B-23 Dragon Bomber Crash Site [Suggest Edits]

Description

On January 29, 1943, the B-23 "Dragon Bomber" went down at Loon Lake (elevation 5,280') with eight men aboard. The plane was returning to McChord Field in Tacoma, Washington from a training mission in Nevada when it flew into a heavy snow storm near Pendleton, Oregon. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot decided to attempt a landing in Boise. The approach was hampered by heavy icing and a failed radio. An order to prepare to parachute was given at 13,000'. Just then a hole developed in the cloud cover. A frozen lake was spotted and a landing was attempted.

Short Hike: Hike in on Loon Creek Trail and then use Duck Lake Trail to circle the lake.

Family Friendly: Full of history and hands on learning.

Gem Type: Historic Site