Flightseeing

The Kobuk River on a cloudy day.

NPS Photo/Emily Mesner

 

It's a big country out there, and one of the best ways to see it is from the sky, especially if you don’t have time or experience for an extended backcountry trip. Hop aboard with Authorized charter companies out of Kotzebue or Bettles for a thrilling bird's-eye view of the park's landscape. Depending on the aircraft, planes can carry three to ten passengers and can be chartered by the hour or the day. You can experience the grandeur of Kobuk Valley National Park from the sky, or ask the pilot to land and give you a chance to walk around. Popular destinations include day trips to the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Call the charter companies to discuss schedules and routes. Prices can vary, but on average they run $1000 per hour or more.

Photography and Wildlife Viewing

Beautiful scenery is everywhere, but in the Arctic, the landscape is huge, access is limited, and the wildlife is not concentrated in particular areas. Good wildlife viewing requires time and effort to travel around the park, a good dose of patience and luck. Remember never to crowd wild animals. If they change their behavior because of your presence, you are too close. Good binoculars or telephoto lenses are smart investments. Check out our photo galleries for a sneak peak of what sights await you at Kobuk Valley National Park.