A Trip of a Lifetime: Flying Our Super Cub from Alaska to Montana

Some adventures are dreamed about for years before they finally come to life. For my husband and me, flying our PA-18 Super Cub from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Montana was one of those journeys—something we had always talked about but had never set in motion. In October 2024, the timing finally felt right, and with perfect weather lining up in our favor, we took off on what would become the trip of a lifetime.

Chasing the Horizon

Leaving Fairbanks behind, we pointed the nose south and settled into the rhythm of flying. The early fall air was crisp and smooth, the sky impossibly clear, and to our luck, a steady tailwind helped push us along. In a small bush plane, every mile feels earned—you’re not just traveling over the land; you’re a part of it. From snow-dusted peaks to winding rivers, every hour brought new landscapes that reminded us why we love this way of travel.

Not long after taking off from Yakutat, Alaska, we spotted a long sandy beach below and decided to land to stretch our legs. There’s something special about touching down on a remote shoreline with nothing but the sound of waves and the distant cry of seabirds. With the Super Cub resting on the sand, we took a moment to breathe it all in—just us, the ocean, and the vast, untamed wilderness around us. Moments like these remind me why I love this way of travel. The ability to land wherever adventure calls is a freedom few get to experience, and I never take it for granted.

As we continued our journey south, we flew along the coast over British Columbia and Vancouver Island, watching the rugged shoreline stretch endlessly beside us. The combination of jagged mountains meeting the Pacific Ocean was breathtaking—a scene so wild and untouched that it felt like flying through a postcard. Looking down, we saw remote inlets, dense forests, and small islands dotting the coastline, places only accessible by air or boat. It was a route that few get to experience from above, and we soaked in every moment.

Four Days, A Lifetime of Views

The journey took us four days in total, each one filled with unforgettable moments. Crossing into the Lower 48 was surreal—after miles and miles of rugged isolation, we began to see signs of civilization growing beneath us. Finally, Montana came into view, its vast landscapes a perfect blend of wild and welcoming.

There’s something about traveling this way—at the mercy of the weather, the wind, and the wilderness—that makes you appreciate every mile. Looking back, this trip wasn’t just about getting from one place to another. It was about the freedom of the open sky, the adventure of the unknown, and the simple joy of flying together, just the two of us and our Super Cub, chasing the horizon.

As I reflect on this journey, I’m reminded of a truth I’ve come to live by:

"I’ve been navigating life with great faith but minimal planning. Although I’ve attempted to fill my soul with the ordinary accomplishments that the world offers, they hold no true value. A soul must be free from societal standards, able to roam where rivers flow through mountains and leap forward with unwavering faith. This life is fleeting, and we each inhabit this world for a calling. May my world be my Super Cub, and may I be its sole inhabitant." -Tori H.

Would we do this journey again? Without a doubt. Some adventures are meant to be lived more than once.