old strips in Oregon Cascades

[chosstronaut]

Saw these on an old map, and then found them on google earth. Neither look like they have been used in at least 30-40 years... damn trees. Cool locations though non the less. Any historical references of either of these out there?

Suttle Lake strip:
44°24'54.20"N
121°45'37.74"W

Big Lake strip:
44°22'54.07"N
121°53'5.70"W

[GroundLooper]

Good find.

The Suttle lake strip looks, to me, like a private strip that fell into non-aviation ownership. Still looks like it could be landable.

The Big Lake strip looks like it has great recreational potential. What looks like a landable area appears to be around 1000'
My Washington Wilderness map show it outside the wilderness and along the Old Santiam Wagon Road now Trail 3413.

[chrisg]

From the satellite photos, the Big Lake strip look pretty interesting. Is anyone planning on some recon (by air or ground) for more information?

[chosstronaut]

I live part time in Camp Sherman. Soooo I think I'll drive out there in a hour or so and try and find it.

I'll bring a camera and report back. If I don't get out today I'll try and do it tomorrow on my way back to Corvallis.

Nice to see some interest in these strips! Not that I have anything that could land there at this point, but hopefully sometime in the near future

[whee]

After you check it out you should contact the Local RAF guys and give them a condition report. Maybe they will be interested in trying to reopen the strip.

[chosstronaut]

Unfortunately I ran out of time and didn't make it back to the strip to take a look. I should have some time next week and will post up as soon as I can check it out.

Cheers
Tyler

[chosstronaut]

So I finally went and checked out the strip by Big Lake, here is what I found:


Looking to the East.


Same as above.


Looking into the sun.

So now the strip it appears is part of the Ray Benson OHV Recreation Area. Why not smooth it out again chop a few trees and increase the recreation... for now I guess you'd want some BIG tires and well ya know...

[DBI]

Saw these on an old map, and then found them on google earth. Neither look like they have been used in at least 30-40 years... damn trees. Cool locations though non the less. Any historical references of either of these out there?

I am originally from Corvallis and try to get my old Skylane back at least once a year to visit my folks who still live there. Your input both on this site and shortfield has been much appreciated. Keep up the good work

[chosstronaut]

Your input both on this site and shortfield has been much appreciated. Keep up the good work

Thanks, I'm kinda new to this so I wasn't sure if it was appreciated or annoying.

I went and flew over the strips on the way to Sisters today. I got some crappy pictures but it gives you a little more idea whats there.


Big Lake strip, too bad Hayrick Butte is covered with trees, that would be a bitchin' place to land!


Big Lake strip


Big Lake strip


Suttle Lake strip


Suttle Lake strip

The Suttle Lake strip appears to mostly still be there except for the trees on the approach end. So much opportunity for recreation at either of the strips, would be awesome to get one re-opened some day...