Float Plane flights and remote flight-seeing tours. Here is your guide to flying off the beaten path, round-trip from Anchorage with Rust's.
Traveling to Wilderness Place Lodge is part of the adventure itself. Our guests fly from Anchorage aboard classic Alaska float planes operated exclusively by Rust’s Flying Service, one of the most respected and long-established air taxi companies in Alaska. Based at the world-famous Lake Hood Seaplane Base, Rust’s has been providing safe and dependable Alaska bush flying experiences since 1963.
Located adjacent to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Rust’s Flying Service is known throughout Alaska for its experienced pilots, exceptional customer service, and strong safety reputation. Their fleet includes iconic Alaska bush aircraft such as the Cessna 206, DeHavilland Beaver, and DeHavilland Turbine Otter seaplanes—aircraft specifically designed to access remote wilderness destinations unreachable by road.
All of our all-inclusive Alaska fishing lodge packages include round-trip float plane transportation between Anchorage and Wilderness Place Lodge aboard Rust’s aircraft. The approximately 45-minute scenic flight offers incredible aerial views of Southcentral Alaska’s mountains, braided rivers, lakes, and untouched wilderness. For many guests, flying in a float plane is one of the highlights of their Alaska vacation.
A float plane flight in Alaska is unlike traditional commercial air travel. Departing directly from the water at Lake Hood, guests experience the excitement of takeoff from one of the busiest seaplane bases in the world. As the aircraft climbs above Anchorage, the scenery quickly transitions from city skyline to vast wilderness landscapes filled with rivers, forests, wetlands, and rugged mountain ranges.
Flying low over remote Alaska terrain provides a unique perspective rarely experienced by visitors. Wildlife sightings from the air are common and may include moose, bears, eagles, and occasional seals on the river sandbars below. The flexibility of float planes allows pilots to land directly on remote rivers and lakes, making wilderness lodges like Wilderness Place Lodge accessible while preserving the untouched character of the region.
Rust’s Flying Service pilots are highly experienced in Alaska bush flying conditions and are known for making guests feel comfortable and informed throughout the journey. Whether it is your first float plane ride or your tenth, the experience is unforgettable.
Guests typically depart from Rust’s Flying Service at Lake Hood around 10:30 AM on arrival day. Pretty much all of our guests arrive in Anchorage the day before their trip begins. This provides some down time to rest up for your adventure with us and creates a time buffer if you have any unforeseen travel issues. We are happy to recommend convenient Anchorage hotels near the airport and float plane base.
Upon arrival in Anchorage, guests can arrange a complimentary shuttle with Rust’s Flying Service by calling (907) 243-1595. Shuttle pick-up from most Anchorage airport hotels is generally around 10:00 AM on the morning of your float plane departure to our lodge.
The scenic float plane flight to Wilderness Place Lodge takes approximately 45 minutes and lands directly on a large, remote glacial river a short distance from the lodge. Guests typically arrive in time for lunch followed by an afternoon of guided fishing. Guests participating in customized Alaska adventure packages or multi-destination itineraries may have modified flight schedules depending on their specified trip plan.
On departure day, guests can still enjoy much of the morning fishing and exploring before returning to Anchorage. We recommend packing luggage the evening before departure to maximize time on the water during your final morning at the lodge.
Rust’s float plane generally arrives at the lodge around 11:30 AM, with departure shortly afterward. Guests usually arrive back at Lake Hood in Anchorage around 12:30 PM. Because weather and aviation schedules in Alaska can occasionally shift, we recommend booking departing commercial flights no earlier than 3:30 PM from Anchorage.
Rust’s Flying Service also provides complimentary shuttle transportation back to Anchorage International Airport, located only minutes from the float plane base.
Complete float plane schedules and travel details are provided upon confirmation of your Alaska lodge package.
In addition to air taxi transportation, Rust’s Flying Service offers some of Alaska’s premier flightseeing experiences. These adventures can easily be added before or after your stay at Wilderness Place Lodge.
Popular options include:
These add-on experiences are an excellent way to expand your Alaska fishing vacation into a more diversified wilderness adventure package.
Book your Alaska fishing lodge package or Bundled Adventure Experience with Wilderness Place Lodge. Reach out to us if you need any help with planning your ultimate Alaska vacation!
No two groups are alike, and cookie-cutter trips aren't our style. We take the time to understand what you're looking for and tailor every detail of your stay to match.
