Description
Go deeper into Montana's wild heart with Mission Mountain Flying Service, a family-owned Montana flight service flying since 2004 with more than 30,000 combined hours of experience and home bases in Kalispell and Missoula. These are the same bush pilots who serve Montana's remote backcountry airstrips, and on this two-hour scenic flight they take you far beyond the roads and into country most travelers never see.
Departing Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, the flight opens over shimmering Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States, before pressing into the backcountry. Depending on weather and routing, your pilot can trace the 1.5-million-acre Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, one of the largest wild areas in the lower 48, along with the glaciated peaks of the Mission Mountains and the rugged Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. On clear days the flight also offers views into Glacier National Park. These are landscapes reachable only on foot, on horseback, or from the air.
Every flight is a private charter for your group. One flat price covers the whole aircraft for up to two or three passengers (final capacity depends on combined passenger weight), so it is just you, your party, and your pilot. With twice the flight time of the one-hour tour, it is the choice for photographers, special occasions, and anyone who wants to take in the full sweep of northwest Montana's mountains and lakes in a single trip.
What to Expect
Plan to arrive at the Mission Mountain Flying Service hangar about 30 minutes before departure to meet your pilot for a short safety briefing. Because combined passenger weight affects the aircraft, we ask for passenger weights when you book. Your exact route depends on conditions, and your pilot always makes the final call with safety first. Bring a camera, sunglasses, and a light layer, then settle in for about two hours of extraordinary Montana scenery.
Flights are weather-dependent. In the event a flight can't go out due to weather you'll be offered to reschedule or receive a refund.
Looking For More?
Pair your flight with more of the best of Glacier Country.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can fly on the scenic flight?
Each flight is a private charter for one flat price. The aircraft seats up to two or three passengers depending on combined passenger weight (max of 550 lbs), so we ask for passenger weights at booking to confirm your group's capacity.
Where do flights depart from?
Flights depart from the Mission Mountain Flying Service hangar at Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana.
What will we see?
Beyond Flathead Lake, the 2-hour flight reaches into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (more than 1.5 million acres), the Mission Mountains, and the glaciated Cabinet Mountains, with views into Glacier National Park. Your exact route depends on conditions and your pilot's routing.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. Scenic flights are weather-dependent, and if conditions are not suitable for flying your pilot will work with you to reschedule.
How much does the flight cost?
The 2-hour Glacier Country Scenic Flight is $899 for the entire aircraft (up to two or three passengers), not per person.
Is it safe, and who is flying the plane?
Your flight is operated by Mission Mountain Flying Service, a family-owned Montana company flying since 2004 with more than 30,000 combined hours of experience, including regular flights into Montana's remote backcountry airstrips.
Can children fly?
Yes, children are welcome. Because seating depends on combined passenger weight, please include all passenger ages and weights when you book.
What should I bring and wear?
Bring a camera, sunglasses, and a light layer. Dress comfortably for a small-aircraft cabin, where temperatures can vary.
When is the best time of day to fly?
Morning and evening flights often bring calmer air and softer light for photography, while midday offers bright, wide-open views. Your pilot can advise based on the day's conditions.
How is this different from the 1-hour flight?
The 2-hour flight travels deeper into Montana's wilderness areas. If you mainly want Flathead Lake and the nearby peaks, the shorter 1-hour Glacier Country Scenic Flight is a great option.
Can we bring a group larger than three?
Larger groups can be accommodated by booking more than one flight. Contact us and we will help coordinate multiple aircraft or departure times.