Description

Schafer Meadows is said to be one of Montana's best backcountry airstrip. Located inside the Great Bear Wilderness on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, this airstrip has camping, fishing, and hiking.

Camping
Thanks to the Montan Pilot's Association, there are deluxe camping facilites at teh east end of the runway. The site includes: pit toilets, potable water, tables, and fire pits with grates.

For current conditions call the USFS - Spotted Bear Ranger District at 406-758-5376 (summer) and 406-387-3800 (winter).

Hiking

There are some good day hikes out of Schafer Meadows. The trail east along the Flathead River comes to some good views of the river and mountains to the east from a high bluff after about 2 - 3 miles. About 1/4 mile east of the airstrip, a trail to the south comes off the main trail and crosses the river. This trail goes south for about a mile to an intersection with another trail to the east. The trail to the east goes up the mountain and after about 2 - 3 miles, comes to some good views of the airstrip and the Flathead River drainage looking east and west. A mile or so further up this trail comes to some spectacular 360 degree views of the whole area, including mountains and drainages to the south. The trail out of Schafer Meadows going west along the Flathead River has a view of the river after about a mile and then stays in the trees for the next several miles.

Runway

The east 2/3 of the runway is in great condition (part marked with white cones). The west 1/3 (unmarked) is somewhat rough, and has a few gopher holes, but nothing too bad.