Plenty of travelers agree that the best views of Alaska’s terrain come from above—but of course, nothing beats a great close-up. This photo safari combines the best of both perspectives: sweeping views in a flightseeing tour, and then a chance to zoom in while exploring some of the most beautifully remote spots in Alaska.
Guided by a Renowned Photographer
The 7- to 9-hour tour out of Anchorage's Lake Hood is led by photographer-pilot, Mark Stadsklev: Mark has 25 years of experience flying around Alaska, and has published photos in such magazines as Air and Space, Stearns and National Geographic. Like the best pros, he knows how to set up for the best shots: Before you board the floatplane, you’ll meet with Mark to chart out the day’s itinerary. Once you’re on board—every passenger gets a window seat and a two-way headset for pilot narration—you’ll have a stunning ride filled with photo ops of rugged mountains, glacial pools and ice blue glaciers. Then, you’ll land on a remote waterway, and from there, you’ll walk with Mark as you take in the surroundings: glacier-carved lakes surrounded by icebergs, waterfalls, glaciers, lush rainforest, wildflowers and tucked-away beaches. You can make multiple stops in one day, and still have plenty of time to sit for lunch, which is included, then be back in town by dinnertime.
Exclusive Access
Rust’s is a top-flight way to launch this kind of adventure: the flightseeing operator was founded in 1963 when retired Air Force Colonel Henry “Hank” started flying hunters and fisherman into depths of Alaska. Over the years, they've expanded to include several flightseeing tours, from trips over Denali to glacier dog sledding tours. Today’s Rust’s has a very strong reputation for safety and reliability, and is the largest and oldest seaplane operator on Lake Hood. This particular trip, too, offers a bonus: The terrain you’ll cover, and the shots you get in vibrant blues and green have been seen by precious few folks before you—a mental image you won’t soon forget.
