The 45 Ranch

Earlier this summer I flew out to The 45 Ranch on the Owyhee River for some fly fishing with neighbor Lynn and cousin Fred. The ranch was purchased recently by the Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation and is available for fly-in camping (just join the foundation) or even a paid stay at the old but beautiful log home.

The fishing was great, thanks to the idyllic setting, which elevated it from good to great. Each of us caught some bass.

The ranch has an exciting approach where you drop blind into a canyon and then see the runway as you turn a corner, just as you are starting to get a little worried that maybe you are in the wrong canyon. It’s a nice turf runway in great condition thanks to a couple who take great care of the place.

I’ve been wanting larger wheels on my 182 (this requires a new fork and they are about $4,000) and this turned out to be a good chance for Fred to rub that in. My small tires sunk into the wet grass and we had to have four people pull it free. Fred’s 182 with the larger tires had no problem.

Visit jrbaf.com for info on the foundation