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BET â KUK
Which side of the plane to sit from Bethel Airport (Bethel) to Kasigluk Airport (Kasigluk)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more direct perspective of the complex oxbow loops of the Kuskokwim River and the dense clusters of tundra ponds as the flight heads west toward the Johnson River basin.
Kuskokwim River Meanders
Witness the dramatic winding path of one of Alaska's major rivers immediately after departure from Bethel.
Karst Tundra Lakes
Thousands of small, perfectly circular 'pothole' lakes dot the landscape, reflecting the sky like mirrors.
Wetland Habitats
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta is a massive breeding ground; look for the white specks of swans in the marshlands.
Sit on the left for the best view of the Kuskokwim River's southern banks. Mid-morning flights are ideal as the sun highlights the contrast between the silty river water and the clear tundra ponds. During winter, look for the 'ice roads' carved into the frozen river surface.
Bethel Townscape
A clear view of the regional hub of Bethel, showing its unique layout built on permafrost.
Tundra Trails
Visible boat and snowmachine tracks that form the primary 'highways' between the remote villages.
Braided Streams
Intricate networks of smaller tributaries that feed into the main delta system north of the flight path.
The right side is better for seeing the town of Bethel during takeoff. In the autumn, the tundra turns vibrant shades of red and orange, which are particularly striking from this side when the northern light hits the vegetation at a low angle.
Distance: 39 km (24 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 min
Departure: BET (60.77980042, -161.8379974)
Arrival: KUK (60.87440109, -162.5240021)
Route Type: Domestic
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