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BET â KWK
Which side of the plane to sit from Bethel Airport (Bethel) to Kwigillingok Airport (Kwigillingok)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for following the massive meanders of the Kuskokwim River and observing the rich biodiversity of the coastal wetlands.
Kuskokwim River Meanders
Witness the massive, serpentine loops of the river as it carves through the soft silt of the delta.
Delta Wildlife Refuge
Aerial views of one of the world's most productive nesting grounds for migratory waterfowl.
Seasonal Fish Camps
Spot small, isolated camps along the riverbanks used by locals for traditional subsistence fishing.
Tidal Salt Marshes
Observe the intricate transition where freshwater tundra meets the salty waters of Kuskokwim Bay.
Sit on the left to track the main river channel. For the best photography, choose a morning flight when the low sun angle creates high-contrast reflections off the water. In late summer, look for the distinct silt plumes entering the bay.
Thermokarst Lakes
Thousands of circular 'kettle' lakes created by thawing permafrost dotting the flat landscape.
Patterned Ground
View unique geometric soil shapes formed by centuries of freezing and thawing cycles.
Bering Sea Horizon
On clear days, see the vast, grey expanse of the Bering Sea stretching toward the horizon.
Kwigillingok Approach
Get a clear view of the village's unique boardwalks and stilted buildings during the final descent.
The right side is perfect for capturing the abstract, mosaic-like patterns of the tundra. During winter months, this side provides excellent views of sea ice formations and pressure ridges along the coastline.
Distance: 124 km (77 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 min
Departure: BET (60.77980042, -161.8379974)
Arrival: KWK (59.876499, -163.169005)
Route Type: Domestic
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