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ANI → HCR
Which side of the plane to sit from Aniak Airport (Aniak) to Holy Cross Airport (Holy Cross)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior combination of the rugged Kuskokwim Mountains and a more dramatic perspective of the mighty Yukon River as the plane turns for its final approach into Holy Cross.
Kuskokwim Mountains
Enjoy views of the rolling, sub-arctic mountain ranges that rise sharply from the river valley, often snow-capped well into June.
Boreal Forest Canopy
Dense stands of black spruce and birch carpet the foothills, providing a rich textured landscape typical of the Alaskan Bush.
The Yukon Bend
Watch as the massive Yukon River comes into view, appearing significantly wider and more powerful than the Kuskokwim.
Holy Cross Mission
Get a clear view of the historic village and the site of the former Jesuit mission as the aircraft aligns with the runway.
The right side provides the best sense of Alaska's scale, contrasting the high mountains with the deep river valleys. In winter, the frozen Yukon River creates a white highway that is easily visible. Morning flights provide the best lighting on the mountain faces to the east.
Kuskokwim River Meanders
Witness the incredible serpentine loops and tight oxbow bends of the Kuskokwim River immediately after departure from Aniak.
Tundra Ponds
The vast landscape is dotted with thousands of shimmering kettle lakes and small ponds characteristic of the Alaskan interior.
Wetland Mosaic
A complex network of marshes and bogs that change color dramatically from vibrant green in summer to deep rust in autumn.
Lower Yukon Flats
As you approach Holy Cross, look west toward the expansive, flat river delta where the terrain meets the horizon.
Sit on this side if you are fascinated by hydrological patterns and river geomorphology. The reflection of the sun off the numerous small lakes is particularly stunning during the 'Golden Hour' in the late afternoon. Use a polarizer on your camera to cut through the water reflections.
Distance: 69 km (43 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 min
Departure: ANI (61.58160018920898, -159.54299926757812)
Arrival: HCR (62.18830108642578, -159.77499389648438)
Route Type: Domestic
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