Cold Meadows Airfield Day Use Area

For us Idahoans, the call of the wild is a fundamental part of our identity. We pride ourselves on having access to some of the most expansive and untouched wilderness areas in the Lower 48. Among these, the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness stands as a crown jewel, and within its vast expanse lies a truly unique destination: Cold Meadows Airfield Day Use Area. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; it's a gateway to deep backcountry adventure, catering to those who prefer their outdoor experiences rugged, remote, and truly off the beaten path. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry pilot, an intrepid backpacker, a dedicated hunter, or an angler seeking pristine waters, Cold Meadows offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Idaho's wilderness.

Cold Meadows Airfield Day Use Area is located in Warren, ID 83671, USA. However, it's essential for locals and visitors alike to understand that this address is a general geographical marker for a profoundly remote location within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Unlike most conventional campgrounds, Cold Meadows is not accessible by road for typical vehicles. Its primary modes of access are by small aircraft landing on its airstrip, or by extensive backcountry travel on foot or horseback.

The airstrip, featuring a turf/dirt runway (Runway 16/34, approximately 4550 feet long), serves as a vital lifeline for pilots experienced in backcountry flying. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is open to public and commercial use generally from May through October, depending on snow conditions. Pilots must be proficient in mountain flying, as the airstrip presents challenges such as high density altitude during summer months, a significant slope, and potential surface water in spring.

For those who prefer ground travel, Cold Meadows can be reached via extensive hiking trails. Access from the east can begin on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, or from the north from the Main Salmon River. From the west, access is via Chamberlain Basin or the Big Creek Trail. These are multi-day treks through challenging wilderness terrain, requiring significant preparation and backcountry experience. The nearest staffed facility, Chamberlain Basin Guard Station, is open from late June through mid-October, providing some support for those in the area. This remote access is precisely what preserves the area's pristine nature, offering a truly wild Idaho experience.

As a remote wilderness day-use area and airstrip, Cold Meadows offers a different set of "services" compared to a developed campground. Its primary function is to facilitate access and provide basic necessities for backcountry users.

• Airstrip: The core "service" is the maintained grass/dirt airstrip itself (Cold Meadows Airstrip), providing a critical aerial access point into the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness for private pilots and commercial outfitters.

• Primitive Facilities: You will find very limited, primitive facilities. These typically include basic amenities such as windsocks for pilots and possibly rudimentary fire rings or designated areas for day use.

• No Camping Amenities at Airstrip: It's crucial to note that while visitors often use the area for staging multi-day trips, there are explicitly "no camping amenities at the airstrip" itself. Overnight stays are generally considered dispersed camping in the surrounding wilderness, requiring campers to be fully self-sufficient.

• Vault Toilets: While not explicitly stated for the day-use area, remote Forest Service airstrips and guard stations in the wilderness often have basic vault toilets nearby. It is always wise to be prepared for primitive conditions and practice Leave No Trace principles.

• Access to Trails: The day-use area provides direct access to a vast network of backcountry trails for hiking, backpacking, and horse riding, connecting to other areas like Chamberlain Basin and various points along the Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers.

• Wilderness Access: Its most significant service is providing access to an unparalleled wilderness experience, where visitors are responsible for their own safety and resources.

Cold Meadows Airfield Day Use Area distinguishes itself through its wild, untamed nature and the unique opportunities it presents.

• True Wilderness Immersion: This is not a manicured park. It's a raw, authentic wilderness experience, appealing to those who crave deep solitude and self-reliance away from crowds. The vastness of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness truly envelops you here.

• Backcountry Flying Hub: For pilots, Cold Meadows Airfield is a renowned backcountry airstrip, offering the thrill and challenge of mountain flying and serving as a launchpad for wilderness adventures. It's a vital part of Idaho's unique aviation culture.

• Premier Hunting and Fishing Grounds: The surrounding wilderness is celebrated for its exceptional big game hunting opportunities (elk, deer, moose, bear, cougar, Bighorn sheep) and world-class fishing, particularly for large cutthroat trout in remote lakes like Black Lake.

• Extensive Trail Network: Numerous trails intersect near the Cold Meadows Guard Station adjacent to the airstrip, providing endless possibilities for day hiking, backpacking, and horse camping/riding. Popular trails include Cold Mountain Trail #043, Lemhi Trail #023, and the extensive Chamberlain Trail #001 system.

• Stunning Scenery and Wildlife: The area boasts breathtaking natural scenery, from lush meadows to rugged mountains and pristine rivers. Wildlife viewing is abundant, offering glimpses of Idaho's iconic fauna.

• Remote and Uncrowded: Due to its challenging access, Cold Meadows remains relatively uncrowded, particularly outside of peak hunting season. This ensures a peaceful and intimate wilderness experience for those who make the journey.

• "Ranger and Interns were nice": A positive note from a previous visitor highlights the presence of helpful Forest Service staff who may be in the broader Chamberlain Basin area, potentially offering local insights or assistance if encountered.

• Wildlife Awareness: While some reviews mention "too many wolves" or "a horrible amount of wolves," this feedback, though challenging for some, underscores the area's wild character and the presence of native wildlife, including apex predators. It serves as a reminder for all visitors to be wildlife aware, practice proper food storage, and understand they are guests in a wild ecosystem.

Given its remote nature within a vast wilderness area, Cold Meadows Airfield Day Use Area does not have a direct public phone number like a typical business. It is managed by the Payette National Forest, specifically within the Krassel Ranger District.

Address: Warren, ID 83671, USA (This is a general area address for a wilderness location).

For up-to-date information regarding conditions, airstrip status, wilderness regulations, or to speak with Forest Service personnel, it is best to contact the Payette National Forest Supervisor's Office or the Krassel Ranger District directly.

• Payette National Forest Supervisor's Office: 500 North Mission Street, McCall, Idaho 83638. Phone: (208) 634-0700.

• Idaho Division of Aeronautics: For information pertinent to flying into Idaho's backcountry airstrips, pilots can contact the Idaho Division of Aeronautics: 1390 W. Gowen Road, Boise, ID 83705. Phone: (208) 334-8775.

For us Idahoans, Cold Meadows Airfield Day Use Area is more than just a destination; it's a testament to the wild heart of our state. Its suitability for locals lies precisely in its challenging accessibility and untamed character. It offers the kind of deep wilderness immersion that many Idaho residents seek – a place where self-reliance is key, and the rewards are profound. If you're a pilot seeking thrilling backcountry landings, a backpacker yearning for solitude on remote trails, a hunter in pursuit of a truly wild experience, or an angler dreaming of unpressured waters, Cold Meadows is calling. While the presence of wildlife, including wolves, is a factor to be aware of and prepared for, it also signifies the ecological health and true wilderness status of this incredible area. Cold Meadows represents Idaho at its most authentic: vast, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful, offering an escape unlike any other for those willing to embrace its wild embrace. It's a place where memories are forged in the crucible of genuine outdoor adventure, deeply rooted in the Idaho spirit.

Cold Meadows Airfield Day Use Area

Warren, ID 83671, USA