Alaska’s floatplane capital
Lake Hood was used by floatplanes from the 1930s and was later joined to neighbouring Lake Spenard by a channel, creating long water lanes for takeoffs and landings. Hundreds of floatplanes are based here, many owned by private pilots who use them the way other people use cars.
What you’ll see on the live cam
In summer, the StreamTime Live camera shows a busy lake: Beavers, Otters and Super Cubs taxiing, taking off and landing on the water, with mountains behind. In winter, the scene changes completely as ski-equipped aircraft operate on the frozen lake. Large airliners at Anchorage International, right next door, sometimes appear in the background.
Water lanes and runway
Lake Hood has water lanes running east–west and north-west–south-east, plus a 670-metre gravel runway (14/32) for wheeled aircraft.
Best times to watch
- Summer evenings: long daylight and the busiest flying.
- Winter: ski-planes on the frozen lake.
