Flying the Eastern Alaska Range is Good For the Soul
The Eastern Alaska Range is one of the most spectacular and rugged mountain regions in the state, offering dramatic peaks, massive glaciers, and deep, untouched valleys. Stretching from the Canadian border westward toward the heart of Alaska, this section of the range is home to some of the most remote and wild landscapes in North America. Unlike more well-known parts of the Alaska Range, such as Denali National Park, the eastern portion remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, making it a haven for adventurers seeking solitude and breathtaking scenery. Its towering peaks, including Mount Kimball and Mount Moffit, dominate the skyline, creating a dramatic backdrop for those who explore the area.
One of the most remarkable features of the Eastern Alaska Range is its extensive glacial system. Massive icefields and glaciers, such as the Black Rapids Glacier and the Gulkana Glacier, carve through the mountains, forming stunning icefalls and deep crevasses along the surrounding mountains. These glaciers not only contribute to the stunning visual beauty of the region but also serve as an important part of the area's hydrology, feeding rivers that flow into the Tanana Valley and beyond. The contrast between the stark, icy glaciers and the vibrant green alpine tundra in the summer months creates an unforgettable landscape that is best appreciated from above.
A scenic flight from Tok, Alaska, is one of the best ways to experience the grandeur of the Eastern Alaska Range. Given the region's vast and rugged terrain, much of it is inaccessible by road or even foot, making an aerial tour the ideal way to take in its full scale. From the air, passengers can witness the dramatic rise of jagged peaks, the winding paths of ancient glaciers, and the pristine, untouched valleys that stretch for miles. The flight also offers a unique perspective on the region’s unique geology, revealing the effects of tectonic activity, erosion, and glaciation that have shaped the landscape over millions of years.
Wildlife sightings from the air add another layer of excitement to a scenic flight over the Eastern Alaska Range. Caribou herds can often be seen moving across the tundra, while Dall sheep navigate the steep, rocky cliffs. Grizzly bears and wolves roam the valleys below, searching for food along riverbanks, and golden eagles soar at high altitudes, taking advantage of the region’s strong updrafts. The remote nature of the Eastern Alaska Range means that these animals live largely undisturbed, making it one of the best places to witness Alaska’s iconic wildlife in its natural habitat.
Taking a scenic flight from Tok around the Eastern Alaska Range is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the last great wilderness areas from an unparalleled vantage point. Whether it's the dramatic mountain scenery, the immense glaciers, or the rare chance to see wildlife from the air, the experience is both thrilling and humbling. For those seeking adventure, photography opportunities, or simply a deeper appreciation of Alaska’s wild beauty, a flightseeing tour over this remote mountain range is an unforgettable journey into one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth.