Pass Creek

Pass Creek is a Montana hike-up flying area off Rocky Mountain Road, near the Morgan Cemetery. The 1,846 m launches face S through NW and are all unimproved — pilots must assess winds, terrain and their own abilities for each option. The 'lowest launch' is a flat area on the hillside visible from the parking area, rarely used because west wind is preferred and southerlies cause launch rotor. Landing zones are unimproved, uneven and covered in sagebrush, surrounded by barbed-wire fencing that runs along the road and around the LZ boundaries — pilots are strongly advised to walk each LZ before flying. Target shooting occurs in this area; if shooters are near the LZ, brief them on your landing plans, and carry a whistle to sound on final approach.

Launch & conditions

All launches are hike-up and unimproved. The Lowest Launch is a flat hillside area, rarely used, with the LZ 300 ft below across the road on State land bordered by private land. The Midway Launch sits above and north of it. Southerly wind causes rotor at the launches, and easterly components are unflyable. Walk every LZ before flying — sagebrush growth varies and matters.

Getting there & local rules

From Rocky Mountain Road, park at the small dirt turnout with room for 3–4 cars; do not block the gate if livestock are present. Cross the road, cross over the barbed-wire fence — check you're on public land before doing so — follow the fence line to the south side of the first drainage, then head up. A Montana State Recreational land-use permit is required. Barbed-wire fencing surrounds both sides of the road and the LZ areas.

Local rules & hazards

A Montana State Recreational land-use permit is required. Flying south toward the 'M' hits a few cruxes where landing will not be welcomed by landowners — get local intel before venturing there. Avoid north, north-east and east winds. Target shooting in the area — carry a whistle and use it on approach; brief shooters if you see them.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Pass Creek, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Pass Creek with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.