The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.
– John Muir
The Area
Big Creek lies on the lip of a vast 2.4 million acres of untamed land known as the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. By and large, it's pretty epic out here.
The Place to Be »
The Activities
Bike. Hike. Fish. Ride. Remote, wild, and full of transporting possibilities, set out on a big adventure right outside your door. This is where wanderlust takes off.
Adventure On »
News & Happenings
At least once a day I find myself typing, "Ida...." into my search bar and tapping on the link that automatically pops up now: Idaho Aviation Foundation, and clicking on the Web Cams to check on the sleeping Lodge. While my life rolls in Wisconsin, a sizeable piece of my heart is still in Big Creek🥰. ![]()
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This past week of Thanksgiving has been just that. We have so much to be thankful for, not the least of which is the restoration of the lodge that has become my summer home, and it's impact on the people who visit. And none of this would have been possible without the Idaho Aviation Foundation and its mission. The cameras that allow us to see the various airstrip is another service that they fund. They also funded the "Fly Idaho" book set, which has become a staple for the pilots that fly the Idaho back country. ![]()
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But what I want to make sure you all know that these are not the only projects that have impacted people in profound ways. There is another one that truly touches my heart, and that is the Wilderness Within Reach project. ![]()
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While the IAF has championed the continued access to enjoy the back country, there are still great challenges to the physically disabled population to experience the wilderness. In response to that, the IAF in tandem with the Boise Parks and Recreation have held this annual event. With help of air taxi operators and volunteers, they are able to fly in those who would have no other way to enjoy a holiday in the back country! ![]()
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This year, we are excited to bring an adult group into Big Creek Lodge, and a children's group into the Flying B for a 2-day adventure. This is done at no cost to the participants. For more information, I've included a link below for you to read about it. Be sure to check out the link to the History of The Wilderness Within Reach Program at the end of the article!![]()
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In the spirit of Thanksgiving, and what is coming to be known as Giving Tuesday, if this strikes a chord with you, please consider a donation to further not only the continuance of this project, but even it's expansion in the future! ![]()
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I will be sure to post more about this as this year's event takes shape! It's truly life changing for the participants! ![]()
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With so much THANKS and Gratitude...💝💖
Something about the first snowfall of the season vibrates the heartstrings in me! It will come and go for a bit like a restless child who's not quite ready for bed. But then it will finally overtake the sun's ability to melt it and the peaceful blanket of white will envelope her for her winter hibernation. May the aviators and locals keep an eye on her til she awakens again in spring! 💖![]()
( Thank you, Carrie Ellie, for taking the hike I would if I were there to get this spectacular photo!)
Almost 2 weeks since I've been back in Wisconsin. Not gonna lie...the colors here will straight up take your breath away! And the smell of the fallen leaves is a scent that can never be bottled. ![]()
But today as I look at the overcast sky and contemplate the things I still need to unpack, (yes...without proper motivation, I have procrastination down to an artform) I am missing Big Creek 😢 ![]()
So I am perusing my photos and I'm not sure if it's helping or not to revisit just a fraction of the highlights of my summer!🥹 Take a minute and wander through these with me, won't you? (Captions provided!)![]()
And then...can you help a heartsick sister out and post YOUR best memory of Big Creek in the comments?![]()
Big Creek is a lodge, yes, a place.....but SO much more than that, it's the people and the stories that breathe the life into it....and that's you! So grateful today for all of you who share a love for this amazing place!
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