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BET → VAK
Which side of the plane to sit from Bethel Airport (Bethel) to Chevak Airport (Chevak)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the expansive Kuskokwim Delta wetlands and the gradual transition toward the Bering Sea coastline as you approach Chevak.
Kuskokwim River Meanders
Witness the massive, winding loops of the Kuskokwim River immediately after departure from Bethel.
Swiss Cheese Tundra
Thousands of small, circular kettle lakes dotting the flat landscape creating a unique geometric pattern.
Yukon Delta Refuge
Fly over one of the world's largest coastal wetlands, home to millions of migratory birds.
Ninglick River Approach
As you descend into Chevak, the Ninglick River provides a dramatic silver ribbon through the marshes.
Sit on the left for better lighting during morning flights, as the sun will be behind you. Look for the glint of the Bering Sea on the horizon during the second half of the flight. In winter, the frozen lakes create a stark, monochromatic minimalist landscape that is best captured with high-contrast camera settings.
Infinite Grasslands
Vast stretches of subarctic tundra that change from vibrant green in summer to deep gold in autumn.
Johnson River Tributaries
Intricate networks of smaller streams and sloughs that branch off toward the northern delta.
Distant Hillside Vistas
On exceptionally clear days, look far northeast for the faint silhouettes of the Kilbuck Mountains.
The right side is excellent for observing the sheer scale of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. If traveling in late August or September, watch for the dramatic color shift of the tundra vegetation. Polarizing sunglasses are highly recommended to cut the glare reflecting off the high density of water bodies below.
Distance: 219 km (136 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 22 min
Departure: BET (60.77980042, -161.8379974)
Arrival: VAK (61.5409, -165.6005)
Route Type: Domestic
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