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KLW destination photo
KTN destination photo

KLWKTN

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a more intimate view of the rugged Prince of Wales Island interior and a stunning panoramic view of the Ketchikan city waterfront and harbor during the descent into KTN.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌲

Prince of Wales Interior

Dense, old-growth temperate rainforests and high ridges of the Tongass National Forest immediately after takeoff.

🌊

Thorne Bay Inlets

Deep blue coastal indentations and secluded bays that characterize the eastern shore of Prince of Wales Island.

🏔️

Karta River Wilderness

Dramatic views of the limestone peaks and glacial valleys near the center of the flight path.

🏠

Ketchikan Waterfront

A clear view of the 'Salmon Capital of the World' and its iconic stilt-supported buildings as you cross the narrows.

🚢

Cruise Ship Terminal

During the summer season, see massive cruise ships docked directly against the mountainside town.

Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the glare of the southern sun. Watch closely for the Guard Island Lighthouse, a historic beacon marking the entrance to Tongass Narrows. If the weather is clear, you can see the white-capped peaks of the Coast Mountains on the mainland.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🛶

Klawock Inlet

Beautiful views of the small fishing village and the historical totem poles near the departure point.

🐋

Clarence Strait

A wide expanse of water where humpback whales and orcas are frequently spotted breaching from above.

✈️

Gravina Island

The rugged, mostly uninhabited terrain of the island where Ketchikan International Airport is actually located.

⚓

Tongass Narrows

Busy maritime traffic including tugboats, ferries, and floatplanes buzzing around the channel.

The right side is excellent for spotting marine life in the Clarence Strait. Use polarized sunglasses to cut the water reflection. Note that Ketchikan's airport is on a separate island from the town, so the right side offers a direct look at the airport island's geography during the final bank.

Top Activities in Ketchikan
Route Information

Distance: 89 km (55 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 9 min

Departure: KLW (55.5792007446, -133.076004028)

Arrival: KTN (55.35559845, -131.7140045)

Route Type: Domestic

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