We, as humans, are explorers by nature. Our never-ending quest to discover the unexpected – both old and new – is a product of our innate curiosity, but also of our fascination with history and with “what once was.” Much like the rest of the U.S., Idaho is full of abandoned places, ghost towns, and modern relics of urban decay, all decrepit in their varying stages of crumbling, rusting beauty–each perfect for exploring, although some more legally than others. These dilapidated tableaus are often tucked away in the deep recesses of Idaho’s wilderness and forests, perfectly obscured from unwanted visitors, but ready and waiting for the curious explorer to stumble upon and learn their stories.
One particular site in Idaho is often overlooked, however: the landing site of the 1943 B-23 Dragon Bomber. But even as the remains of this vintage marvel face overgrowth and fall victim to the passage of time and weather, its history is a truly unique one of survival in the Idaho wilderness.
Nestled in the rugged mountains of central Idaho, McCall is a picturesque, snowy haven that boasts dozens of natural lakes, a bevy of cozy surrounding communities, and lush natural charm.
The full-loop trek is a challenging and muddy 26-mile hike through the trees. The landscape was scorched by a fire some years ago, and while vegetation is rapidly returning, some areas are still charred and lifeless from the flames.
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Here, nestled against the water, the remnants of a B-23 Dragon Bomber sit in rusting pieces amidst the native grass.
Multiple historical signs tell the story of a memorable day 74 years ago that has long since become shrouded with time.
Author/OnlyInYourState
On January 29, 1943, the B-23 "Dragon Bomber" crash landed at Loon lake (elevation 5280') with eight men on board after an attempted emergency landing on the frozen water.
The plane was returning to McChord Field in Tacoma, Washington after a training mission in Nevada when it flew into a heavy snow storm in Oregon. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot decided to attempt a landing in Boise.
The plane's approach was hindered by icy conditions and a failed radio. Fortunately, after a parachute order was given, the iced-over Loon Lake was spotted through a hole in the cloud cover.
After multiple attempts, the plane touched down on the frozen lake, sliding across the ice and through the trees. Both wings were sheared off, and the plane came to rest just off the shore of Loon Lake in the thick timber. Pictured: a similar failed DC-3 lake landing event.
But the story doesn't end there. As legend has it, after waiting five days for rescue, the crew chose three men to go for help, abandoning Loon Lake with only a shotgun and a few chocolate rations. The men followed the Secesh River downstream, hiking for fourteen days and approximately 43 miles through the waist deep snow McCall has come to be known for.
On February 18, the wreckage was spotted by local bush pilot Penn Stohr.
After calling for help, Stohr made two more flights, each time successfully landing on the frozen lake to fly the crew out. After some 21 days in the harsh winter climate of Idaho's primitive area, all eight men were eventually rescued.
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Buried so deep into the trees, however, the remnants of this war plane were seemingly left to decay by the forces of nature.
These modern ruins are nothing short of spectacular as either a destination hike or historical stop. The B-23 was uniquely obsolete even in its own time, and there is debate as to whether the plane was armed when it crashed. Either way, this WWII-era remnant makes the perfect complement to a day spent exploring the rest of Idaho's unique aerial history.
But should you attempt to find this abandoned slice of Idaho history, be sure to take some time to explore the modern beauty and natural marvels that abound in Central Idaho!
Many of Idaho’s abandoned places are remnants of our state’s mining days, but these modern ruins have an extra dose of survival and history hiding within the wreckage. If you’ve ever taken this hike, we’d love to hear about it!
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