[Logbear]

Back on September 8th, a helicopter carrying 4 passengers crashed and ended up upside down in Copper Lake (the one near Big 4 Mountain that drains into Williamson Creek). This was apparently the second load of 4 passengers because 9 people total had to be rescued/removed by SnoHawk10. Since the helicopter crashed during landing at 8:28 PM with 4 people on board, I assume they were going to spend the night. Copper Lake is part USFS land and part Wa State Parks land. It's not clear just where this camp/helicopter landing spot was located. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/345438 https://myeverettnews.com/2023/09/15/everett-monitoring-water-quality-following-helicopter-crash-above-city-water-supply/

[Schroder]

looking north at Copper Lake

They land on the south shore- about the only viable LZ. They've been doing this for a number of years now and setting up a big camp there. It's barely out of the Morning Star NRCA.

[Logbear]

Thanks Schroder. I would have thought that being in the Everett watershed, helicopters wouldn't be allowed. Oh well. I wonder if any kind of permit/reservation is required, or is it just first come first served. I suppose if someone flew in to Copper Lake and found the site occupied, they could just fly to one of the other 6 lakes in the Mountain Loop area where helicopter camping is common. No roads, no trails, no permits, no reservations, no problem. All you need is money

[Schroder]

[KascadeFlat]

For anyone interested, Copper Lake on Google Maps shows the LZ on the south shore. I had heard about this incident through LE friends and I am amazed it hasn't been more widely publicized. First I have learned about the practice of helicopter camping at Copper Lake. Note to self: If I ever brave the trek in there I'm going to do it in weather that is not friendly to whirly birds.

[Logbear]

[Chief Joseph]

I can't think of where one would land a Heli at North lake, there is really only one flat area in the trees that makes a good camp spot. I don't agree with rich-lazy people flying into wilderness areas, if you can't get there on your own two legs then don't go, although I admit it would be tempting, especially Helena lake which I have so far failed to reach. As for Deer creek road to Kelcema lake the road only has one pretty bad spot that we went out with no problem with a Subaru, my Suburban and Escape and last year even with my Celica with very little clearance although I scraped bottom. One just has to hit it at the right spot and speed going up, going down is easy.

[Bowregard]

Wow, Pass and Independence Lake are no more than a mile walk with very little elevation gain. I can't imagine anybody wanting to take a helicopter to go fishing there (and I was there in the 80's). North Lake used to hold some good fish and is at least a bit of effort to get to. I guess if I was running a business to fly people in I wouldn't question why they want to go.

[Tom]

Personally I don't have a problem with it. I would consider it once I can no longer get there on my own, or go with a loved one that might not be able to otherwise. The crash is unfortunate. sh## happens.

[Logbear]

[Logbear]

[Logbear]

[altasnob]

So there is now a helicopter along with a bunch of fuel and other toxic substances at the bottom of Copper Lake? Humans, first they stick fish in lakes where fish don't belong, next they stick helicopters in there. All in a public watershed. Listen to Washington State brag about how pristine this area is. Not anymore. There are tons of places you can heli into in Canada if you don't want to (or can't) hike.

[Chief Joseph]

Good thing I made it to North lake in July, hopefully it will be open next year. @ Logbear, I agree that spot is pretty bad, but if one is a good driver it is still doable. I have mixed feeling about whether they should fix it, keeps traffic down. I only went to Kelcema lake once this year as the fishing action has dropped way off.

[Logbear]

Here are some nice pictures of helicopters. Can anyone identify where they are? https://www.destinationdarrington.com/index.php/summer-recreation/scenic-helicopt https://www.atomichelicopters.com/charters