Flightseeing from Bettles
The simple way to see it, with a floatplane landing.
Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley
America's two most remote national parks, far above the Arctic Circle, with no roads, no trails and migrating caribou.
Gates of the Arctic is bigger than Switzerland, and it has no facilities at all. Next door, Kobuk Valley has huge sand dunes and the caribou of an ancient migration. Most visitors fly in by bush plane with a guide.
- Best Time
- July–August
- Time Needed
- 2 days or more
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Check before you go; hours vary by season
- Getting There
- Fly from Fairbanks to Bettles, or from Anchorage to Kotzebue.
What to See
0 of 2 are freeGreat Kobuk Sand Dunes
Golden Sahara-like dunes in the Arctic, reached by air.
Know Before You Go
- Go only with an experienced guide. Help can be days away.
Where to Stay
Base yourself in Fairbanks, Bettles or Kotzebue.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
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Traveler Reviews
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Last checked 2026-11-02. Part of the Alaska list.