Loon Lake and the Hidden Bomber

In 1943, eight men boarded an American B-23 twin-engined bomber, also known as the “Dragon Bomber”. Leaving Nevada, the crew had just finished their training mission and were heading home to Tacoma, Washington. As the Bomber reached Central Oregon, the clouds began to swell and a snow flurry began to distort the pilot’s vision. The sense of urgency became apparent as the plane began to lose altitude. With no other choice, the crew prepped for an emergency landing. The closest airport would be in Boise, Idaho.

The pilot swung the plane around and attempted to contact ground control, getting nothing but static in response. With no communication, the chances for safe landing began to decrease. The snow pounded the plane and the crew began to get anxious. To make matters worse ice began to form on the plane slowing the maneuverability of this giant patrol aircraft.

The pilot knew they were not going to make it to Boise. The order was given to prepare parachutes and be ready to jump. As the men began to pack their chutes, the pilot found a clearing in the clouds and spotted what looked like an open field and their only chance of landing the aircraft with minimum damage.

The pilot took a chance and nosed the plane down.  The supposed clearing was not what it appeared, in fact, it was frozen Loon Lake. The plane slapped against the frozen ice and skidded its way across the surface slamming into the surrounding trees, shearing off its wings and coming to a sudden stop.

All the crew survived with only a few broken bones and lacerations. The crew waited five days for help. With no hope of quick rescue, the men had to do something. 3 men volunteered to go for help. Equipped with only one shotgun for protection from bears and wolves and only a few chocolate rations to survive on, they hiked 14 days through snow as deep as 10 feet in certain places. After traveling 42 miles and summiting the Lick Creek Mountain Range the men finally found the Lake Fork Guard Station and were able to radio for help. All 8 men survived the accident and the bitter cold.

The plane was so deep in the timber that military deemed it unsalvageable and left it at the crash site. The wreckage is still there today.

For more information on the crew, the crash and the rescue check out this free book written by Richard H Holm  Jr.

Getting to Loon Lake

Beginning at the Chinook Campground, head over the bridge and follow the Secesh river before beginning a series of switchbacks.

The trail constantly changes in elevation so there is no section that is harder than the other but overall, you’re looking at 3355′ of elevation gain over the course of 10 miles out-and-back.

You will encounter various terrains on the way to the lake. You’ll start in rocky mountain country, dip into some dense forest and wade through tall grass.

Finding the Wreckage

Upon your arrival to Loon Lake, you’ll have two options to find the downed bomber, both require some serious effort and getting wet.

Left Fork 

Forge the creek to get to the left side of the lake and look for the brief outline of a trail. In 2007, a forest fire destroyed the trail. The beginning of the trail remains intact but the majority of it is covered in brush and downed trees. You can trudge through the mud and forest debris but you must move very carefully. Most of the logs are burnt and brittle and will collapse under too much weight. One wrong slip up and you’re going to have a really bad time. The left fork adds only a mile to the hike and is the fastest route so the risk may be worth it.

Right Fork

You can proceed to the right side of the lake but there is no trail. In fact, you’re going to need to get in the water. Stick as close to the shore as possible where the lake is most shallow. The bottom of the lake is sandy and slimy so going barefoot is not recommended.  The slog to the bomber is a slow journey and eats up a lot more energy but it is safer.

Best Option: Pack Raft

Honestly, the best option is the bring along an inflatable raft that can be pumped up once you get to the lake. Although this adds a few extra pounds to your pack you will save a tremendous amount of effort trying to get to the crash site. Simply blow up the raft and paddle directly across the lake.

I chose not to include a picture of the bomber because it ruins some of the surprise. But know that the full plane is there and not just some scraps of metal.

Overall

The trail is long and eats up most of the day, but how often do you get to see a real piece of history tied to an amazing story of survival?

Trail Tips

• Bring an inflatable raft and oars
• Bring a pair shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
• Be prepared to spend the full day on the trail
• Don’t forget the sunscreen in the summer months