Landing in Anchorage Surrounded by Mountains As the plane descended into Anchorage, the view outside the window changed from clouds to a dramatic ring of mountains surrounding the city. Snow-dusted peaks, wide open space, and a landscape that immediately feels different from anywhere else in the U.S. Interesting fact: Anchorage sits between the Chugach Mountains and the waters of Cook Inlet, which is why the approach by air often feels like flying directly into wilderness rather than a typical u