Meadow View Peak:
A New Backcountry Aviation Destination in the Sierra High Country
Located in Plumas County, California, approximately 40 air miles northwest of Reno, Meadow View Peak is the Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation’s newest property and the planned home of a public recreational backcountry airstrip.
JRBAF acquired the 136-acre property in September 2026 with a vision of creating a welcoming place to land, camp, explore, and experience the High Sierra. Surrounded by Plumas National Forest, its open mountain meadows and mature ponderosa pines offer a distinctly different setting from the Foundation’s existing properties at the 45 Ranch and Star Valley Ranch.
Building a New Public Backcountry Airstrip
With the land secured, JRBAF is beginning the planning and development needed to open Meadow View Peak to the public.
Plans include a maintained grass airstrip, primitive camping, picnic areas, basic sanitation, and other simple amenities that support recreation while preserving the property’s natural character.
JRBAF will work with Plumas County to obtain the necessary approvals for the airstrip and visitor facilities. Subject to those approvals and fundraising progress, the Foundation’s goal is to open Meadow View Peak by summer 2027.
Preserving What Makes These Places Special
We acquire and care for special places with the intention of protecting the things that make them special. That includes sensitive wildlife habitat, historic structures, archaeological resources, and Native American cultural sites. Where those resources exist, we take their preservation seriously. In the past, we’ve worked with government agencies, tribal leaders, universities, and other experts to properly manage and conserve them.
A backcountry airstrip is a remarkably small-footprint way to provide access to a remote area. At Meadow View Peak, the proposed 1,750-foot-by-60-foot grass airstrip would occupy approximately 2.41 acres—just 1.77% of the 136-acre property. Our facilities are intentionally simple, with primitive camping, picnic areas, and basic sanitation designed to complement the landscape and preserve its natural character. The vast majority of the property will remain entirely in its natural state.
These properties aren’t just for pilots. We welcome responsible non-aviation visitors and uses as well, whether people come to hike, camp, explore, enjoy the outdoors, or simply experience a special place. However people get there, we encourage responsible use and expect visitors to leave these places as they found them.
Access That Serves a Broader Purpose
Backcountry airstrips have value well beyond recreation. Remote aviation access can support wildlife management and research, wildfire response, search and rescue, emergency and medical evacuation, and other public-safety uses.
Aviation also allows people to experience remote landscapes without constructing or relying on extensive road infrastructure to reach them. When managed responsibly, it can be an exceptionally low-impact way to access remote places.
In the Heart of Backcountry Flying Country
Meadow View Peak lies approximately 15 miles west of Dead Cow Lake, home of the High Sierra Fly-In, placing it within an active backcountry aviation region.
Its forest-and-meadow setting will offer a new destination for weekend camping, day trips, and gatherings—a place to spend time with friends and family while exploring the surrounding public lands.
Help Build Meadow View Peak
JRBAF has launched a $200,000 Phase 1 capital campaign to pay off the remaining acquisition debt and fund the initial improvements needed for public access.
Half of the campaign goal will retire the $100,000 seller-financed property note. The remaining $100,000 will support:
- Surveying, planning, and airstrip preparation
- Fencing and property improvements
- Mowing and maintenance equipment
- Camping areas, picnic tables, and basic sanitation
- Development of a spring-fed water system
- Off-grid power, communications, and weather monitoring
Purchasing the land was the first major step. With your support, we can turn Meadow View Peak into a lasting public backcountry destination and preserve access for generations to come.
Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law, and a receipt will be provided. If required approvals cannot be obtained or circumstances beyond JRBAF’s control prevent the project from proceeding, donations will support other JRBAF projects.
The Highglights
- 136 acres of privately owned land surrounded by Plumas National Forest in Plumas County, California.
- Located approximately 40 air miles northwest of Reno, Nevada.
- Situated about 15 miles west of Dead Cow Lake, home of the High Sierra Fly-In.
- Property includes expansive mountain meadows and mature ponderosa pine forest.
- Planned as a public recreational backcountry airstrip and aviation destination.
- Future amenities are expected to include aircraft camping, day-use facilities, water, off-grid power and communications.
- JRBAF is working with Plumas County on required approvals for the airstrip and visitor facilities.
- The Foundation’s goal is to open Meadow View Peak by summer 2027.
- A $200,000 Phase 1 capital campaign is underway to pay off the property and begin development.
Preserving Access for Future Generations
The Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation was created in memory of Jim Richmond and his passion for aviation, exploration, and the backcountry.
Meadow View Peak continues that mission by creating another place where pilots can experience remote landscapes firsthand while helping preserve recreational aviation access for generations to come.
As Susan Richmond said when the acquisition was announced:
“Jim believed in the freedom and connection that flying into wild places can bring. Our family is grateful to see that spirit carried forward through Meadow View Peak.”
