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WAA → SHH
Which side of the plane to sit from Wales Airport (Wales) to Shishmaref Airport (Shishmaref)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the rugged, uninhabited terrain of the Seward Peninsula, featuring dramatic coastal lagoons and mountainous tundra.
Cape Mountain
Rising 2,280 feet directly from the sea, this granite massif is a striking landmark immediately after takeoff from Wales.
Lopp Lagoon
A vast, shallow lagoon system that stretches for miles along the coast, creating intricate water patterns.
Arctic Tundra
A treeless landscape characterized by permafrost, mosses, and lichens that changes color dramatically with the seasons.
Ear Mountain
A prominent, isolated peak visible in the distance to the southeast, often used as a landmark for bush pilots.
Keep your eyes peeled for reindeer herds that frequently graze on the Seward Peninsula. Late summer and fall are particularly scenic as the tundra turns vibrant shades of red and gold. Sit behind the wing for an unobstructed view of the Cape Mountain cliffs shortly after departure.
Chukchi Sea
Expansive views of the Arctic waters where the Bering Strait opens into the Chukchi Sea.
Arctic Sea Ice
Depending on the season, you can observe massive sheets of pack ice or floating ice floes drifting north.
Sarichef Island
The narrow barrier island comes into full view as the plane makes its final approach into Shishmaref.
Look for the distinct line where the turquoise lagoon waters meet the deep navy of the Arctic Ocean. Morning flights offer softer light for capturing the contrast of the water. In winter, this side is best for spotting polar bear tracks on the sea ice near the shore.
Distance: 115 km (71 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 min
Departure: WAA (65.62259300000001, -168.095)
Arrival: SHH (66.249604, -166.089112)
Route Type: Domestic
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