Visiting Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley National Park in a single trip is one of the rarest and most challenging Alaska wilderness adventures.
These parks sit deep in the Arctic wilderness, far from cities, roads, and conventional travel routes.
The only practical way to reach them is by air, and most visitors join Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley tours operated by bush pilots who specialize in remote Alaska travel.
Now we will tell you how to plan a Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley trip, the best access points, tour options, costs, weather, safety, and what to expect in 2025.
What Makes These Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley Unique?
1. No Roads, No Trails, No Services
Neither park has roads, established campgrounds, or visitor facilities. This means all travel requires:
- Air taxis
- Backpacking experience
- Self-sufficiency
- Awareness of weather and river conditions
Because of this, both parks represent the most authentic backcountry Alaska experience in the U.S.
2. Pure Arctic Wilderness
Both parks lie above the Arctic Circle. You will experience:
- Rugged mountain trails
- Wild river valleys
- Caribou migration routes
- Widespread solitude and silence
For many travelers, this is the ultimate remote Alaska travel experience.
How to Reach Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley?
Most visitors fly from:
▶ Fairbanks (Primary Gateway)
From Fairbanks, you can take scheduled small-plane flights to:
- Bettles → Gateway to Gates of the Arctic
- Kotzebue → Gateway to Kobuk Valley
▶ Bettles
From Bettles, air taxis fly into:
- Arrigetch Peaks
- Anaktuvuk Pass
- Wild river landing zones
▶ Kotzebue
From Kotzebue, bush pilots land near:
- The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes
- Salmon River areas
- Onion Portage (famous for caribou migration)
This combination allows you to plan an Arctic Alaska exploration that includes both parks in a single day or over several days.
Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley Tours (2025 Options)
Because reaching both parks alone is challenging, most travelers rely on Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley tours operated by certified air-taxi companies.
1. Flightseeing Tours (Most Popular)
These tours visit both parks in a single day. Expect:
- 3–5 hours total
- Landing inside both park boundaries
- Photo time on tundra or sand dunes
- Scenic Arctic overflight
These are ideal for travelers who want a Kobuk Valley National Park tour without backpacking.
2. Day Trips with Landings
Usually include:
- Landing at the Kobuk Sand Dunes
- Landing in the Gates of the Arctic near mountain valleys
- Short walks on tundra, dunes, or river areas
3. Multi-Day Backpacking or Camping Trips
For those seeking deeper Alaska outdoor adventure trips, multi-day options include:
- Arrigetch Peaks backpacking
- Wild river float trips
- Kobuk Dunes camping
- Custom backcountry expeditions
These are recommended only for experienced backcountry adventure travelers.
Best Time to Visit in 2025
Mid-June to Mid-September
This window offers:
- Long daylight hours
- Stable weather
- Accessible landing zones
- Active wildlife viewing in Gates of the Arctic
Kobuk Valley is snow-free and ideal for Kobuk Valley hiking tours only during the summer.
What You Will See in Each Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park
Expect:
- Granite peaks
- Glacier-carved valleys
- Caribou herds
- Wild rivers (Alatna, Noatak, John Rivers)
- Remote mountain trails
Great for Alaska hiking and deep Arctic wilderness exploration.
Kobuk Valley National Park
Famous for:
- The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes (the largest Arctic dunes on Earth)
- Onion Portage archaeological site
- Western Arctic Caribou Herd migration
Kobuk Valley offers the most unique outdoor activities in northern Alaska.
Also Read: What Are the Best Alaska Vacation Ideas for 2025?
How Much Does the Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley Trip Cost?
Typical 2025 Prices
| Type of Tour | Price (Per Person) |
| Flightseeing (both parks) | $800–$1,200 |
| Day trip with landings | $900–$1,400 |
| Multi-day guided trip | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Custom private tours | $5,000+ |
Costs depend on fuel prices, weather delays, and group size.
Suggested Itineraries (Simple & Practical)
1. One-Day Dual-Park Visit
- Fly from Fairbanks → Bettles
- Land in Gates of the Arctic
- Fly to Kobuk Valley
- Land on sand dunes
- Return to Bettles → Fairbanks
Best for bucket-list travelers.
2. Two-Day Trip
Day 1: Explore Gates of the Arctic
Day 2: Visit the Kobuk Valley dunes
Gives more time for photos and short walks.
3. Multi-Day Adventure (3–5 Days)
Includes:
- Packrafting rivers
- Backcountry hiking
- Tundra camping
- Wildlife tours
Suitable for experienced adventurers only.
Safety and Practical Tips
1. Expect Weather Delays
Storms and low clouds can delay flights for hours or days.
2. There Are No Rangers or Facilities Inside
You must be self-reliant.
3. Wildlife Awareness
These regions are home to:
- Grizzly bears
- Wolves
- Caribou
- Moose
Although wildlife viewing in Gates of the Arctic is common, always maintain distance.
Also Reads: Where Else Can You View Wildlife in Alaska? Bears, Moose, Eagles, And More
4. Pack Proper Gear
Backcountry gear is essential, even for day trips.
Why These Parks Are Perfect for Adventure Travelers
This region offers:
- Complete solitude
- Massive landscapes
- A mix of river trips, mountain trails, and remote tundra
- Zero commercialization
- Unmatched Alaska national park trips
For true Alaska exploration, this is the most authentic route.
FAQs
1. How to visit Kobuk Valley National Park?
You can only visit Kobuk Valley by air taxi. Flights operate from Kotzebue and Bettles, offering landings on the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes or river areas. There are no roads or trails.
2. How to get to Kobuk Valley National Park?
Fly to Kotzebue, then book a bush plane operated by local air tours. Some companies also run combined Gates + Kobuk flights from Bettles or Fairbanks.
3. Can you drive to Gates of the Arctic National Park?
No. There are no roads into the park. The Dalton Highway passes near the park’s eastern boundary, but to enter the park itself, you must fly with an air taxi or hike several miles through rugged terrain.
4. How long does it take to visit the Gates of the Arctic and the Kobuk Valley in one trip?
Most travelers complete a combined visit in 4–6 hours through flightseeing tours. Multi-day trips take 2–5 days, depending on whether you’re camping or backpacking.
5. Do you need a permit to visit Gates of the Arctic or Kobuk Valley?
No entry permits are required for general visits. Permits are only needed for commercial filming, guided groups, or specific research activities.
6. Are guided tours required to visit these parks?
Guides are not required, but most visitors rely on bush pilots or tour operators because navigating the region without support is difficult, especially for first-time travelers.
7. What is the difference between Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley National Park?
Gates of the Arctic is known for mountain wilderness, rivers, and alpine valleys, while Kobuk Valley features Arctic dunes, boreal forests, and major caribou migration routes.
8. Is there wildlife in both national parks?
Yes. Gates of the Arctic has more mountain wildlife (grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep), while Kobuk Valley features large caribou herds, moose, and birds along the rivers and dunes.
9. What should you pack for a flightseeing trip to Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley?
Pack warm layers, waterproof boots, sunglasses, gloves, extra food, water, and a camera. Even in summer, temperatures in the Arctic can drop quickly.
10. Can you camp inside the Gates of the Arctic or the Kobuk Valley?
Yes, both parks allow dispersed camping throughout their boundaries. Campers must be fully self-reliant and follow Leave No Trace principles.
