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ABL → OTZ
Which side of the plane to sit from Ambler Airport (Ambler) to Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (Kotzebue)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the unique Great Kobuk Sand Dunes and the expansive, lake-dotted tundra of the Selawik National Wildlife Refuge.
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Great Kobuk Sand Dunes
Massive arctic sand dunes located within Kobuk Valley National Park, appearing like a desert in the middle of the tundra.
Waring Mountains
A rugged range forming the southern border of the Kobuk Valley, offering sharp relief against the river basin.
Selawik Wildlife Refuge
An incredible mosaic of thousands of thermokarst lakes and wetlands, critical for migratory waterfowl.
Hotham Inlet
The dramatic transition where the freshwater systems of the interior meet the brackish waters of the Baldwin Peninsula.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, which are most visible shortly after departure from Ambler. Use a polarizer on your camera to cut through haze and enhance the contrast of the dune ripples. In late summer, the colors of the tundra turn a brilliant red and orange, making the golden sand dunes even more visually striking.
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Kobuk River Meanders
Intricate oxbow lakes and winding river paths that look like silver ribbons through the wilderness.
Baird Mountains
The majestic southern foothills of the Brooks Range, often snow-capped well into the summer months.
Squirrel River Valley
A remote wilderness area known for its caribou migration paths and untouched boreal forest.
Kotzebue Sound
The vast expanse of the Chukchi Sea, which is often filled with dramatic pack ice during winter and spring months.
The right side is ideal for viewing the vast scale of the Brooks Range to the north. If flying in winter or early spring, watch for pressure ridges in the ice as you approach Kotzebue. Afternoon flights on this side may experience some glare from the sun, so high-quality sunglasses are recommended for spotting wildlife like caribou on the snow.
Book Hotels in KotzebueDistance: 207 km (129 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 21 min
Departure: ABL (67.1063, -157.856989)
Arrival: OTZ (66.88469696, -162.598999)
Route Type: Domestic
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