Yellow Jacket Ranch Airport

Yellow Jacket Ranch Airport (US-4067) in Yellow Pine, US, is not a typical commercial airport, but rather a remote, private backcountry airstrip primarily utilized by experienced pilots for access to the surrounding wilderness. Traveler sentiment is generally positive among those seeking an authentic Idaho backcountry experience, though it's understood that this comes with significant operational challenges for pilots. There are no traditional "travelers" in the commercial sense, but rather private pilots and their passengers.

What Travelers Love (Pilots & Guests):

• Exceptional remoteness and wilderness access: The airstrip provides direct access to the Idaho backcountry, offering opportunities for hunting, fishing, and exploring a vast, secluded area near the Salmon River and Big Horn Crags.
• Authentic backcountry flying experience: For pilots, landing at Yellow Jacket Ranch offers a challenging and rewarding experience characteristic of Idaho's wilderness airstrips.
• Private and exclusive access: As a private airstrip, it offers a high degree of seclusion for those visiting the Yellow Jacket Ranch property.

Common Complaints (Challenges for Pilots):

• Extremely basic facilities: There are no terminal facilities, amenities, or services typically found at public airports. It is a dirt runway primarily.
• Challenging landing conditions: The airstrip is noted for being on a sloping ledge with rising terrain, requiring careful approach setup, and making go-arounds "a very bad idea."
• Lack of traditional support: There are no security checkpoints, customs/immigration services, or commercial transportation connections. Parking would be limited to the immediate vicinity of the private ranch.
• Limited information and resources: Details and pilot reports are scarce, indicating its private and specialized nature.

Overall, Yellow Jacket Ranch Airport (US-4067) is recommended only for experienced backcountry pilots seeking a truly remote and challenging aviation adventure, or for guests of the private ranch. It offers unparalleled access to the Idaho wilderness but lacks any conventional airport amenities or infrastructure. It should not be confused with more developed backcountry airstrips like Johnson Creek Airport (3U2), which offers limited amenities for pilots in the broader Yellow Pine area.