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OBU destination photo
ABL destination photo

OBUABL

Which side of the plane to sit from Kobuk Airport (Kobuk) to Ambler Airport (Ambler)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the winding Kobuk River and the rare, ancient arctic sand dunes located to the south.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏜️

Great Kobuk Sand Dunes

Massive golden dunes that look like a desert misplaced in the arctic, located within the Kobuk Valley National Park.

🛶

Kobuk River Meanders

Spectacular views of the river's complex oxbow lakes and winding channels that shift through the tundra.

⛰️

Waring Mountains

A scenic ridge of low-lying mountains that frame the southern boundary of the vast valley floor.

🌲

Boreal Mosaic

A dense pattern of spruce forests and lichen-covered ground that changes colors dramatically with the seasons.

Look toward the southern horizon shortly after takeoff to see the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes; they are the most iconic feature of this region. Late afternoon sun provides the best shadows for highlighting the texture of the dunes and river bends. Keep your camera ready as this flight is extremely short, typically under 20 minutes.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏔️

Baird Mountains

Rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Brooks Range that provide a dramatic backdrop to the north.

💎

Jade Mountains

Famous for their nephrite jade deposits, these mountains offer unique geological colors and sharp ridgelines.

🦌

Wildlife Corridors

The open tundra on this side is a primary migration path for the Western Arctic Caribou Herd.

Focus on the mountain peaks to the north, which remain visible throughout the hop. The Jade Mountains are particularly striking if the sun is high. In autumn, the tundra on this side turns a brilliant red and orange, making it a prime spot for landscape photography.

Top Activities in Ambler
Route Information

Distance: 47 km (29 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 5 min

Departure: OBU (66.9123001099, -156.897003174)

Arrival: ABL (67.1063, -157.856989)

Route Type: Domestic

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