Backcountry Flying Experience
Backcountry Flying Experience
5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view

About
Experience the beauty and splendor of Montana and create lasting memories with a scenic flight in a floatplane! Pick-up at The Lodge at Whitefish or Lee's Landing in Bigfork, MT Fly around Glacier Park, Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, Jewel Basin, Flathead Lake, and Valley. Enjoy the beauty from the air. Our Cessna 180 will hold 2-3 adults, and our Super Cub fits one passenger. Weight restrictions do apply. Call for details!
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Backcountry Flying Experience
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
13 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
MikeinMS2015
Louisville, MS7 contributions
Sep 2016 • Solo
I am a GA pilot with over 3,000 hours of pilot in command time, but this was the most fun i've ever had flying an airplane. The Super Cub with floats is made for this type of experience, but the real difference maker was my instructor Terry Hayes. She put me through the paces, but did it in a graceful and easy style that made it all fun. Of course, the beautiful scenery of NW Montana and the natural wonder of those lakes and rivers made it even more special.
Written October 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RossEyer
Cleveland, OH1 contribution
Jul 2014 • Friends
After 2 full days exploring Glacier Park via SUV, the scenic hour-long flight by Backcountry Flying Experience over the Park, flying from Whitefish Lake, added a dimension to visiting Glacier that was spectacular and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Pilot, Scott, was more than competent and his piloting made my viewing and picture-taking efforts highly successful and enjoyable. Seeing the same special Park locations and attractions from 10,000 feet up that I saw on the ground was very special, and Scott pointed out and named each of these for me so I recognized what I was seeing. Scott meneuvered the plane to maximize my experience and exceed all my expectations. I highly recommend Backkcountry Flying Experience to everyone; this experience is a "can't go wrong" option to viewing Glacier National Park and other areas surrounding the Park.
Ross E. Eyer, Cleveland, Ohio
Ross E. Eyer, Cleveland, Ohio
Written July 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asa D
4 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
Got my ASES commercial add-on over the past few days and had a blast. Great instruction by Terry and Lauren, I’d recommend them to anyone. I chose to do the advanced course and am glad I did because I got to do some post-check ride flying.
Written July 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oibwed2011
Sykesville, MD235 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
My husband & I recently visited Montana and decided to book a float plane trip over Whitefish Lake, Flathead Lake, and Wild Horse Island. Terry made the booking arrangements run smoothly and answered any questions we had about the trip. I was very nervous getting into this small plane, but Perry (the pilot) immediately put my mind at ease. Thank you, Perry, for a fantastic trip and for giving us some local history from the sky. Although it was a little overcast and chilly on the day we went flying, the scenic views were still amazing. We even saw a beautiful rainbow during our one hour flight, which was truly breathtaking!
Written October 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Khara C
Denver, CO67 contributions
Aug 2016
We had so much fun flying with Perry to celebrate our honeymoon and see more of what Montana has to offer! Perry and Terri greeted us warmly and gladly took pictures of our adventures! The flying was smooth with Perry pointing out landmarks! Takeoff and landing felt comfortable and we would happily recommend the experience to anyone who wants to enjoy a float plane adventure!
Written August 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2868Q
Scranton, PA9 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Recommend calling and booking a trip with these guys. All arrangements were easily scheduled with Peter. Pilot Stephen was great, gave us a nice aerial tour of the Whitefish lake area and along Glacier National Park. Very experienced and professional staff! Would recommend to anyone wanting to see more views then just from the ground. I would definitely use these guys again for a tour or training!
Written July 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric M
Campbell, CA3 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
We met Peter and the pilot Perry at the Whitefish Lodge this October. They were both very friendly and professional, and especially accommodating as we attempted to strap a gopro to the strut. Perry was willing to do a combined instructional flight with a sightseeing tour over the park. The views were incredible and Perry was great at pointing out interesting facts about the area. After some basic instruction in mountain flying (through the park) we did a couple landings in Whitefish lake (which was awesome) and taxied back to the lodge-- 1.5 hours on the books. I learned quite a bit from his concise and calm method of delivery. He controlled the mixture while talking me through flap operation and how to operate the floats-- I never felt overwhelmed because he was so clear with his delivery. Whenever he made an adjustment he explained it well. I had a great time flying and the passenger loved the stunning views from the plane.
I recommend Backcountry Flying Experience because Peter and Perry were both calm and accommodating but also because Glacier National Park is wonderful from the air. It was a different experience and entirely positive.
I recommend Backcountry Flying Experience because Peter and Perry were both calm and accommodating but also because Glacier National Park is wonderful from the air. It was a different experience and entirely positive.
Written November 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
codywellons
Atlanta, GA43 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
I recently took 2 flights with Backcountry Flying Experience and had some of the most fun I think I've ever had. Peter (the owner of the operation) was very accommodating with my group's somewhat tricky schedule and did a great job getting a pair of planes (a Piper PA-18 Super Cub and a Cessna 180) rounded up so that all 4 of us could take in the fun.
I started off with an hour of training time in the Super Cub (currently working towards my private pilot license with land planes but couldn't turn down a bit of float time to add in my logbook). John was a great guide and instructor and had me doing unassisted takeoffs and landings in no time. We had a blast doing laps around nearby Tally Lake, a scenic and remote area where we didn't have to worry about traffic from other boats. The recently restored Super Cub was in incredible shape and was definitely the most fun aircraft I've had the pleasure of flying.
During this time, Perry (another of the great instructors) took 2 of my friends up for a sightseeing tour in the Cessna 180. Neither of my friends had any general aviation/small plane experience but both seemed to have a great time (one of them even got a bit of time behind the controls and seemed to be hooked after that). After they returned, my wife and I also joined Perry for a scenic flight in the 180 where we flew over nearby ski areas, parts of Glacier NP and other beautiful scenery in the area. Perry was very knowledgeable about the local terrain and pointed out a number of interesting features. He was also very encouraging to my training and let me fly the majority of this flight.
I expected to have fun but the flights far exceeded my expectations and have me wanting to return for more as soon as possible. I would highly recommend taking a flight with the Backcountry Flying Experience crew if you find yourself anywhere near Kalispell or Glacier National Park.
I started off with an hour of training time in the Super Cub (currently working towards my private pilot license with land planes but couldn't turn down a bit of float time to add in my logbook). John was a great guide and instructor and had me doing unassisted takeoffs and landings in no time. We had a blast doing laps around nearby Tally Lake, a scenic and remote area where we didn't have to worry about traffic from other boats. The recently restored Super Cub was in incredible shape and was definitely the most fun aircraft I've had the pleasure of flying.
During this time, Perry (another of the great instructors) took 2 of my friends up for a sightseeing tour in the Cessna 180. Neither of my friends had any general aviation/small plane experience but both seemed to have a great time (one of them even got a bit of time behind the controls and seemed to be hooked after that). After they returned, my wife and I also joined Perry for a scenic flight in the 180 where we flew over nearby ski areas, parts of Glacier NP and other beautiful scenery in the area. Perry was very knowledgeable about the local terrain and pointed out a number of interesting features. He was also very encouraging to my training and let me fly the majority of this flight.
I expected to have fun but the flights far exceeded my expectations and have me wanting to return for more as soon as possible. I would highly recommend taking a flight with the Backcountry Flying Experience crew if you find yourself anywhere near Kalispell or Glacier National Park.
Written July 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael V
10 contributions
Jun 2022
It was our anniversary and we were visiting Glacier. Ironically, the Going to the Sun Road was still not completely opened the week of July 4th. Fortunately, on July 8th we had a trip with Jeff via the Backcountry Float Plane. My wife was nervous getting in and out of the plane, but Jeff was very helpful. And we could even bring our small [30 lbs] Dandie Dinmont Terrier, who sat in the back with my wife. We had a life jacket for him. Jeff was an incredible guide. The hardest part for me was the take off because it was obviously bumpy. Once in the air, Jeff told us all about what we were seeing. He also told stories that fit the discussion and even a couple jokes. The mountain views - including some glacier lakes - were amazing. Many of the taller peaks were still snow covered. It was an amazing experience, especially since we never did something like this before.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dlawlorjr
11 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
Our trip to Glacier National Park began with a float plane trip arranged through Back Country Flying Experience. Booking the trip was a breeze, Terry was pleasant, helpful and answered all of our questions. Our pilot Lauren DeWitt picked us up at the dock of our lodge. As a 10-year veteran Lauren has flown domestically and internationally for Google Maps, logged thousands of hours in the Alaska bush country and flown skiers around Denali - the depth of his knowledge was incredible, the trip he took us on was amazing!
Written October 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks!!! I enjoyed flying with you guys. It was very pretty out with all the fall foliage. You'll have to stop by again!
Written March 11, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What does it cost to take two adults for an hour? Do you have a price list that could be added to TripAdvisor? Thanks so much!
Written February 15, 2017
flyames
Angels Camp, California
Hi, The tour is $450.00 for one or two people.
Written February 16, 2017
Do you have flights from Kalispel to the Tetons & Yellowstone & back in 1 day?
Written November 21, 2015
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