Big ROCK Flat

The strip is about 2300ft long at about 5000 MSL. It's 170 statute miles from KHIO. It's on USFS land in the Umatilla National Forest. I contacted the District Ranger Brandon Houck and he said it was OK to use the strip but it is not maintained.

I landed there on 4/23/19. The main runway (34-16) still has a little water on it so I landed on the shorter runway 28 that has an uphill slope and better drainage. 28 was pretty rough for 800X6's. I kept my speed up until I got to the runway intersection to avoid dropping a tire in a hole.

The main runway is relatively flat and smooth. See the picture below to get an idea. Tri-Pacers should be OK if rough field techniques are used. The approaches are clear from both directions. 34-16 has tires marking the ends but they could use a new coat of white paint. There is an ATV trail that crosses the runway but it doesn't cause a problem. There is a hole in runway 34 near the ATV trail crossing on the left edge. We should fill it next time we come.

There are reasonable camping areas near the the runway intersection. A wind sock pole is located at runway intersection but the sock is gone. We should bring a new one or some streamer next time we go. I got a feeling bug repellent would be a good idea later in the year.