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? One wrong slip up and you’re going to have a really bad time. The area had… the crew decided to try an emergency landing on Loon Lake, near Upper Payette Lake. 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. The hike itself is fairly easy and serves as a great day outing for the whole family. Highest Point: 9,050 ft. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! 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. Leaving Nevada, the crew had just finished their training mission and were heading home to Tacoma, Washington. The supposed clearing was not what it appeared, in fact, it was frozen Loon Lake. 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. In 1943, eight men boarded an American B-23 twin-engined bomber, also known as the “Dragon Bomber”. The three mile trail follows logging roads and the old steep trail to the fire tower. Met some riders coming the other way at a high rate of speed while we were stopped for a Kodak moment. The pilot swung the plane around and attempted to contact ground control, getting nothing but static in response. If all you did was hike there, you’d be pleased. Loon Lake itself is a stunning destination. Aaron Mc/AllTrails. As you look across the crystal clear water you see North and South Loon Mountains looming in the distance. 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 weekend of Oct 25-26, a large contingent from Troop 100 hiked in to Loon Lake north of McCall in Idaho. Nearest Major City: McCall, ID The closest airport would be in Boise, Idaho. A six-mile hike with a pack is no small chore for a child. Thank you! conservation easement has re-opened the trail to the old fire tower on Loon Lake Mountain. You will Hike into a downed B-23 Dragon Bomber with 2 trails lead in from the campground. Continue south along #081 to the junction of trail #084. In fact, you’re going to need to get in the water. By this time, the men had been hiking for two weeks. It's the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy all of Idaho's grandeur before making the trip back. Only 28 of these planes were manufactured since they were soon considered outdated and replaced by newer models. You will encounter various terrains on the way to the lake. 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. Best time of year: July and August What do you think? 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. Trail #080 follows the Secesh River south towards Loon Creek. Bring a pair shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Honestly, the best option is the bring along an inflatable raft that can be pumped up once you get to the lake. Many people do this loop as a long day hike, but there are plenty of spots to camp near the lake that make it a great overnight trip. Loon Lake itself is a stunning destination. This trail runs 1.75 miles south along the west side of Loon Lake. In 2007, a forest fire destroyed the trail. Nine Mile Falls, WA. 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 wreckage is still there today. 3 men volunteered to go for help. 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. The hike in was via the beautiful Secesh River, named for secessionist minded miners in the area in Civil War times. Trailhead: Chinook Campground This trail sees little maintenance, is prone to down trees, and is more technically demanding. Type: Out and Back The pilot took a chance and nosed the plane down. Hike to Loon Lake, bomber … Most of the logs are burnt and brittle and will collapse under too much weight. The sense of urgency became apparent as the plane began to lose altitude. If you feel like taking a short hIke there is a B23 Dragon Bomber crashed on the far end of the lake. After crossing the outlet, there is a trail around the east side of the lake to the bomber crash site. 2. 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. Here's a view of Loon Lake from near the bikes, looking southward. Hike to Loon Lake near McCall, Idaho, features a World War II-era bomber crash site and the Secesh River canyon. Mount Spokane State Park 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. Map: Download KMZ File On January 29, 1943, the B-23 "Dragon Bomber" went down at Loon Lake (elevation 5,280') with eight men aboard. Forest service says this trail was maintained in March of this year which appears to maybe have jumped the gun. As the Bomber reached Central Oregon, the clouds began to swell and a snow flurry began to distort the pilot’s vision. All the crew survived with only a few broken bones and lacerations. If you enjoyed this fascinating piece of history, you’ll love The Eerily Beautiful Shipwreck Hiding Right Here In Idaho! Forge the creek to get to the left side of the lake and look for the brief outline of a trail. Will you complete this hike anytime soon? You’ll start in rocky mountain country, dip into some dense forest and wade through tall grass. There is also a trail to the bomber on the west side of the lake, crossing the inlet to the lake. Post a Comment. Both wings were sheared off and the nose was smashed, but the fuselage remained intact. Option is the fastest route so the risk may be worth it you can trudge through the mud forest... Snow pounded the plane began to get to the junction of trail 081! Idaho, features a World War II-era bomber crash site the bikes, southward... 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