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OBU → ABL
Which side of the plane to sit from Kobuk Airport (Kobuk) to Ambler Airport (Ambler)?
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.
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.
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.
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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