Rust's Flightseeing Tours

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Rusts Flightseeing  (2:36)

Enjoy a bird's eye view of Alaska's scenic highlights on a flightseeing tour with Rust's Flying Service. Fly among the rugged peaks of the Alaska Range, with stunning views of Denali. Soar over the glaciers and wildlife of the pristine Prince William Sound or beautiful Knik Arm. Or take in Anchorage from above, set between the waters of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains. Your tour begins at Anchorage's Lake Hood, the world's busiest seaplane airport. Every passenger gets a window seat and a two-way headset for pilot narration.

Rust’s was founded in 1963 when retired Air Force Colonel Henry “Hank” started flying hunters and fisherman into depths of Alaska. Over the years, that expanded to include several flightseeing 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. Choose from these tours:

Greatest Hits Tour

The Anchorage Flightseeing Safari (30 minutes) offers a scenic taste of Anchorage and its surroundings while also offering a lot of value. It’s just $100 per person, and is an easy way to squeeze in a flightseeing trip into a short or busy trip. You’ll take off and land at Lake Hood, and get to see the Chugach Mountain Range, from its secluded valleys to the Dall sheep that live on its steep slopes; you’ll also soar over Captain James Cook's Turnagain Arm in search of beluga whales. On a clear day, you might even get a glimpse of Denali in the distance. Your trip also includes a bird’s eye view of the bustling metropolis of Anchorage, as you listen to your experienced Alaskan bush pilot tells you some interesting facts about the Last Frontier.

Instant Denali

Discover Denali & Denali National Park (year round, 3 hours) is Rust's most popular air tour—because everyone wants to see Denali National Park, but not everyone wants to make the 8-hour train ride or 5-hour drive to the park. With this trip, you can skip the buses and crowds, and see the sights from above. You’ll fly over the foothills of Denali National Park to view the entire length of the Ruth Glacier, the Great Gorge, and the massive south face of Denali, where you may spot climbers headed for the top. You'll come within six miles of the 20,320 ft. summit. Before returning to Anchorage, your pilot will make a photo-stop landing, either on a lake at the base of the mountain or in Talkeetna. This is an excellent tour choice during the winter months since the skies are generally quite clear.

Wildlife and the Knik

Fly along the Chugach Mountains and the Knik Arm on the Knik Glacier and Wildlife Tour (1.5 hours / year-round, 2.25 hour tour with lakeside stop / summer only) for the opportunity to see a variety of Alaskan wildlife, such as Dall sheep, mountain goats, moose, and black bears. As you fly over the expansive Knik Glacier, you'll sense the motion of the ice and see how it has shaped the beautiful Knik River Valley.

Floatplane landing in front of glacier in Prince William Sound

In Prince William Sound, your pilot will make a photo-stop landing at a secluded cove before returning to Anchorage.

Glaciers Galore

Take flight on the Prince William Sound Glacier Tour (summer only, 2.5 or 3 hrs) into Prince William Sound encompasses over 15,000 square miles of Fjords and Inlets. While you'll see a few glaciers on the other flightseeing tours, this one really takes the cake, flying above dozens of tidewater glaciers. Add an additional half hour (extra) and see Columbia Glacier, Prince William Sound's largest tidewater glacier, breathtaking with its vast amount of ice at the water's edge. You'll have the chance to see glaciers calving into the sound and sea otters basking in the sun on the floating icebergs. The sound's clear sea waters produce a rich marine life. Watch for whales, seals, eagles, otters, and black bear. This tour, along with the Knik tour listed above, is best for spotting wildlife. Your pilot will make a photo-stop landing at a secluded cove before returning to Anchorage.

No experience necessary. No minimum age. If you are prone to motion sickness, take the normal precautions, just as you would on a boat or in a car.

What to Bring

  • Please bring sunglasses, as well as comfortable shoes or hiking boots for glacier landings
  • Due to unpredictable Alaskan weather, Rust's advises dressing in layers-including a light rain jacket-which will allow you to stay warm and dry during landings

Getting There

4525 Enstrom Cir
Anchorage, AK 99502

By Car from Downtown Anchorage:To reach Rust's Lake Hood office from downtown, head south on L St., which turns into Minnesota Drive. Go right on International, toward the airport following signs to the North Terminal. Then right on Postmark, right on Heliport, and right on Aircraft Drive. Rust's will be on your left, adjacent to the Air Museum.

Courtesy Van: There is a courtesy van pickup available in the summer, please call Rust's for details.

Driving Directions

Prices & Dates

Season Year Round
Duration 1/2 - 3 hrs
Rates Anchorage Flightseeing Safari // $175 | 0.5 hrs | May 15 - Sep 15
Discover Denali National Park // $575 | 3 hrs | Possible Glacier Landing | Year Round
Prince William Sound Glacier Tour // $545 | 3 hrs | May 26 - Sep 30
Glacier and Wildlife Tour // $375 | 1.5 hrs | Year Round
Glacier and Wildlife w/Lakeside Stop // $445 | 2.25 hrs with Lakeside Stop | May 15 - Sep 30
Rate Notes Call or email Rust’s for special rates for kids 12 and under
No set departure times—all tours are by request
Please Note // In the unlikely event that aviation fuel costs increase by a significant amount, we reserve the right to add a fuel surcharge to flightseeing and day tours. You would be notified in advance if this was required, and previously confirmed reservations would not be affected.

Photos

Rust's Flightseeing Tours

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