Gates of the Arctic National Park Tours
Gates of the Arctic is not an easy place to reach. There are no roads, no trails, and no visitor centers inside the park. The only way in is by air. That’s what makes a flightseeing tour here so valuable — it’s not just a scenic flight, it’s the only practical way to experience one of the most remote national parks in the United States.
Golden Eagle Outfitters provides flightseeing tours to Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. We hold the commercial use permits required to land inside the park, and we fly out of Kotzebue, Fairbanks, and Delta Junction. Whether you want to check Gates of the Arctic off your national park list or spend time exploring the Arctic wilderness, we can get you there. To see all five Arctic parks we access, visit our Alaska National Park Tours page.
What Makes Gates of the Arctic Different
Gates of the Arctic 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 designated campsites, no marked trails, and no facilities of any kind inside the park boundaries.
This is not a place you visit casually. It’s a place you plan for. A flightseeing tour with a landing gives you access to a landscape that has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years.
Where We Land in Gates of the Arctic
Landing in Gates of the Arctic is not like landing at a typical airport. There are no runways. Instead, our pilots land on gravel riverbanks and tundra ridges, choosing locations based on conditions and the season.
One common landing spot is near Matcharak Lake, where the riverbank provides a stable surface for the aircraft. After landing, you step out onto gravel and tundra, surrounded by mountains and open wilderness. There are no signs, no platforms, and no other people. Just the Arctic as it has always been. For more on how these landings fit into a broader scenic flight, see our Alaska Flightseeing Tours page.
Tour Options for Gates of the Arctic
We offer several ways to experience Gates of the Arctic. 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 in Kobuk Valley and land on a riverbank in Gates of the Arctic. It’s an efficient way to check two parks off your list in a single trip. For a dedicated Kobuk Valley itinerary, see our Alaska National Park Tours page.
Three-Park Loop: Noatak, Krusenstern, and Bering
This flight covers three parks in 2 to 3 hours. It doesn’t include Gates of the Arctic, but it’s a good option if you want to see multiple Arctic parks 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, including Gates of the Arctic. It’s designed for travelers who want to visit every Arctic park in one trip.
Custom Drop-offs & Pickups
If you want to hike, camp, or photograph in Gates of the Arctic, 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. For multi-day river expeditions, our Remote Wilderness Float Trips page covers route options.
What to Expect on a Gates of the Arctic Tour
A flight to Gates of the Arctic is different from a standard sightseeing tour. Here’s what the experience typically looks like.
The Flight
Your pilot will navigate through the Brooks Range, passing over tundra, rivers, and mountains. Depending on the route and season, you may see caribou, muskox, grizzly bears, or Dall sheep.
The Landing
Once you land, you’ll have time to step out, walk around, and take in the landscape. The amount of time on the ground depends on your itinerary. A Two-Park Combo typically includes a short stop at each park, while a custom drop-off allows you to stay as long as you’ve arranged.
The Return
After your landing, your pilot will fly you back to your departure point. If weather or other conditions require adjustments, we’ll communicate clearly about options.
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. For fishing trips, see our Alaska World-Class Fishing page for gear recommendations.
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 Gates of the Arctic tours, Golden Eagle Outfitters offers:
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Alaska National Park Tours — Guided flights to all five Arctic parks
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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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Remote Wilderness Float Trips — Multi-day river expeditions with air support
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Alaska World-Class Fishing — Fly-in fishing on remote Arctic rivers
Questions About Gates of the Arctic Tours
How do I get to Gates of the Arctic National Park?
There are no roads into the park. The only way to access Gates of the Arctic is by air taxi or flightseeing tour from gateway communities like Kotzebue, Bettles, or Coldfoot. We fly from Kotzebue and other bases. For more on our transportation services, see our Alaska Air Taxi page.
Can I land inside Gates of the Arctic?
Yes. We hold the commercial use permits required to land inside the park. Our pilots land on gravel riverbanks and tundra ridges, choosing locations based on conditions.
How long does a Gates of the Arctic tour take?
The Two-Park Combo (Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley) takes about 4 hours. The All Five Parks tour takes about 8 hours. Custom drop-offs can be arranged for longer stays. For a full list of park tour options, see our Alaska National Park Tours page.
What will I see on the flight?
You’ll fly over the Brooks Range, tundra, rivers, and mountains. Depending on the season, you may see caribou, muskox, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and other Arctic wildlife.
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.
What should I bring on a Gates of the Arctic tour?
Dress in layers, bring a camera, and pack insect repellent. For drop-offs, pack for the conditions you’ll encounter in the backcountry.
Can I combine a Gates of the Arctic tour with other parks?
Yes. Our Two-Park Combo includes both Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley. The All Five Parks tour includes all five Arctic parks. For details on each park, see our Alaska National Park Tours page.
Do you offer custom drop-offs for hiking or camping?
Yes. We can drop you off and pick you up on your schedule. This is a popular option for backpackers, photographers, and campers. For multi-day float trips, see our Remote Wilderness Float Trips page.