound as shown on most maps, that section has been vacated. Located in the 122,100 acre Debar Mountain Wild Forest in the northeastern Adirondacks along the old NY 99, now known as County Route 26. Just above Loon Creek take trail #084 west. The hike to Loon Lake near McCall, Idaho, features a World War II-era bomber crash site. There is a signboard about the crash just west of the outlet. The trail is long and eats up most of the day, but how often do you get to see a real piece of history tied to an amazing story of survival? After traveling 42 miles and summiting the Lick Creek Mountain Range the men finally found the Lake Fork Guard Station and were able to radio for help. On January 29, 1943, the B-23 "Dragon Bomber" went down at Loon Lake (elevation 5,280') with eight men aboard. Super cool! Note: If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the B-23 “Dragon Bomber” crash site (GPS Co-ordinates: 45.1589, -115.8413) on the south side of the lake. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. Loon Lake Trail Reports. The crew waited five days for help. Beginning at the Chinook Campground, trail Secesh River Trail #81follows the gorgeous river through forest. 2. Left Fork Forge the creek to get to the left side of the lake and look for the brief outline of a trail. Loon Lake Overlook (on-site)- From our parking lot, hike ¼ mile up on top of our property to get a beautiful overlook of Loon Lake. Centennial Trail State Park. goochrules/Flickr The plane was returning to McChord Field in Tacoma, Washington after a training mission in Nevada when it flew into a heavy snow storm in Oregon. The snow pounded the plane and the crew began to get anxious. The story behind the crash is a fascinating one, involving eight men enduring the harsh Idaho winter for 21 long days before finally being rescued. Aaron Mc/AllTrails. Continue south along #081 to the junction of trail #084. Directions to Loon Lake and the Dragon Bomber Wreckage. Both wings were sheared off and the nose was smashed, but the fuselage remained intact. The sense of urgency became apparent as the plane began to lose altitude. A few downed trees on the way out from Ruby Meadows campground. Trailhead: Chinook Campground What do you think? If you enjoyed this fascinating piece of history, you’ll love The Eerily Beautiful Shipwreck Hiding Right Here In Idaho! The hike in was via the beautiful Secesh River, named for secessionist minded miners in the area in Civil War times. A wildfire burned much of this area a few years ago so while the shade is not as dense as it once was, the area is recovering nicely. Hiking for over 40 miles in snow up to their waists, the men followed the Secesh River until they reached a ranger station where they were able to phone for help. The left fork adds only a mile to the hike and is the fastest route so the risk may be worth it. You can proceed to the right side of the lake but there is no trail. It's a little overy a mile to hike around the lake … The wreckage is still there today. Where the trail meets Loon Creek, leave the trail to follow the creek north to Loon Lake. This trail runs 1.75 miles south along the west side of Loon Lake. The area had… One wrong slip up and you’re going to have a really bad time. After crossing the outlet, there is a trail around the east side of the lake to the bomber crash site. Riverside State Park. To keep it interesting, we made our trip a loop, walking in along the Secesh River Trail and out the Loon Lake Trail. We had 13 scouts, and 8 scouters on the trip. One of the trails follows the Secesh River with Prime camping spots, one on the near side of the lake, the other on the far side near the bomber with really Good fishing. The hike is a long one, ... it's nice to turn around and look out at the majestic allure of Loon Lake. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The bottom of the lake is sandy and slimy so going barefoot is not recommended. The beginning of the trail remains intact but the majority of it is covered in brush and downed trees. A fun backpacking trip to Loon Lake, 40-miles north of McCall in the Payette National Forest. The plane is incredibly preserved considering it’s been sitting out and exposed to the elements for the better portion of a century. Nearest Major City: McCall, ID You will encounter various terrains on the way to the lake. The bomber hit the far shore, sawing off 20-inch trees for about 100 yards. As you look across the crystal clear water you see North and South Loon Mountains looming in the distance. conservation easement has re-opened the trail to the old fire tower on Loon Lake Mountain. Nine Mile Falls, WA. By this time, the men had been hiking for two weeks. It’s not often that history and hiking collide together but that is exactly what this unique hike does. Be prepared to spend the full day on the trail, Don’t forget the sunscreen in the summer months. + 0. bombin4x (Aug 1, 2020 at 19:29) Trail in good condition. We woke up early on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend to tackle the hike, which impressed us not only with its beauty, but with a fascinating piece of history hidden within the woods. 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Mount Spokane State Park In 2007, a forest fire destroyed the trail. Stick as close to the shore as possible where the lake is most shallow. The order was given to prepare parachutes and be ready to jump. Equipped with only one shotgun for protection from bears and wolves and only a few chocolate rations to survive on, they hiked 14 days through snow as deep as 10 feet in certain places. As the men began to pack their chutes, the pilot found a clearing in the clouds and spotted what looked like an open field and their only chance of landing the aircraft with minimum damage. Loon Lake itself is a stunning destination. Not many people are aware that this hiking trail, along with beautiful lakeside views, leads you to the site of an abandoned airplane crash that occurred over 70 years ago! Thank you! Hike to Loon Lake near McCall, Idaho, features a World War II-era bomber crash site and the Secesh River canyon. The hike itself is fairly easy and serves as a great day outing for the whole family. T here’s nothing difficult about hiking this scenic trail along Loon Lake on the Rubicon Trail, which offers picturesque images of the lake if you venture off the forested trail a little bit for the views. Hike to Loon Lake, bomber … Highest Point: 9,050 ft. The B-23 was then mainly used for training purposes. You can trudge through the mud and forest debris but you must move very carefully. Post a Comment. The bizarre sight of the wreckage is the perfect reward for a long hike and is something you have to see with your own eyes. This trail sees little maintenance, is prone to down trees, and is more technically demanding. The pilot swung the plane around and attempted to contact ground control, getting nothing but static in response. Maybe this is better in the summer if the water in the lake drops, but definetly don't recommend this trail as it stands now. Loon Lake: Hike / Camping on Jul 24, 2010 in Boise, ID at Boise, Idaho, United States. There is also a trail to the bomber on the west side of the lake, crossing the inlet to the lake. The bomber site is in the middle.. We rode out via the Chinook Campground trail to the Warren Wagon road. Forge the creek to get to the left side of the lake and look for the brief outline of a trail. Bring a pair shoes you don’t mind getting wet. With no communication, the chances for safe landing began to decrease. Time: 8 hours But know that the full plane is there and not just some scraps of metal. All the crew survived with only a few broken bones and lacerations. In 2007, a forest fire destroyed the trail. Map: Download KMZ File Only 28 of these planes were manufactured since they were soon considered outdated and replaced by newer models. The three mile trail follows logging roads and the old steep trail to the fire tower. The wreckage is on the south side of Loon Lake, approximately 150 feet into the trees. Upon your arrival to Loon Lake, you’ll have two options to find the downed bomber, both require some serious effort and getting wet. The B-23 Dragon bomber crashed there in 1943. This trail runs 1.75 miles south along the west side of Loon Lake. Although this adds a few extra pounds to your pack you will save a tremendous amount of effort trying to get to the crash site. With no other choice, the crew prepped for an emergency landing. In 1943, eight men boarded an American B-23 twin-engined bomber, also known as the “Dragon Bomber”. Along the way you will hike past granite rocks and hills as the trail is a gateway to Desolation Wilderness. With no hope of quick rescue, the men had to do something. For more information on the crew, the crash and the rescue check out this free book written by Richard H Holm  Jr. Beginning at the Chinook Campground, head over the bridge and follow the Secesh river before beginning a series of switchbacks. A six-mile hike with a pack is no small chore for a child. Honestly, the best option is the bring along an inflatable raft that can be pumped up once you get to the lake. Love Idaho? Will you complete this hike anytime soon? Elevation Gain: 3355 ft The plane was so deep in the timber that military deemed it unsalvageable and left it at the crash site. Nine Mile Recreation Area Campground. Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. On January 29, 1943, the B-23 "Dragon Bomber" crash landed at Loon lake (elevation 5280') with eight men on board after an attempted emergency landing on the frozen water. The only injuries were a broken leg and a severely cut hand. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: The plane was called a B-23 Dragon Bomber. Where the trail meets Loon Creek, leave the trail to follow the creek north to Loon Lake. The shortest route is to wade across Loon Creek on the north shore and bushwhack about 0.8 miles along the shore to the bomber. Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Review of GrandPa’s FireGrill by Light My Fire of Sweden, Truck Camper Conversion Guide: Tips For Building Your Truck Camper Setup, Insulate Windows on Your Truck Bed Camper Shell. 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