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AUK destination photo
EMK destination photo

AUKEMK

Which side of the plane to sit from Alakanuk Airport (Alakanuk) to Emmonak Airport (Emmonak)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior vantage point of the massive Yukon River distributaries and the intricate silt patterns as the water moves toward the Bering Sea.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Yukon River Distributaries

Witness the powerful main channels of the Yukon River carving through the subarctic landscape.

🏞️

Bering Sea Horizon

On clear days, the distant shimmer of the Bering Sea is visible to the northwest.

🦅

Delta Wetlands

A dizzying array of mudflats and grassy marshes that serve as one of the world's most productive bird habitats.

❄️

Frozen Ice Floes

During shoulder seasons, watch for massive ice chunks grinding against the riverbanks.

This is a very short bush flight, often under 10 minutes. Sit on the left to see the main river flow. Morning flights are best as the low sun angle emphasizes the textures of the silt and water. Ensure your camera is ready before the plane even leaves the gravel strip at AUK.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏘️

Alakanuk Village

Get a unique aerial perspective of the remote boardwalks and structures of Alakanuk during takeoff.

🛶

Kwiguk Pass

View the winding secondary waterways that residents use for local boat travel.

📉

Thermokarst Lakes

Thousands of small, perfectly round ponds created by thawing permafrost dotting the tundra.

🦌

Tundra Wildlife

Look closely at the willow thickets for moose, which are common in this part of the delta.

The right side provides the best view of the community infrastructure of Alakanuk. In autumn (late August), the tundra turns a brilliant mosaic of red and gold. Keep your eyes peeled for the distinct white dots of tundra swans nesting in the small ponds below.

Top Activities in Emmonak
Route Information

Distance: 15 km (9 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 min

Departure: AUK (62.6800422668, -164.65992736799998)

Arrival: EMK (62.78609848, -164.49099730000003)

Route Type: Domestic

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