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OTZ → BKC
Which side of the plane to sit from Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (Kotzebue) to Buckland Airport (Buckland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point of the complex Arctic wetlands and the sprawling Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, featuring a high density of unique thermokarst lakes.
Search flights from OTZ to BKC
Hotham Inlet
A massive brackish water body that separates the Baldwin Peninsula from the mainland, showing unique tidal mixing patterns.
Selawik Wildlife Refuge
A vast expanse of protected tundra that serves as a critical habitat for caribou and various migratory bird species.
Selawik Lake
One of the largest lakes in Alaska, visible as a massive blue horizon to the east of the flight path.
Arctic Tundra Patterns
Intricate polygonal ground patterns and thousands of small thermokarst lakes created by permafrost melting and freezing.
Sit on the left for the best views of the sunrise or early morning light reflecting off the thousands of small tundra ponds. In autumn, look for the changing colors of the dwarf shrubs and potential caribou tracks in the moss.
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Kotzebue Sound
The open water of the sound, often filled with floating ice floes well into the early summer months.
Chamisso Island
A small, rugged island within the sound that serves as a bird sanctuary, visible in the distance to the southwest.
Eschscholtz Bay
The southern reach of the sound where the Buckland River empties, known for its rich marine life and historical significance.
Seward Peninsula Horizon
On clear days, the distant mountains of the Seward Peninsula are visible across the water.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Watch for the dramatic transition from the open waters of Eschscholtz Bay to the winding Buckland River during the descent.
Book Hotels in BucklandDistance: 119 km (74 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 min
Departure: OTZ (66.88469696, -162.598999)
Arrival: BKC (65.9815979004, -161.149002075)
Route Type: Domestic
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