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OBU → OTZ
Which side of the plane to sit from Kobuk Airport (Kobuk) to Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (Kotzebue)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, an extraordinary and unexpected arctic desert landscape, along with the scenic Waring Mountains and the intricate permafrost patterns of the Baldwin Peninsula.
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Great Kobuk Sand Dunes
25 square miles of shifting golden sands situated deep within the Arctic Circle.
Waring Mountains
Rolling mountain ridges that define the southern boundary of the Kobuk Valley.
Permafrost Lakes
Thousands of thermokarst lakes dotting the tundra of the Baldwin Peninsula.
Kotzebue Sound
The dramatic meeting point where the Kobuk River delta opens into the Chukchi Sea.
The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are the star attraction; look for them about 15-20 minutes after takeoff from Kobuk. In autumn (late August to September), the tundra below turns vibrant shades of red and orange. Morning flights are ideal as the southern sun illuminates the dunes' ridges, creating dramatic shadows.
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Kobuk River Meanders
Incredible oxbow lakes and serpentine river loops through the valley floor.
Baird Mountains
The rugged southern peaks of the Brooks Range rising sharply to the north.
Boreal Forest Transition
Watch the white spruce forest thin out into the vast, treeless arctic tundra.
Kotzebue Approach
A clear view of the remote coastal town situated on the tip of the peninsula.
Sit on the right for the best views of the jagged Baird Mountains. During winter months, the frozen Kobuk River becomes a white ribbon through the dark spruce forest. This side is also excellent for spotting the 'ice lead' formations in the Kotzebue Sound during the spring break-up.
Book Hotels in KotzebueDistance: 249 km (155 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 25 min
Departure: OBU (66.9123001099, -156.897003174)
Arrival: OTZ (66.88469696, -162.598999)
Route Type: Domestic
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