I'm planning a trip to Montana the end of July and can use some advice. We will be camping/fishing out of the plane and plan to visit Condon, Seeley Lake, Spotted Bear, Meadow Creek and Schafer. I have Galen's Fly Big Sky book, and would love any information like where to pick up groceries/fishing license, best camping airstrip/fishing, and must see places in Glacier Park. Any advice appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Erick

It has been several years since I've been. From what I remember, Kalispel City Airport is close (in town) for shopping.

Going to the Sun highway and Hungry Horse Dam are worth seeing. The best view of the park is from the air.

After Schafer the rest of the strips don't even begin to compare, but some have lodges/outfitters nearby and that could make them worth a closer look.

Griz are common at and near Schafer so clean/bear aware camping/hiking is a must.

Seeley is a nice spot to go and a nice place to camp if you have extra nights. This would be a more urban setting than the other places that you list.

There is not much of anything at Condon and I would only stop there to say that I did. You can say hello to the rangers and/or join a softball game at the field on the end of the runway while you are there.

Following Seeley, Spotted Bear will be the next most urban setting as it sits right beside the road that takes you down through Hungry Horse. This is a nice spot with bathrooms etc. Meadow Creek is another nice area and if you have to choose between camping at either Meadow Creek or Spotted Bear, Meadow Creek is certainly the best. It is more secluded than Spotted Bear and has better fishing as well.

Schafer Meadow is a great place to go. They have a great campground on the east end of the runway along with tiedowns. We were in a couple of weeks ago and the water was still running strong so the fishing was slow. It should be great during the time you are there. This is certainly the best location for kicking back and relaxing out of the three.

Another location you may want to visit is Ryans Airfield in West Glacier. You can find more information about the strip at: http://www.recreationalaviationfoundation.org/
Read up at the website above to look into what the RAF requires for pilots who would like to visit this strip as the owners live right on the runway. They are great people and enjoy pilots to stop by.

For supplies Kalispell City is a great place to go along with Polson. Kalispell has all amenities right next to the airport and Polson has a couple of courtesy cars for pilot use to pick up supplies, etc. If you stop in Polson come say hello and let us know if you have further questions.

Ryan's field is certainly worth a stop to just meet Ben Ryan. You won't meet a truer gentleman.

If you go to Ryan's, be alert for the sightseeing helicopters that run up the river to the West and North of Ben's field.

--Tony

Erick,

Seeley Lake is a great spot to resupply. Mike Lindemere keeps a couple of cars and a van at the airport with the keys in a lock box over by the big log airport sign. Call him for the code. He's a great guy. Owns Lindy's Steak House in downtown Seeley Lake. Google that place for the number and call him there. Really fun town. Very scenic.

Tim

Erick, I just got home last night from a 3100 mile motorcycle trip through Glacier NP, Lake Louise, Banff, Jasper NP,, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Port Hardy, Victoria.

I second everything said about Montana. Great state. I'll be in OSH the 28-Aug1 You can put me on your SPOT ok and help if you want.

Have fun and fly safe...Rob

Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it and know it will make the trip a lot more enjoyable.

Doth, if we stop in Polson, where should we say Hi at?

Rob, I'll keep you on the SPOT, and have a great time in OSH. Let me know if you need anything.

Erick

Has anyone spent any time around Babb recently? The last time I was there was years ago. We got a ride up to Many Glacier and had several wonderful days of hiking. The airplane was fine when we returned, but I've since read about problems with vandalism at the airstrip. I wouldn't camp at Babb, but I'd like to get back to Many Glacier--if Babb is safe. Thanks.

CAVU

Erick,

We are the folks over at Stene Aviation. We are on the south end of the ramp tucked behind the front hangar. After looking over your website I'm sure my father would like to pick your brain a little as well.

Anyway if you are in the neighborhood feel free to stop by. It is always nice to catch up with fellow aviators.

Sounds good. I am in the white w/blue stripe Maule. We have no set plan for what day is where, but I will try to stop in.
Erick

So Thursday morning July 31 I flew to TTD to pick up my dad, and we headed east. From there we had a nice tailwind, and 3 hours later we were landing in Polson 8S1. I wanted to talk to doth at Stene Aviation for some more area info. It was about 1pm, so we had time to kill before heading into the mountains. Doth gave us some great advice, showed us how to get the courtesy car and where to go to get lunch and fishing licenses.

We ran our errands and made it back to the airport, got out the chairs and were kicking back under a wing when doth came over and asked if we wanted a tour of Steen Aviation to see their operation. Not knowing anything about the company, we were very impressed to say the least. They make fiberglass parts for new Cessna airplanes, and the Sportsman STOL kit for Cessna 150's through 206's. I can't quote numbers, but the improvement from the Sortsman kit is impressive. Doth, and his dad, both fly 185's and have some actual experience in them. Needless to say, if I switch from a Maule to a Cessna in the future, I will be stoping back by and making an appointment for a Sportsman Kit.

We left about 6pm, and headed for Meadow Creek
[airport]0s1[/airport]
It was a little bumpy on approach, but with some shade on the strip it was smooth air on short final and flare.

This place is impressive! The recommendation was to stay the night here, and pick up in the morning and head into Schafer, but we needed more time to explore such a lovely sight.

The next morning, we had breakfast, geared up and headed down to the river for some fishing. We didn't do very good, just a few lost fish and missed strikes, but it was enjoyable anyhow.

We shared the place friday night and saturday morning with some other pilots, who were very nice and we enjoyed the visiting, but had the place to ourselves otherwise. On Saturday we had a nice hike on a pack trail that runs along the east side of the runway. We probably got a good 1.5 to 2 miles in each direction on the trail and found it pretty easy hiking. I will have to get a trail map of the area to see where they lead. We found wild strawberries and huckleberries and loved consuming them. There were deer visiting every night, elk and donkeys in the morning. Actually I think they were mules, but I don't know much about hay burners. Overall the place was great. We never did make it to Schafer, but that just gives us an excuse to go back right?

On the way out Sunday, we stopped at Ronan 7S0 for fuel and to call the weather. They are a little more remote than Polson, but the fuel was a little cheaper and they have a nice pilot lounge.

Wow...that sounds like a really great trip! Thanks for the report!

Nice work, Erick! That place looks sweet.

Nice trip report! I'm jealous!