KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

[mcgrathm]

Well guys I am beginning to plan my trip to Salem Oregon again in June. Some of you know that I have flown out several times in the Commander and it is a lot of fun. I really enjoy seeing everything while I go vs 38K plus feet in the air commercial.

The reason I am posting is I am looking at changing my route that I normally fly to see new sites. I am looking for input on which way to go.
My normal route is flying up to WY, then west across to Idaho then on it. Now I am thinking either taking a more southern route or a northern route.

I would like to here some pros and cons about both. I am not worried about the additional time. In the pictures are my ideas of routes along with my original route. the way-points are not necessarily my stopping locations.

Any input would be great.

 

[RNC]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR.

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR.

The only thing I would offer is that on those southern routes, you can go through a lot of those military areas on weekends when they're closed. So when flying VFR at lower altitudes, the airways aren't as restrictive as they appear.

 

[barrett2]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR.

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR.

Michael If you decide on the Southern route, I recommend not landing at KLAS. But if you must go to Las Vegas use Henderson or N. Las Vegas instead. The reasons are: there is a landing fee at KLAS, fuel and FBO charges are outrageous, and the wait to land, taxi and takeoff can sometimes take an hour. The scenery and desert landscape is breath taking from altitude. Beware of density altitude in the Summer when you are hot, high and heavy. Though in Vegas you will likely be lighter leaving than when you arrive.

 

[atjudge]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR.

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR.

I've used Boulder city before, good experience

 

[Commander91gm]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR.

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR.

Michael If you decide on the Southern route, I recommend not landing at KLAS. But if you must go to Las Vegas use Henderson or N. Las Vegas instead. The reasons are: there is a landing fee at KLAS, fuel and FBO charges are outrageous, and the wait to land, taxi and takeoff can sometimes take an hour. The scenery and desert landscape is breath taking from altitude. Beware of density altitude in the Summer when you are hot, high and heavy. Though in Vegas you will likely be lighter leaving than when you arrive.

I second this one - I use Henderson - nice airport - friendly folks - easy in and out. Just make sure you are either talking to LAS approach or watching the class B altitudes closely.(particularly as you climb to the west)

 

[wiguy]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

I’m looking into getting out near Monument Valley, just West of Farmington, NM, maybe Page, AZ too. I’d get a few routes & stops in mind. If you went North previously, mix it up some this time.

 

[mcgrathm]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

Based on the input, guess I’ll go the southern route this year. I appreciate all the suggestions. They will make the planning of stops and final route much easier. Once I get the real stops finalized I’ll repost again for more input.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Commander91gm]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

I’m looking into getting out near Monument Valley, just West of Farmington, NM, maybe Page, AZ too. I’d get a few routes & stops in mind. If you went North previously, mix it up some this time.

Page is a nice airport. Follow the river down to it - Great scenery.
If you are going to overfly the Grand Canyon, make sure you have the chart and fly the transition routes (Big Brother is watching)

 

[jmcb]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

Michael, although Reno is not as congested as LAS, a thought may to stop in Minden or Carson City instead. I like Minden myself. Flying up the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada will be gorgeous.

 

[mcgrathm]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

Michael, although Reno is not as congested as LAS, a thought may to stop in Minden or Carson City instead. I like Minden myself. Flying up the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada will be gorgeous.

That sounds great and I’ll keep that in mind.

As far as Las Vagas goes, I have no plans to stop there. I was born there and have returned several times over the years. I’d rather stop and see places I haven’t been before.

 

[gmores]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

Michael - I too like the idea of the southern route. You could make your turn a bit further west and see some of the California coast which should be interesting.

Make sure you get some photos for sharing here with the group.

 

[rringgold]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

Read about Truth or Consequences, NM as a favorite stopover point on the AOPA travel app.

 

[wiguy]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

Ship Rock is out near Farmington too. There is an airport right nearby, not sure how good the runway is. The easy way is just to fly by most of the sights on your way, minding any airspace restrictions.

As usual, let the weather at the time factor in with the route choice.

 

[Commander91gm]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

Ship Rock is out near Farmington too. There is an airport right nearby, not sure how good the runway is. The easy way is just to fly by most of the sights on your way, minding any airspace restrictions.

As usual, let the weather at the time factor in with the route choice.

In general any of the airports on the reservation are crap with no services.

 

[DSpence]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

Michael,

Every spring I reposition GVWP back from KTRM to Vancouver/Kelowna, BC, and every year I go direct (as much as possible), not this year. I will share my route because you might find it enticing if you want to experience some different scenery.

I am going from Palm Springs to Harris Ranch (S08), just because, but also very cool runway and restaurant. Then heading to Monterey (KMRY), to get to the coast and possibly rent car and spend the night in Carmel (very cool town). From there I am planning a stop in San Carlos (KSQL), to visit a friend and to experience SFO airspace! Then off to the Oregon dunes at Coos Bay (KOTH) to ride some ATV’s on the beach dunes (my son’s choice)! From there, heading to CYLW.

You may have already visited the Oregon coast, so probably not that special to you, but for others, it is a must see. Beauty beyond comparison.

Finally, if you choose the southern route, try to stop at Lake Havesu (KHII) on your way for lunch. One of the coolest on field bar/restaurants I have ever visited. Food is good too.

Have a great trip.

Don

 

[mcgrathm]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

Thanks Donald,
I looked at your course, looks great. The Harris Ranch interested me. I tend to like the small layed back kind of places.

A few years ago when I first got the contract in Oregon Twila and I took a road trip from Salem down through Grants Pass to Cresent City CA. Then we took Hwy 101 up the coast to Tillamook Or. It was a beautiful trip. The redwoods were so huge. Also went whale watching and toured several lighthouses. If your hugging the coast line, stop at Tillamook. There is a small aircraft museum there in one of the few remaining dirigible hangers used in WWII for coastal monitoring. It is also home of Tillamook Cheese. You can tour the factory and buy gifts at there store.
Or go to McMinnville and see a nice Aircraft museum there where the Spruce Goose now resides along with a lot of other aircraft. Next to is is a water park with a 747 on the roof where a water slide starts and ends up in the pool inside. This was all build be the Evergreen Co.

 

[Commander91gm]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

Michael,

Every spring I reposition GVWP back from KTRM to Vancouver/Kelowna, BC, and every year I go direct (as much as possible), not this year. I will share my route because you might find it enticing if you want to experience some different scenery.

I am going from Palm Springs to Harris Ranch (S08), just because, but also very cool runway and restaurant. Then heading to Monterey (KMRY), to get to the coast and possibly rent car and spend the night in Carmel (very cool town). From there I am planning a stop in San Carlos (KSQL), to visit a friend and to experience SFO airspace! Then off to the Oregon dunes at Coos Bay (KOTH) to ride some ATV’s on the beach dunes (my son’s choice)! From there, heading to CYLW.

You may have already visited the Oregon coast, so probably not that special to you, but for others, it is a must see. Beauty beyond comparison.

Finally, if you choose the southern route, try to stop at Lake Havesu (KHII) on your way for lunch. One of the coolest on field bar/restaurants I have ever visited. Food is good too.

Have a great trip.

Don

Good suggestions but I would skip Palm Springs and there ramp charges and go to Thermal instead.

 

[jmcb]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

Joel, what about Bermuda Dunes (UDD)? They used to have a cool restaurant there called Murph’s Gaslight. I could be wrong but I don’t think the fees are too bad there.

 

[Commander91gm]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

Joe

Landed there a few years ago to wait out some weather over on the coast. Pretty sleepy airport, not much there and no restaurant when I was there.
Pricing at Palm Springs has driven a lot of traffic to Thermal. Lots of jets coming and going. I have had good experience with the folks at Thermal self serve.
On a side note - The owner was the one who used to publish the Pilots guide to the Bahamas. They would always have a stack of last years guides that they would give away for free sitting there. AOPA has bought the rights to the publication so I doubt that is still true.

 

[VGIAMPA]

Re: KSNH Savannah TN to KSLE Salem OR

If you're considering a lunch stop at Harris Ranch, it might be helpful to know that they also serve a dynamite dinner and breakfast.

As well as the fabulous restaurant, Harris Ranch also operates a very nice hotel on the site.