Bettles Lodge

We came to Bettles to go on the National Park Collector flights to Kobuk Valley and Gates of the Arctic. We really enjoyed that day trip and getting to see the vastness of the parks from the air and getting to spend a bit of time on the ground in both parks. Eric and Heather are gracious and welcoming hosts. Johannes the bush pilot was great on our parks trip.

We came to Bettles Lodge hoping to see the northern lights and were not disappointed. The rooms and decor are older, but exactly what we expected of an Alaskan experience. (Didn't expect the Four Seasons). The staff was absolutely wonderful and accommodating and the food was chef quality. There's plenty to walk around and see and we highly recommend the snow machining (snow mobiling) experience. We can't say enough about the wonderful staff.

Fantastic lodge located 180 miles northwest of Fairbanks Alaska. WORTH THE TRIP!! Eric and Heather make everything easy. They set up the flights from Fairbanks. Set up the flights into Kobuk Valley and Gates of the Arctic Parks. Even setup a float/boat trip. Rooms are clean and comfortable (recommend the Jacuzzi room if possible). Meals are outstanding (all 3 meals included). Full breakfast with a choice. Lunch and dinner are whatever the chef decides that day (we had chicken, steak and salmon; all great). Beer, wine and liquor available. The tours are great. I highly recommend coming.

I visited Bettles Lodge on a recent trip to Alaska and had the time of my life. Most everything is included - meals, snacks, outdoor gear, and a shuttle flight to and from Fairbanks. Eric, the owner, is outstanding. He provides a tour of the town upon arrival and his love for Bettles is infectious. Plenty of outdoor activities/excursions are offered (at a cost). The food (three meals a day plus snacks) is out of this world. And the staff. Oh, the staff. Probably my favorite part of the Bettles experience. I had so much fun interacting with them and getting to know them. It was the highlight of my stay. Whether looking for adventure or just a relaxing getaway to rural Alaska - Bettles is the place to do it! I hope to visit again one day soon. P.S. This location is one of the best in the world for viewing the Northern Lights. Due to a of a combination of factors (location, weather patterns, etc.) it is almost a guaranteed that one will see the Aurora while visiting during the winter.

We absolutely loved our time in Bettles and at Bettles Lodge! My husband and I traveled with another couple to see the aurora borealis, and our trip did not disappoint. We were a little concerned about whether we would have enough to do for four days in such a small village in the Alaskan winter, but there was plenty to keep us occupied and we were only sorry we didn’t stay for longer! The Lodge is quaint and harkens back to a simpler time, but it’s very comfortable and clean. The food was excellent and the nightly happy hours were a fun time to meet our fellow travelers. We stayed in the Historic Lodge and were very happy with its charm, how quiet it was, and how warm and comfortable. The staff are outstanding and go above and beyond to make you feel at home and help you choose activities that suit your desires, from Sven’s flightseeing tours through the Brooks Range to Katzu’s aurora viewing advice, local dog mushing, snow machining, snowshoeing and cross country skiing, there’s always something to do. Or you can curl up in a comfortable chair to read a book or chat with the fascinating fellow travelers you will meet at this Alaskan outpost. You also have the opportunity to learn what it’s like to live in the Alaskan bush, with a tour of the village upon arrival and plenty of opportunity to interact with the villagers. This was definitely one of our Top Ten adventures, and we look forward to going back again soon!

BE PATIENT AND YOU WILL SEE THE LIGHTS. This is a fantastic destination; it's a must! Bettles Lodge is a remote place north of Fairbanks, Alaska. Once you stay here you never have to drive or go anywhere else to see Aurora. Late on a clear night between September and April just step outside the lodge and enjoy the lights dancing in the sky. But the key is to be patient. No one can control what mother nature will do. My husband and I stayed for four nights at the Bettles Lodge and we were in for a beautiful treat the first night. Our Aurora guide Mikayla stayed up with us until 2:00 am. Oh boy, lights were blasting and dancing that night never seen anything like it. Even during our northern lights tour in Finland and Norway, this place is still better to see the lights. The Lodge will have everything you'll need. They are equipped with winter gear to keep you warm. The food is fantastic. Eric the owner of the Lodge is a great cook and very personable host. I promise you he won't let you go hungry. Thank you to Jeff and Mikayla the staff who also took care of us during our off season stay at the Bettles Lodge. This is an amazing place. Come and experience it yourself and you won't be disappointed.

Once in a lifetime experience To be in the arctic and yet have lots of food, beverage and fun options. Real community spirit and the rooms were comfortable the food cooked well and the atmosphere jovial and communal. Definitely a trip of a lifetime.

The highlight of our trip to Alaska was our three nights stay at Bettles Lodge. From the moment the small plane landed, we were treated like honored guests and family at the same time. It was like a storybook, the snow, the quaint lodge, and the staff! Cannot say enough about how they took care of everything. Don’t let the rustic Lodge fool you, they prepare gourmet meals that rival some of the finest restaurants. I’m still dreaming about that pumpkin cheesecake. Devon, Jessica, Jake, James, Jim (Makayla, on the last day) and of course our host, Eric and Heather. The brief tour of the town with Eric was fascinating, how they connect, get supplies and the rich history. Devon greeted us, got us settled, explained all that was available and made sure we made the most of our experience. The room was clean and cozy. James did an awesome job of monitoring the lights every evening and we were able to see them each night. We enjoyed our late night conversations and the guidance he gave us to capture some beautiful pictures of the lights and the amazing sky itself. It was snowing when we arrived and at times the temperature dipped 20 below. They have a room full of winter gear that you can use during your adventure. Jake took us on a fantastic dog sled ride. He and the other staff took great care of the dogs. They all had individual personalities and loved the extra attention the guest are allowed to give as well. Jessica took us on a magical journey with the snow machines. She even convinced me to drive my own, which I am so glad she did. It was a thrilling experience. She cooked us the best hot breakfast every morning as if we were her own family. We enjoyed the sauna experience the last night. If you are ready to get off the grid, immerse yourself in a simpler lifestyle, this place is for you. Make sure to visit with the staff, they are eager to tell you of their own experience, and how they adapt to this lifestyle themselves. They will educate you about the history and beauty of the nature of this Arctic community. Expectations are important, do your research, ask questions, this is your vacation, embrace the environment and experience. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most, I’m sure we will return one day but nothing will match the first time experience so make the most of it!