Moose Creek - History

In the early 1900's the first rangers came to build trails and chart this primitive wilderness. With the advent of forest fire protection, Moose Creek Ranger Station was established to serve as a fire-fighting base. Eventually it became a supply and communication center for more than 50 lookout towers. The first building was constructed in 1921. The "honeymoon cabin" -- so named after being occupied by a newly married ranger -- now serves mainly as station office and cookhouse during the fire season.

Later construction included a bunkhouse and bathhouse for use by fire and trail crews, as well as a corral and barn for livestock. Even today, real "horse" power is used to pack in supplies and mow the airstrip. Since the Wilderness Act precluded the use of any motorized equipment, the station's tractor was replaced by Kate and John, a mule team whose successors not only mow and rake the airport but help to fertilize it as well, something the tractor failed miserably to do.

In 1932, a new era dawned and the first airstrip was carved from among the trees. The Moose Creek Ranger Station became an important base for smoke-jumping operations. Today, most lookout towers have been superceded by aircraft fire patrols, but with the addition of the "long" runway in the 1950's to accommodate Forest Service DC-3's, Moose Creek has remained a center for smoke-jumping operations while it maintains its remote and primitive backcountry charm.

   

=> what to do

Feature Article: Moose Creek, ID, by Martin Stentzel

Page 1 ............... Main Page / Intro
Page 2 ............... Flying There
Page 3 ............... Flying There (cont.)

• Page 4 ............... History
  Page 5 ............... What to Do
  Page 6 ............... Conclusion

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