Gulkana Airport: Alaska's Gateway to the Wilderness
Introduction
In a land nearly as far from civilization and twice the distance in area of Texas, Gulkana Airport (GKN) does indeed serve its purpose. This small but vital airport is a link to the outside world for some pretty isolated parts of the Copper River Valley. Accomplish your adventures beneath the sky, or pass through them on several legs of flight - Gulkana Airport gets you closer to an Alaska that is real and raw.
Airlines and Destinations
Regional airlines are the main form of service to Gulkana Airport, with Ravn Alaska as the primary operator. As the largest city in Alaska and a major transportation hub, Ravn flies daily Jet service between Anchorage (ANC)Hubs. Anchorage is a hub for flights to many domestic and international locations.
Passengers & Flights
Gulkana, as an airport, is small for a regional facility and has few passengers and flights relative to larger airports in Alaska. Over the years, Rock Point has seen annual enplanements of about 2,000 passengers a year and it is currently served with daily flights to/from Anchorage.
How to Get Here
Getting to Gulkana Airport is simple because it sits just a short drive north of the nearby town of Glennallen. There are shuttles from Glennallen or visitors can rent a car and drive the picturesque 8 mile-long route themselves.
Parking
There is also plenty of both short-term and long-term parking available free of charge at the Gulkana Airport. The parking lot is located within steps of the terminal, making it a breeze to load and unload your gear.
Transportation Prices
In my opinion, the best way to get into and around Gulkana is by private car as there are a lot of remote places in this area. Getting up here can be pricey: taxi or shuttle services from Glennallen to/from the airport aren't terribly expensive in general transport terms (the nearest oher town with any form of public transportation), but check ahead for possibilities and prices. Rent-a-car reservations are also available, allowing visitors to take in the surrounding sights at their leisure.
Terminal Layout
Gulkana Airport is a one-level, single-structure building that serves as the passenger processing foundations and supports. The waiting area at the terminal is tiny and consists of a ticket counter as well as an operational baggage claim.
Navigate the Airport
Gulkana Airport is easy to get around despite its relatively small size. There are clear signage and the terminal is easy to navigate for travelers.
Getting Between Terminals
Since Gulkana Airport only has 1 terminal, you can rest easy knowing that finding your way is as simple and straightforward. The facility uses the same cramped building for arrivals and departures.
Services and Amenities
Gulkana Airport may not offer the extensive amenities of the larger airports, however it does meet all essential needs for travelers. These are restrooms, a small waiting area and access to ground transportation options.
Restaurants and Shops
Most stores in the terminal are primarily for flying travellers -- as comfort seems to take a back seat here. There is a bit of light snacking and beverages for sale to visitors, though.
Security and Customs
Travelers passing through Gulkana Airport will be subject to normal security measures which include shoe removal as well a inspection of carry-on goods. No customs are in place as this is a domestic airport for flights within the same country.
Accessibility
Although Gulkana Airport is indeed a small airport, it has been designed to take care of all travelers be they disabled passengers or those who may need assistance. Examples how this are wheelchair friendly pathways in the terminal and some designated parking spaces for physically handicapped persons near entry terminals relegate427750955(referenced from source strtotime - avoid referencing...
Travel Tips
Given its diminutive size, travelers hoping to pass through Gulkana Airport should plan on arriving at the terminal with extra time before their scheduled flight departure. Oh, and definitely be sure to dress for an Alaskan summer - it will be cooler than you might think!