Loading map...

SHG destination photo
OBU destination photo

SHGOBU

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

Our Recommendation
8.4

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior vantage point for the majestic Brooks Range and the vast, untouched expanse of the northern Arctic tundra as you fly east.

Left Side Highlights
8.4
🏔️

Schwatka Mountains

Vast views of the rugged southern peaks of the Brooks Range rising sharply to the north.

🧊

Permafrost Patterns

Intricate polygonal ground patterns and thermokarst lakes formed by the freezing and thawing of Arctic soil.

🦌

Wildlife Corridors

The open valley floor between Shungnak and Kobuk is a prime area for spotting caribou or grizzlies from low altitude.

Morning flights offer the best illumination of the mountains to the north. Given the flight is extremely short—less than 10 minutes—keep your camera ready from the moment of takeoff. The low altitude of this hop makes ground textures and patterns especially visible.

Right Side Highlights
8.1
🛶

Kobuk River Meanders

Spectacular aerial perspective of the river's tight oxbow bends and deep silt-laden channels.

⛰️

Waring Mountains

The softer, forested ridges to the south provide a contrast to the jagged mountains on the opposite side.

🌲

Boreal Muskeg

Dense mosaics of black spruce and wetlands that characterize the high-latitude interior forest.

The right side is best for observing the complex hydrology of the Kobuk River system. In autumn, the tundra and deciduous trees on this side turn vibrant shades of orange and red, making for excellent photography. Use a high shutter speed to capture the rapidly moving landscape at low altitude.

Top Activities in Kobuk
Route Information

Distance: 12 km (7 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 min

Departure: SHG (66.88809967041, -157.16200256348)

Arrival: OBU (66.9123001099, -156.897003174)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.