Alaska, the Last Frontier, offers unparalleled beauty and adventure. For those seeking a unique and exhilarating way to experience this vast wilderness, Alaska plane tours provide a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur. Whether soaring over towering glaciers, spotting wildlife in their natural habitats, or landing on remote lakes, these tours promise memories that will last a lifetime. Alaska charter planes enable adventurers to access remote and breathtaking areas that are otherwise unreachable, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Embarking on a journey with Alaska plane tours not only offers stunning aerial views but also provides the thrill of landing in some of the most secluded spots on earth. From the icy expanses of Denali to the lush rainforests of Southeast Alaska, these tours cater to adventure seekers who crave the extraordinary. Here are the top five plane tours in Alaska that every thrill-seeker should consider.
1. Denali Flightseeing Tour
Overview
A Denali Flightseeing Tour is the epitome of Alaskan adventure. Denali, North America’s tallest peak, rises majestically to 20,310 feet, and the best way to appreciate its grandeur is from the air. These tours typically depart from Talkeetna, a quaint town known as the gateway to Denali.
Highlights
- Stunning Views: Fly over the rugged terrain of Denali National Park, witnessing glaciers, alpine tundra, and the mighty Denali itself.
- Glacier Landing: Many tours include a glacier landing, allowing you to set foot on a vast, untouched expanse of ice and snow.
- Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose, and Dall sheep, often visible from the air.
Adventure Factor
The sheer scale and beauty of Denali make this tour a must for adventure seekers. The experience of landing on a glacier and the chance to see some of Alaska’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat only add to the thrill.
2. Misty Fjords National Monument Tour
Overview
Located in Southeast Alaska, Misty Fjords National Monument is a pristine wilderness area characterized by its deep fjords, steep cliffs, and lush rainforests. Plane tours of Misty Fjords often depart from Ketchikan, offering a unique perspective on this stunning landscape.
Highlights
- Aerial Views: Soar above dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene fjords.
- Remote Landings: Some tours include landings on remote lakes or inlets, providing an opportunity to experience the tranquility of this untouched wilderness.
- Cultural Insights: Learn about the area’s indigenous cultures and history from knowledgeable pilots.
Adventure Factor
The combination of breathtaking scenery and the isolation of Misty Fjords makes this tour perfect for those seeking adventure off the beaten path. The opportunity to land in a remote area and explore a part of Alaska that few get to see adds to the excitement.
3. Brooks Range Arctic Circle Adventure
Overview
For those looking to venture even further into the wild, the Brooks Range Arctic Circle Adventure is an unparalleled experience. This tour takes you north of the Arctic Circle, offering a glimpse into one of the most remote and pristine areas of Alaska.
Highlights
- Arctic Circle Crossing: Fly over the Arctic Circle and receive a certificate commemorating this unique achievement.
- Brooks Range: Witness the rugged beauty of the Brooks Range, a remote mountain range that stretches across northern Alaska.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot Arctic wildlife such as caribou, musk oxen, and Arctic foxes.
Adventure Factor
The remoteness and raw beauty of the Brooks Range make this tour a true adventure. Crossing the Arctic Circle and exploring a region that few have seen is an experience that adventurous souls will cherish forever.
4. Katmai National Park Bear Viewing
Overview
Katmai National Park is world-renowned for its large population of brown bears, particularly around Brooks Falls, where the bears gather to catch salmon. A plane tour to Katmai offers an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience.
Highlights
- Bear Viewing: Watch brown bears up close as they fish for salmon in the rivers and streams.
- Scenic Flights: Enjoy aerial views of volcanic landscapes, including the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an area filled with ash flows from a massive volcanic eruption.
- Photography Opportunities: Capture incredible photos of bears in their natural habitat and the stunning Alaskan landscape.
Adventure Factor
The thrill of seeing massive brown bears in the wild is unmatched. The combination of wildlife viewing and the stunning scenery of Katmai National Park makes this tour a must for any adventure seeker.
5. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Tour
Overview
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the United States, is a land of superlatives. Home to nine of the 16 highest peaks in the country, this park offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Alaska.
Highlights
- Mountain Peaks: Fly over towering peaks, including Mount St. Elias, the second-highest peak in the United States.
- Glacier Views: Witness massive glaciers, some of which are among the longest in North America.
- Remote Landings: Experience the thrill of landing on a glacier or in a remote valley, far from any roads or signs of civilization.
Adventure Factor
The sheer scale and rugged beauty of Wrangell-St. Elias make this tour an adventurer’s dream. The opportunity to explore one of the most remote and least-visited national parks in the country adds to the sense of discovery and excitement.
Conclusion
Alaska’s vast wilderness and stunning landscapes make it a paradise for adventure seekers. Alaska plane tours offer a unique and thrilling way to experience this incredible state, providing access to remote areas that few ever get to see. Whether you’re soaring over the towering peaks of Denali, exploring the lush rainforests of Misty Fjords, crossing the Arctic Circle, watching brown bears in Katmai, or witnessing the grandeur of Wrangell-St. Elias, these tours promise an adventure of a lifetime.
So pack your sense of adventure and get ready to explore Alaska from the skies. With Alaska charter planes, you’ll be able to reach new heights and create memories that will last a lifetime.
