by Yasmina Platt
© Copyright 2024. All rights reserved!
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2024 Digital Issue
Summer is here! The mountains are calling, and we must go… fly them!
I have a proposal for you. Let’s fly to Benchmark Airport (3U7), spend a couple of nights (different comfort levels identified), and enjoy some outdoor activities.
Where is 3U7 you ask? Montana’s Lewis and Clark National Forest, 80 miles west of Great Falls. The airport is owned and operated by the U.S. Forest Service and is only open in the summer. Runway 12/30 is a 6,000 x 100 ft is paved and sits at an altitude of 5,434 feet MSL. It is important to take a look at the information in the Chart Supplement ahead of time to plan accordingly: 1) Mountains parallel east and west of the airport, 2) the runway is subject to moderate to severe crosswinds and turbulence, 3) Runway 30 is recommended for departures if conditions permit, 4) Runway 12 rises uphill 120 feet with rising terrain beyond, and 5) there are no services.
Want to camp out and watch the night sky? There are two campgrounds on the west side of the airport: 1) Benchmark Campground on the northwest end that is often used by campers, and 2) Van Deriet Campground or “The Fly-In Campground,” as it is also known, on the southwest end, with an aircraft parking area. There’s also a good chance you can camp by your aircraft, if you prefer.
Prefer to stay in a cabin? Benchmark Wilderness Guest Ranch is within walking distance of the airport. But, if you’re looking for something more private, rustic and off the grid, USFS’s Kenck Cabin is about 2.5 miles north of the airport and may be perfect for you.
The outdoor activities are endless: fishing, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, stargazing…
You may find me hiking up to the Patrol Mountain Lookout in the adjacent Bob Marshall Wilderness by following Trail Number 213. It’s about 12 miles roundtrip with 2,845 ft of elevation gain from the airport. It’s not an easy hike, but the views and seeing the historic lookout are worth it!
I also want to share some Montana travel tips to consider: bring bear spray, a bottle of water with an integrated filter so you can refill at any stream, clothing for a mixture of weather conditions, and keep in mind all food must be out of sight in approved containers once onsite.
Have extra time to explore some more? Continue north towards Glacier National Park or other areas in northwest Montana! My website (https://airtrails.weebly.com/montana) has some suggestions for you.
Fly safe and fly often! (See if you can see the lookout from the air on your way in or out!)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Yasmina Platt’s full-time job has her planning the future of aviation infrastructure for Joby’s electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. She also writes an aviation travel blog called “Air Trails” (www.airtrails.weebly.com), in addition to articles on pilot destinations for Midwest Flyer Magazine. Pilots can locate articles Yasmina has written by going to www.MidwestFlyer.com and typing “Yasmina” in the search box, or by going to the “Archives” section, then “Columns,” then “Destinations.”
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this column is the expressed opinion of the author only, and readers are advised to seek the advice of their personal flight instructor and others, and refer to the Federal Aviation Regulations, FAA Aeronautical Information Manual, and instructional materials before attempting any procedures that may be discussed herein.
