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SLQ destination photo
ANI destination photo

SLQANI

Which side of the plane to sit from Sleetmute Airport (Sleetmute) to Aniak Airport (Aniak)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior vantage point for the Kuskokwim River's intricate oxbow lakes and a direct view of the village of Chuathbaluk during the descent into Aniak.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
🏠

Chuathbaluk Village

A clear view of this small riverside community nestled against the hills.

💧

Oxbow Lakes

Dozens of horseshoe-shaped lakes formed by the shifting path of the Kuskokwim River.

🌲

Boreal Forest Canopy

Dense stands of black spruce and birch lining the riverbanks.

🤝

Aniak River Confluence

The scenic junction where the Aniak River flows into the larger Kuskokwim near the airport.

The right side is ideal for seeing the hydraulic complexity of the river system. Look for ice floes during the spring 'break-up' (usually May), which is a spectacular sight from the air. This side also provides a better view of the Aniak township upon final approach.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🌊

Kuskokwim River Bends

Expansive views of the river as it winds through the southwestern Alaskan interior.

🏔️

Kuskokwim Mountains

Rolling hills and ancient mountain ridges characterizing the region's geography.

🌿

Vast Tundra Plains

A patchwork of moss, lichen, and shrubs that changes dramatically with the seasons.

🦅

Remote Wilderness

Uninterrupted stretches of subarctic wilderness far from any road networks.

Sit on this side to capture the broader scale of the Kuskokwim Mountains. In late August and September, the tundra turns vibrant shades of red and gold, making for incredible photography. Afternoon flights provide the best lighting for the southern horizon.

Top Activities in Aniak
Route Information

Distance: 126 km (78 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 13 min

Departure: SLQ (61.7005004883, -157.166000366)

Arrival: ANI (61.58160018920898, -159.54299926757812)

Route Type: Domestic

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