Bird Nr2    MSOMR4  Low Alt: click to enlarge and print.

This is a very easy route to fly.  All of the landing strips sit close to the rivers you will be following.  I suggest flying at or below 3000' to really enjoy the scenery. The shortest runway is 1597' asphalt. So pick your aircraft accordingly. Timings on this route were recorded  using the Cessna 208. Have fun, MTN520, Don

Leg 1: Bird Nr2 / ID19 to Boundary Co. / 65S, 30NM/14Min

After take off turn to a heading of 310. After reaching the north shore of the lake continue flying 310 until you are just short of the mountain range in front of you. Then turn to a heading of approximately 350. This should put you in a narrow valley. Fly up this valley until you reach the river. Before you reach the river you should see 65S, on the opposite side of the river. RWY 2/20, 3994', Asphalt,    ALT 2333'.

LEG2: Boundary Co. / 65S to Porthill Eckhart Intl. / 1S1, 19NM/9Min

After take off you want to follow the river north. You will be flying up a fairly wide river valley.  1S1 will be the first landing strip you come to. It might be a little hard to see. It sits on the right hand  bank of the river. RWY 15/33, 3650', Grass, ALT 1755'

LEG3: Porthill / 1S1 to Crawford Bay / CAR2, 43NM/18Min

After take off continue to follow the river north. Watch for a bay on the right hand side of the river. CAR2 sits at the end of this bay. RWY 14/32, 2700', Grass, ALT 1760'. Just before entering the bay look up the left hand side of the river and try to spot the river branch you will be flying down after take off.

LEG4: Crawford Bay / CAR2 to Nelson / CZNL, 22NM/12Min

After take off, altitude permitting , turn to a heading of approximately 210. You will be flying down the westbound branch of the river. This river valley is some what narrower so you need to pay a little more attention to your flying. CZNL will be the first landing strip you come to. It sits on the left side of the river. RWY 3/21,   3100', Asphalt, ALT 1755'

LEG5: Nelson / CZNL to Castlegar / CYCG, 18NM/9Min

After take off follow the river west/south. CYCG will be the first landing strip you come to on the left side of the river. Landing here requires a sharp turn to a short final. So set up your approach as soon as you can see the RWY. RWY 15/33, 1571', Asphalt, ALT 1624'

LEG6: Castlegar / CYCG to Trail / CAD4. 14NM/8MIN

Take off and continue following the river south. CAD4 also sits on the left river bank. RWY 16/34, 3000', Asphalt, ALT1420'

LEG7: Trail / CAD4 to Riverbend / 9WA3. 45NM/18Min

Shortly after take off you will see a sharp right hand bend in the river. When you reach the bend there is a pass off to your left. Make a sharp left turn to 40 degrees to be sure you are in the right pass. You will see a small river. Follow this river around the ridge until you see the mouth of another river. 9WA3 is a grass landing strip that sits in a clump of trees just around a sharp right bend in the river. RWY 3/21, 3750', Grass, ALT2040

LEG8: Riverbend / 9WA3 to Priest River Mun 1S6 23NM/9Min

Continue down the river. 1S6 is also on the left side of the river. RWY 1/19, 2950', Asphalt, ALT2187

LEG9:  Priest River/1S5 to Bird Nr2 / ID19 23NM/11Min

Final leg. Follow the river until it enters into the lake. ID19 sits around the back side of the ridges that you see off to your right.  RWY N/S, 1900', Asphalt, ALT2192'

I hope you enjoyed the trip.

5/15/05