When I lived in Alaska, I used to spend a lot of weekend afternoons perched on one of three lookout points at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, a significant re-fueling stop for many overseas flights, most of them cargo airlines.
I doubt there is anywhere else in the United States where you can see so many 747's in one day. Expect to also spot MD-11's, 777's, 767's, 737's, and if you're lucky, a DC-3 or DC-6. Boeing's Dreamlifter even makes an occasional visit!
From Point Woronzof you can see aircraft landing and departing from runways 14/32. The top red X is my favorite spot. Just pull over where you see a gate with a chain across it on the north side of the road. Walk up toward the bike path and you'll be able to look down on the runway. You are so close you can smell the jet exhaust and hear the wake vortices swirling overhead.
I doubt there is anywhere else in the United States where you can see so many 747's in one day. Expect to also spot MD-11's, 777's, 767's, 737's, and if you're lucky, a DC-3 or DC-6. Boeing's Dreamlifter even makes an occasional visit!
From Point Woronzof you can see aircraft landing and departing from runways 14/32. The top red X is my favorite spot. Just pull over where you see a gate with a chain across it on the north side of the road. Walk up toward the bike path and you'll be able to look down on the runway. You are so close you can smell the jet exhaust and hear the wake vortices swirling overhead.
The lower X marks another favorite spot of mine. You could really pull over anywhere along here and watch planes, but just south of that "access road 1" there is a hill on the east side of Point Woronzof Rd. Hike up a well-worn little trail and you'll have a splendid side view of runway traffic. WATCH OUT FOR MOOSE! They really like this spot, too. Keep your distance.
Here are some shots I took from the Point Woronzof locations a few years ago:
Here are some shots I took from the Point Woronzof locations a few years ago:
On the opposite side of the airport at Connors Lake Park you can see traffic from runways 25R/7L. The park is clearly marked and where you see the red X there is a hill. This spot isn't as good as Point Woronzof, but sometimes you can't see anything from the other locations because they don't always use those runways.
I've never been bothered by security at any of these spots. On a mild evening you'll have plenty of company, especially at Pt. Woronzof. ANC has a great mix of Asian cargo carriers, domestic passenger airlines, and unique Alaska charter traffic. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.