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KLG destination photo
BET destination photo

KLGBET

Which side of the plane to sit from Kalskag Airport (Kalskag) to Bethel Airport (Bethel)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of the winding Kuskokwim River and several remote villages, providing a more intimate look at the unique riverine life of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Kuskokwim River Meanders

Experience the dramatic, tight turns of one of Alaska's most important and powerful river systems.

🏘️

Tuluksak Village

Fly over the confluence of the Tuluksak and Kuskokwim rivers, where the remote village is located.

🛶

Akiak & Akiachak

Get a bird's-eye view of these riverside communities which are only accessible by plane or boat.

🛥️

River Traffic

During summer, look for barges and small fishing boats navigating the silty, brown waters of the main channel.

🏙️

Bethel Approach

As you descend into Bethel, see the massive fuel storage tanks and the sprawl of the largest city in western Alaska.

The right side is consistently better for spotting wildlife like moose near the riverbanks. Polarized sunglasses are essential to reduce the glare from the water and to see the varying depths and sandbars within the Kuskokwim River channel.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏞️

Kilbuck Mountains

On clear days, you can spot the distant, jagged peaks of the Kilbuck Mountains rising to the southeast.

💧

Oxbow Lakes

View hundreds of crescent-shaped lakes formed by the historical shifting of the river's path.

🌿

Lower Kalskag

Catch a glimpse of the sister village to Kalskag immediately after takeoff as you follow the river's southern curve.

📉

Tundra Tapestry

Observe the intricate patterns of the permafrost and marshy wetlands that stretch toward the horizon.

This side is best for seeing the vastness of the delta. In the late afternoon, the low sun angle creates long shadows over the tundra, highlighting the unique textures of the muskeg. Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens for the expansive landscape.

Top Activities in Bethel
Route Information

Distance: 116 km (72 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 12 min

Departure: KLG (61.53630065917969, -160.34100341796875)

Arrival: BET (60.77980042, -161.8379974)

Route Type: Domestic

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