Cayuse Landing Camp

About

Cayuse Landing Camp occupies a remote location in the North Fork Clearwater drainage of north-central Idaho at approximately 3,500 feet elevation. The area sits adjacent to the Cayuse Creek USFS airstrip, one of several backcountry strips serving tributaries of the Clearwater River. Limited camping is available next to the creek along a primitive road that parallels the landing field. This is true backcountry dispersed camping with no developed facilities. Campers should be fully self-sufficient and prepared for primitive conditions. The area is known for excellent fishing opportunities in Cayuse Creek and the North Fork Clearwater River, targeting native westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout. Private land exists on the upstream end of the landing field, and campers must respect property boundaries. Access is via Forest Road 581, which typically opens toward the end of June or beginning of July depending on snowpack. The airstrip itself is recommended only for experienced backcountry pilots due to high terrain, density altitude considerations, and tree obstructions at both runway ends.

Directions

Access via Forest Road 581 from the North Fork Clearwater River corridor. Road 581 typically opens toward the end of June or beginning of July. Use the primitive road that parallels the landing field next to the creek rather than driving on the airstrip itself.