Alaska National Park Tours
Alaska has eight national parks. Five of them sit above the Arctic Circle, in a landscape so remote that most people will never see it in person. There are no roads, no trails, and no visitor centers inside these parks . The only way in is by air.
Golden Eagle Outfitters provides flightseeing tours to Alaska’s Arctic national parks. We fly out of Fairbanks, Delta Junction, and Kotzebue, and we hold the permits required to land inside Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley . Whether you want to check off all five parks in a single day or spend more time exploring one location, we can build a flight that fits your goals.
The Parks We Fly To
Five Arctic parks are accessible from our bases. Each one offers something different.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic is the second-largest national park in the United States . It protects 8.5 million acres of mountains, rivers, and tundra north of the Arctic Circle. Fewer than 10,000 people visit each year . There are no roads or marked trails. We land on gravel riverbanks and tundra ridges, giving you access to a landscape that feels untouched.
Kobuk Valley National Park
Kobuk Valley is home to the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, a surreal expanse of sand surrounded by boreal forest and tundra . The park has no roads, trails, or campsites . We land directly on the dunes, where you can walk, photograph, and take in a landscape that looks nothing like the rest of Alaska.
Noatak National Preserve
Noatak protects one of the largest protected river basins in the world. We fly over the Noatak River valley, offering views of winding waterways and open tundra.
Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Cape Krusenstern is known for its archaeological sites and beach landings. The monument preserves evidence of thousands of years of human habitation along the Chukchi Sea coast.
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
Bering Land Bridge protects tundra ridgelines, volcanic hot springs, and the ancient land bridge that once connected Asia and North America.
Tour Options
We offer several established itineraries, and every flight can be customized to your interests.
Two-Park Combo: Gates of the Arctic & Kobuk Valley
This is our most popular option. The flight lasts approximately 4 hours and includes landings in both parks. You’ll see the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes and a riverbank landing in Gates of the Arctic .
Three-Park Loop: Noatak, Krusenstern, and Bering
This flight covers three parks in 2 to 3 hours. It’s a good option if you want to see as many parks as possible in a shorter window .
All Five Parks
The ultimate Arctic flightseeing day. This tour lasts about 8 hours and includes short stops at all five parks. It’s designed for travelers who want to check every park off their list in one trip .
Custom Drop-offs & Pickups
If you want to hike, camp, or photograph in solitude, we can drop you off and pick you up on your schedule. This is a popular option for backpackers and photographers who want more than a quick landing .
What to Know Before You Book
Alaska flying is different from commercial air travel. A few things are worth understanding before you schedule.
Weather Flexibility Is Essential
Alaska weather changes quickly, and safety always comes first. Because conditions can shift without warning, we may need to delay or reschedule a flight. Most travelers plan a buffer day or two in their itinerary for this reason . We’ll communicate clearly about conditions and options.
Booking in Advance
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during peak summer months. Our aircraft are in high demand, and popular park routes fill up quickly.
What to Bring
Dress in layers. Even in summer, temperatures at altitude and on the tundra can be cold. Bring a camera, sunglasses, insect repellent, and any medications you need. If you’re doing a drop-off, pack for the conditions you’ll encounter in the backcountry.
Aircraft and Capacity
We fly three aircraft sizes depending on group size and destination:
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3-seater — Ideal for small groups or solo travelers
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5-seater — The most common option for small groups
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10-seater — Best for larger groups or expeditions with substantial gear
All flights are conducted by experienced Alaskan bush pilots. Safety is our first priority, and we fly year-round, weather permitting .
Why Fly With Golden Eagle Outfitters
We’re a family-run operation based in Kotzebue and Delta Junction . Our pilots have flown these routes for years, and we know the land, the weather, and the best places to land .
We’re not a large tour company—we’re a small team that takes pride in showing people the Arctic we know. Our passengers consistently mention the skill of our pilots, the safety of our operations, and the personal attention they receive .
Related Services
Along with national park tours, Golden Eagle Outfitters offers:
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Alaska Flightseeing Tours — Scenic flights over glaciers, mountains, and wildlife
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Alaska Air Taxi — Wilderness drop-offs and pickups for backcountry trips
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Alaska World-Class Fishing — Fly-in fishing on remote Arctic rivers
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Remote Wilderness Float Trips — Multi-day river expeditions with air support
Questions About Alaska National Park Tours
How many national parks can I see in one day?
With our All Five Parks tour, you can visit all five Arctic parks in about 8 hours with short stops at each . The Two-Park Combo covers Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley in about 4 hours.
Do I need a permit to visit these parks?
No permit is required for visitors. However, we hold the commercial use permits required to land inside Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley .
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety is our top priority. If conditions aren’t safe to fly, we’ll reschedule or adjust the route. Many travelers plan an extra day or two in their itinerary to account for weather delays .
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for summer travel. Popular routes and aircraft fill up quickly.
Can you drop us off and pick us up later?
Yes. We offer custom drop-offs and pickups for hikers, campers, and photographers who want to spend more time in the parks .
What should I bring on a tour?
Dress in layers, bring a camera, and pack insect repellent. For drop-offs, pack for the conditions you’ll encounter in the backcountry.