Whether it’s threading around jagged mountain peaks, puddle-hopping a chain of far-flung isles, or making the final approach to that exclusive lodge left off every map, travel to some of the world’s most pristine locations is often possible only by small aircraft. Yet such isolated and difficult terrain is what makes these oases so relatively untouched in the first place—and another reason why they’re not to be missed. Here, four destinations best visited by bush plane. Sheldon Chalet | Alaska Located in south-central Alaska’s Halibut Cove, Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge can be reached by floatplane with Northwind Aviation. Abundant wildlife, salmon fishing, hiking, and kayaking are part of the lodge’s attractions. At the other extreme, Sheldon Chalet is accessed only by helicopter—arranged in-house—as it’s perched on an outcropping in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater in Denali National Park. The only sign of civilization for miles, its hexagonal structure has an observation deck for viewing..
