Get a birdÕs-eye view with charter flight

An airplane flight offers breathtaking views of Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall and Great Bear wilderness areas, Mission Mountain Wilderness and other areas around the valley.

One popular destination is Schafer Meadows, a grass landing strip in the wilderness almost due east of Bigfork, not far from the Great Bear-Bob Marshall boundary.

Passengers can take a flight over the wilderness area, touch down at Schafer and enjoy a day or more of hiking and fishing. Some take along a raft and float the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. A Flathead National Forest ranger station and campground are beside the airstrip.

The flight to Schafer from Kalispell City Airport takes about 35 minutes and can be made from mid-May until late fall, usually October, depending on weather. The Montana Pilots Association, State Aeronautics Division and Flathead National Forest cooperate in maintenance of the strip.

Several local firms also offer charter flights, plane rentals and scenic flights via airplane or helicopter. Prices vary, depending on destination, number of passengers and amount of gear. Heavy backpacks or rafts may require additional trips.

For more information, contact the following companies:

-Edwards Jet Center at Glacier Park International Airport Ñ 755-5362, or visit www.edwardsjetcenter.com

-Red Eagle Aviation at Kalispell City Airport Ñ 755-2376, or visit www.redeagleaviation.com

-Glacier Heli-Tours in West Glacier Ñ 387-4141, 1-800-879-9310, or visit www.glacierhelitours.com

-Kruger Helicopter Service Ñ 387-4565, 857-3893, outside Flathead Valley call 1-800-220-6565 or visit www.krugerhelicopters.com