Lake Hood Seaplane Base is a state-owned seaplane base about three nautical miles southwest of downtown Anchorage, next to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. It is described as one of the world’s busiest seaplane bases, with about 190 flights a day in the 2005 figures.[1]
| Owner | Alaska DOT&PF, Central Region |
|---|---|
| Identifier | PALH / LHD |
| Operations (2015) | 61,900 |
| Based aircraft (2015) | 1,032 |
| Longest water runway | 4,540 x 188 ft |
| Gravel strip | 2,200 x 75 ft |
Location
The base lies on Lakes Hood and Spenard, called Niłkidal’iy in Dena’ina, next to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. It has an operating control tower, and in winter the frozen lake surface is maintained for ski-equipped aircraft.[1]
Facilities
The seaplane landing areas are 4,540 by 188 feet east to west, 1,930 by 200 feet north to south and 1,370 by 150 feet northwest to southeast, and the Lake Hood Strip is a 2,200 by 75 foot gravel runway. Sources differ by a foot or so on the water runway lengths.[1]
Traffic
In the 12 months ending August 1, 2005, the base handled 69,400 operations, averaging 190 a day, 88 percent general aviation and 12 percent air taxi, with 781 based aircraft. Federal Aviation Administration figures for 2015 listed 61,900 operations and 1,032 based aircraft. The source ranks Lake Hood second in volume to Vancouver Harbour Aerodrome, which averages 200 to 300 flights a day, and does not call it the world’s largest.[1]
FAQs
Where is Lake Hood? Southwest of downtown Anchorage, beside the international airport.
Who owns it? The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
How busy is it? About 190 flights a day in the source’s 2005 figure.
Sources
Key facts
- 1,032 based aircraft in 2015
- Operating control tower
Quick checkHow many flights a day did Lake Hood average in 2005?Show answer
About 190
Sources
- Wikipedia. Lake Hood Seaplane Base. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue