The Bitterroot Range    MSOMR1

This is a circular route around the Bitterroot Range south of Missoula.  The majority of these strips are USFS stations,

 meaning dirt strips and a hazardous marking on the sectional.  Enjoy.  MTN391, Matt

 

LEG 1: Missoula - KMSO to Trapper Creek- MT30, 60 mi

Fly directly south of Missoula, following the large valley on the eastern slope of the Bitterroot Range.

You will pass over 5 airports, two of which are paved and easily spotted.  About 10 miles from the field

you will notice a small lake to the right, nestled in the slopes of the Bitterroot.  Trapper sits in the middle of the valley.

Distance from the Missoula VOR is approx. 60 miles.  Airport elevation is 4040 ASL, with a runway length of 1500 ft.

 

LEG 2: Trapper Creek - MT30 to Running Creek - O51D, 30 mi

Head west from Trapper, on a heading of around 240 degrees.  If you have a sectional, you’ll be using it a lot from here on.

If you don’t then my best advice is to refer to your GPS.  There is a small river that you will notice about 15 miles into the mountains. You can follow this river all the way to Running Creek.  When it splits, follow the river to the north.  You should see the field directly. Running Creek is at 2969 ASL, and has a runway length of 2000 ft.

 

LEG 3: Running Creek - O51D to Shearer - 1IN1 , 7 mi

Just head north from Running Creek, and pick up the river.  Shearer lies only a short distance away.  The field elevation is 2634 ASL,  Runway length is 2000 ft.

 

LEG 4: Shearer - 1IN1 to Moose Creek - 1U1, 8 mi

Continue following the river northward, be sure not to follow the river split that heads northeast.  Moose lies only another

short hop away.  Moose lies at 2454 ASL with a runway length of 4100 ft. 

 

LEG 5: Moose Creek -1U1 to Fish Lake - S92, 15 mi

Heading north from Moose, the river will split again.  Follow it to the northwest, on a heading of roughly 300.  The river dead-ends about 5 miles south of the field.  From the point that you lose track of the river, head 350 and you will soon sight the field.  Elevation is up a good bit at 5646 ASL,  So expect an uphill climb from Moose.  Runway length is a cozy 2600 ft.

 

LEG 6: Fish Lake -S92 to Cayuse Creek -2ID7, 20 mi

This is the most difficult leg, navigation wise.  A heading of 340 from Fish Lake, if held carefully, will take you directly into Cayuse Creek.  Geographic markers include a 7000 ft. peak 15 miles north of Fish Lake.  You should also keep an eye out for two small rivers south of the field.  Otherwise refer to your GPS if you get into trouble.

 

LEG 7: Cayuse Creek - 2ID7  to Missoula - KMSO, 43 mi

The easiest way to go is to track the 055 radial inbound to Missoula.  Sit back and enjoy the view, if you’ve come this far, you’ve earned your money for the day!