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HSL destination photo
HUS destination photo

HSLHUS

Which side of the plane to sit from Huslia Airport (Huslia) to Hughes Airport (Hughes)?

Our Recommendation
8.6

Right Side of the Plane

The right side provides a superior view of the Koyukuk River's intricate meanders and the dramatic landscape of the Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge during this short bush flight.

Right Side Highlights
8.6
🌊

Koyukuk River Bends

Spectacular aerial perspectives of the river's extreme winding path, often looping back on itself.

🌀

Oxbow Lakes

Numerous crescent-shaped lakes created by the river naturally changing its course over centuries.

🏔️

Hughes Mountain

The prominent ridge that towers over the village of Hughes, providing a dramatic backdrop for the landing approach.

Sit on the right for the best views of the river's 'loops.' Since these flights are typically operated at low altitudes in small aircraft, the scale of the river meanders is stunning. Morning flights offer the best lighting for river reflections, while autumn trips reveal vibrant gold and red foliage across the riverbanks.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
⛰️

Zane Hills

Distant views of the rugged Zane Hills mountain range to the north as the plane climbs out of Huslia.

🌲

Boreal Wilderness

Uninterrupted stretches of Arctic taiga forest, showcasing the remote interior Alaskan ecosystem.

🦌

Koyukuk Refuge

A vast expanse of wetlands and tundra that serves as a critical habitat for moose and caribou.

Look for the sharp contrast between the dark spruce forests and the lighter tundra patches. On clear days, the distant peaks of the Brooks Range may be visible on the far horizon. Use a fast shutter speed to capture the dense forest detail from low altitudes.

Top Activities in Hughes
Route Information

Distance: 102 km (63 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 10 min

Departure: HSL (65.69789886, -156.3509979)

Arrival: HUS (66.04109955, -154.26300049999998)

Route Type: Domestic

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