04/28/2026
Spring 2026
READY, SET…GO. (The good kind this time.)
As we get closer to opening day at Big Creek there’s a familiar feeling creeping in again - like I’m somehow late for work every time I check the cameras!
It’s been fun watching the calendar fill up with a mix of familiar faces and first-time guests. To those of you returning - Welcome back! And those joining us for the first time - we’re looking forward to meeting you and showing you what makes this place so special.
Our opening crew is planning to fly in on May 11th, with a May 22nd opening day. I’ll be back with Mark, along with two new faces, Tone and James, helping us get the season underway. Be sure to give them a warm Big Creek welcome!
There is a lot happening this year. We’ve received approval for the new cabins and will begin construction as soon as the road opens, so you’ll likely see some activity around the property this summer. We’re also putting in a new entrance gate with an updated sign, which feels like a long time coming as well. Might even be worth a little celebration!
On the practical side, recovering from the 2024 fire brought some…let’s call them “enlightening” lessons when it comes to the power. We’ve since made some practical improvements to both our hydro system and backup propane to keep things running as smoothly as possible in an off-grid world that doesn't always cooperate.
We’re hopeful that improvements to the east side tie-down area will finally happen this season to help prevent the infamous roll-back situation. Fingers crossed!
You’ll also likely see the return of the crews working with the USFS as they continue year two of their water project. They are good neighbors. If you run into them, a tip of the hat is well deserved.
For those of you who keep an eye on the cameras, we’re in the process of upgrading that system as well, so a new viewing address will be coming soon!!
Now for the part that’s a little less fun to talk about. The reality of operating in the backcountry continues to shift with rising costs - especially flights for groceries and food pricing across the board. With that in mind, meal pricing for this season will be :
Breakfast - $35
Lunch - $35
Dinner - $45
Beer, $6, Soft drinks $3 and Wine 8$ a glass, $25 a bottle
The good news - we are not raising our room rates. We still want Big Creek to remain one of the best backcountry getaways you can find!
The yurt will be used for staff housing this season, which is why it won’t be available for rent. (Though it does have us thinking it might be time to give that space a little love in the future!)
As you know, Big Creek operates under the Idaho Aviation Foundation, a 501(c)(3). While some losses from recent events were covered by insurance, there are still gaps, particularly in rebuilding the staff cabins and replacing critical equipment, such as a refrigerator, the ice machine and a much needed washing machine that is, at best, on borrowed time! If you’ve ever considered contributing to the continued growth and sustainability of this place, it would be deeply appreciated!!
We do have a few private events scheduled this season, and those dates will be shared on Facebook, which we will do better at keeping updated this season! Continuing this year, Wednesdays will remain our catch-up day, with no breakfast service or overnight guests.
Bookings are already underway, so if Big Creek is on your list this summer, now's the time to make a plan!
Come for the meals, the music, the memories or the magic - whatever it is that keeps calling you back! It’s all waiting for you here, in one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever find!
Thank you to all of our guests and supporters - this place exists because of you, and it's for you!!
See you soon!
Sally
