It’s not often that history and hiking collide together, but that is exactly what this unique hike to the remains of the Loon Lake bomber in Idaho offers. Not many people are aware that this hiking trail, along with beautiful lakeside views, leads you to the site of an abandoned airplane crash that occurred over 70 years ago! The story behind the crash is a fascinating one, involving eight men enduring the harsh Idaho winter for 21 long days before finally being rescued. The Loon Lake Bomber hike is long but fairly easy, and serves as a great day outing for the whole family. The plane is incredibly preserved, considering it’s been sitting out and exposed to the elements for the better portion of a century. The bizarre sight of the wreckage is the perfect reward for a long hike and in my opinion, it’s something you must see with your own eyes. So, grab those hiking boots and let’s head out on this unique hiking adventure in Idaho!

The trail head to Loon Lake is accessible via an easy drive from McCall, Idaho. The most common starting point is from Chinook Campground.
Aaron Mc/AllTrails
The hike to the abandoned war bomber is exquisite. The hike is a long one, but there's no way you'll get bored of the beautiful scenery surrounding you!
Ed Courtney/AllTrails
The hike is about 10 miles round trip, so be sure to plan out plenty of time since the trek will take up a good part of your day. This is considered a family friendly trail since it isn't very strenuous and is excellent for beginning hikers!
Ed Courtney/AllTrails
Once you spot Loon Lake itself, you'll be in awe of its idyllic waters. It was January 1943 when a crew of eight men returning from a training session in Nevada made an emergency landing on the frozen lake, sliding across it and landing among the trees.
Ed Courtney/AllTrails
The plane was called a B-23 Dragon Bomber. Only 28 of these planes were manufactured since they were soon considered outdated and replaced by newer models. The B-23 was then mainly used for training purposes.

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Miraculously, all eight men survived the crash. However, they were trapped in the isolated wilderness with nothing but their downed plane for shelter and almost no food. Three men were selected to make the journey to find help.
Loon Lake Bomber hike
Yuriy Kovalov/AllTrails
Hiking for over 40 miles in snow up to their waists, the men followed the Secesh River until they reached a ranger station where they were able to phone for help. By this time, the men had been hiking for two weeks.
All in all, the men spent 21 days stranded in the harsh cold. Extraordinarily, the entirety of the crew survived the ordeal.
Eric Whiteside/AllTrails
Seeing the wreckage with your own eyes is simply amazing. Not only are the remains incredibly preserved but it's also crazy to think that people actually took refuge in there for close to a whole month. The atmosphere is both an impressive and somber one.
Cody Wood/AllTrails
When you're done taking in the incredible history of the wreckage, it's nice to turn around and look out at the majestic allure of Loon Lake, Idaho. It's the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy all of Idaho's grandeur before making the trip back.
Aaron Mc/AllTrails

Wanna see the Loon Lake Bomber site in 4K? Take this hike with YouTuber Jon Conti which features some cool images of the area and the crash site.

What do you think? Will you complete the hike to this abandoned plane in Idaho anytime soon? Before you head out on your hike, be sure to download AllTrails+ for all your offline maps, weather, and trail conditions.

Also, if you enjoyed this fascinating piece of history, you’ll love this eerily beautiful shipwreck in Idaho!

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More to Explore

Abandoned Places In Idaho

Meghan Byers | January 27, 2023

What are some other unique abandoned places in Idaho?

Some other unique abandoned places in Idaho include:

  • The Albion State Normal School in Albion. This was a 2-year college built in the late 1800s as an educational institution for future teachers. It was closed down in 1951, and some claim to have experienced paranormal activity here.
  • The Old Idaho State Penitentiary in Boise. Built in 1870, it operated for just over a century and saw a great deal of activity, including prison escapes and executions. While it closed in 1973, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is now a historic site open to the public for tours, both guided and self-guided.
  • Boot Hill Cemetery in Idaho City. Officially known as Pioneer Cemetery, it was established in 1872 and is home to over 3,000 graves. Very few of the cemetery’s original headstones remain intact, with many of the wooden markers having been victim to fires.

 

Are there any ghost towns in Idaho?

There are over 100 ghost towns in Idaho. Some notable examples include:

  • This small town was once a popular stop along the stage coach route to Nevada, but now only a few ruins remain.
  • Many buildings still stand tall and empty in this former mining town with a violent past.
  • To walk through this abandoned mining town is to see firsthand the effects of the Great Depression.
  • Silver City. This well-known ghost town in Idaho is another mining town that fell into decline. Here you’ll also find the allegedly haunted Idaho Hotel.
  • Rocky Bar. Once a thriving metropolis in the 1860s, little remains of Rocky Bar’s former days of glory. Crumbling buildings in a picturesque setting make it a great day trip for history and nature lovers.

 

What are some of the best hikes in Idaho? 

Aside from the Loon Lake Bomber hike, here are some more hikes in Idaho that we recommend: 

 

Be sure to read our previous article which tells you more about the best hikes in Idaho. 

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Loon Lake Loop Trailhead, McCall, ID 83638, USA