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BET â HPB
Which side of the plane to sit from Bethel Airport (Bethel) to Hooper Bay Airport (Hooper Bay)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a more direct perspective of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta's complex water systems and a spectacular view of the village of Hooper Bay as you descend.
Johnson River Meanders
Stunning view of the highly serpentine river winding in complex oxbow loops through the delta.
Yukon Delta Refuge
Observation of one of the world's largest river deltas and a critical habitat for millions of birds.
Hooper Bay Settlement
A clear bird's-eye view of the isolated coastal community nestled against the bay waters.
Tundra Patterns
Intricate geometric shapes caused by the natural freezing and thawing cycles of the Arctic soil.
Sit on the right side to witness the dramatic oxbow loops of the Johnson River. Late afternoon flights provide exceptional lighting across the marshlands, highlighting the water's reflection during the golden hour. In winter, look for the faint lines of snowmobile tracks that serve as the primary highways between remote villages.
Kuskokwim River
Broad views of the main river system immediately after departing Bethel before heading west.
Permafrost Lakes
Countless small, circular lakes dotting the flat landscape like mirrors across the tundra.
Bering Sea Horizon
The horizon opens up to the vast, cold waters of the Bering Sea during the final approach.
Wetland Habitats
Expansive marshy areas where migratory birds are known to congregate in the shallow pools.
The left side provides a wider perspective of the coastal edge where the delta meets the Bering Sea. Keep an eye out for the distinct line where fresh river water mixes with the saltwater of the bay. Polarized sunglasses are highly recommended to reduce glare from the thousands of reflecting lakes below.
Distance: 245 km (152 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 25 min
Departure: BET (60.77980042, -161.8379974)
Arrival: HPB (61.52389908, -166.1470032)
Route Type: Domestic
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