Exploring 2 of the Least Visited USA National Parks: Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley

[@rhondaz356]

WOW, this is phenomenal. I knew so little about these two National Parks. Thank you, Josh, for letting us hitch a ride. The parks were amazing. Imagine being so close to the Arctic... !👏🏻👏🏻🎊

[@ilovesparky13]

It’s actually very easy to go above the Arctic circle if you visit Scandinavia.

[@ThroughMyLens]

It was something I never thought I would do but I am so glad I got the chance to experience it!

[@Z38_US]

The Sand Dunes just casually being in the Middle of Alaska, surrounded by Mountains with snow, forests and rivers is something straight out of minecraft. Great video :D

[@nick_0]

I instantly thought of Minecraft as well 😂

[@krissto22]

Thank you for sharing your family adventures with us. Many of us would love to travel but instead we are stuck at home for all different reasons. Your videos bring us to places some of us could never visit. So, thanks again. Josh, your work is greatly appreciated and your family is beautiful ❤️👍

[@XiongBearTravel]

Your footage is stunning! Gates of the Arctic NP is huge, almost as big as the entire land area of Belgium. Looking forward to the Denali video 😊

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks a lot! Ya it is so vast, it’s hard to comprehend!

[@Scotty1963AZUSA]

Wow! My wife and I love your adventures. This was beautiful! The meandering river and the sand dunes surrounded by forest! And to see the midnight sun - what an amazing sight. The gates of the Arctic must really be something in person. It's impossible for the camera images to show how immense the landscape is. Thank you for all your videos!

[@DyanK614]

Such a cool video! I had never seen videos on either of these national parks so it was amazing to see these fascinating places. Thanks.😊

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks so much!! Ya not many videos on these parks for sure

[@kellyjohnson3617]

That is so crazy! Thank you for sharing this. Cuz I’m sure I’ll never get to go there that I can imagine. What an amazing experience!!!! When your kids are older, I hope they appreciate how cool a mom and dad they have. Thanks again for the post.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Haha I’m sure they will think we are lame when they get older 😂

[@TB-qk7hg]

I'm from Kobuk, which is the furthest village up the Kobuk River. Every summer people get dropped off at the head of the Kobuk River (or wherever upriver). They float down on rafts until they reach Kobuk, then take a charter flight out. Growing up we just called them "floaters".

[@airstreamer]

WOW. What an amazing adventure. The scenery is unlike anything I've ever seen! Thank you for taking us along to experience it too. - Michelle

[@stevesalter1138]

I love your content! I’m on a journey to visit every National Park. Last July while visiting Alaska my trip to Kobuk Valley and Gates of the Arctic got cancelled only a few miles from the boundaries of each park due to weather. I’m going back this summer. My videos are just my home movies my kids asked me to post on KZbin. Your videos are actually helpful to myself and other travelers because you give so much information. When I’m doing researching for an upcoming trip and I see a “Through My Lens” video, I know it’s the only one I need to watch for recon before I go. Thanks for the very informative great work.

[@annb2045]

I just found you two. I love the genuine banter. Thanks for letting us tag along.

[@brindahoward4527]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing. My dad was stationed in Alaska in the Army before it became a state, He always remarked how beautiful it was back then too.

[@zmarko]

Incredible scenery. Simply amazing. It's really tough to grasp just how vast Alaska and Northern Canada are. ❤

[@channel4change430]

the midnight sun is GEORGEOUS!!!! best of a great vid.

[@ThroughMyLens]

I agree. It was something special to see for sure

[@wildzenventures]

This Alaska series has been amazing. Thank you for documenting and sharing these beautiful places! Some amazing footage, I can’t imagine the views you guys had in person. Cheers!

[@2011woodlands]

That is pretty exclusive, I think riding the train above the arctic circle in Norway would be a relaxing experience too, plenty of scenery to see, midnight sun for sure in the summer.

[@louise3993]

Definitely not expecting sand dunes in Alaska. It was huge. The contrast between the dunes and grasslands is pretty amazing. It’s a pricey trip for sure but worth it. Thanks for documenting this for us. Be safe. 😊

[@jlyn8228]

It's so weird seeing my childhood home and city being in a video like this! And there's a high chance one of my brothers was your waiter. Man if I ran into yall I would've loved to take yall on a joyride outside town, the views are amazing, the vast tundra, 20th century abandon places, and the setting sun over the whole city and mountains is marvelous.

[@johanna7254]

These landscapes are incredible. Thank you for sharing this!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MtBakerlife]

Thanks for another beautiful video! So fun seeing you two together on another adventure!! 😊💚

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rephaelrechitzky9763]

Thank you Josh for sharing this beauty. Really awesome.

[@ThroughMyLens]

My pleasure!

[@wanderlust62]

I wasn't expecting sand! That will be awesome to see...

[@maryfettig3378]

What an adventure for you and Amy! Thanks for taking me where ill never go❤

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@jeffwilson2077]

Josh, THIS is the Alaska video I've been waiting for from you, as I'm one of those that may "never make it" to these two extraordinary parks, despite having visited so many more. Thank you for this epic trip, and your continued enthusiasm for these videos and the NP's. Continued happy travels -- let me know when you want to do that return trip to the Indiana Dunes when we have some cooperative weather.

[@SmallWonda]

Ah, Brilliant, thanks, guys - never would have got there in a thousand years - quite the Adventure...

[@jatraveler1277]

well done. The flights to Kobuck and Gates are so incredibly gorgeous. Such vast land. Thanks

[@ThroughMyLens]

I agree. And we only saw such a small % too

[@cindym5302]

So cool! I’m so jealous 🙂 Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@robinowen3058]

Awesome video! Thanks so much for sharing this-am so glad you had such awesome weather!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks for watching! Ya the weather was perfect

[@realalaskaliving]

You really lucked out with weather in Alaska:) great video, even I have not been that far North! And I live in Alaska, lol.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Haha it was an adventure to get up there! I prob wouldn’t have done it if I wasn’t doing all the national parks but we really had a great time

[@caterlinachung185]

Exceptional! It is sooo impressive to watch the video as you bring us to such a remote area which l can't imagine...the serpentine rivers, rugged mountains and lush green belt next to the desert all worth every single penny and the good weather is a bonus...well done and looking forward for the next one ❤

[@ThroughMyLens]

So glad you enjoyed it. This one was a labor of love for sure but it was a once in a lifetime experience

[@maxt1617]

You do really good video images/ photography. Sure the locations help, but the close-ups and the panorama views are wonderful. I do 5 mins of yoga every evening to your videos, to relax. Thank you!

[@tahirrazzaq9494]

Been waiting for this one! Did not disappoint one bit!!! Can't imagine seeing it in person. Edit: This is probably one of the best videos you have ever shared Josh!! You have such amazing luck with weather (I am usually the opposite haha). I am very fascinated by this area. A day definitely doesn't seem like enough. Would definitely want to backpack there one day but that would be very tough! No trails, all route finding. Sounds like an adventure!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for the kind words about the video too. I would love to go back and backpack there someday but I’m not sure if it would ever happen

[@randallgd]

Wow happy for you two and thanks for sharing!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thank you!! 😊

[@pxb006]

These were 2 of the parks that I did not get to go to when I was in Alaska. Beautiful and I’m sad that I missed them, but it would be hard to pull the trigger on the $1700 flight. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@andreajohnson1796]

Huh ..Thanks for taking and sharing with us it's a blessings

[@ThroughMyLens]

You are so welcome. Glad you watched it!

[@kayokolindenberger3754]

Awsome video! Thanks for sharing your trip.

[@kismetfast4674]

So scared of small airplanes but awesome that you shared your aerial video with us! Hope to do Alaska in the next year!

[@ItsBalakA]

Love your videos. Keep em coming!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thank you! Will do!

[@ashleymb16]

Incredible! Thank you for sharing!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamiefheim]

Nice video and thanks for sharing. Apparently no one told you that solar midnight is closer to 3am, for example 2:51 am on June 18. That’s because Alaska’s 4 time zones were consolidated a few decades ago and then you have to factor in daylight saving time.

[@travelertrome8449]

Beautiful! And the weather looks perfect. Did you guys see any wildlife while up there? Thanks for sharing!

[@caterlinachung185]

Thanks!

[@davidfinance]

Wow great video!

[@TheKds9999]

What amazing trip!

[@ThroughMyLens]

It really was!

[@TriciaNovak-i9b]

This is my dream to go there. Thank you for all the information that you have shared. I would love to know the dates you went to try and get some great weather when/if I ever get to go.

[@channel4change430]

11:05 is a beautiful shot: water+sand+forest= ALASKA

[@ThroughMyLens]

Alaska is about as stunning as it gets

[@terrydiemer5473]

Excellent job

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks!

[@jymnmeier3527]

Loved the series of Alaska NP videos....love all your videos

[@ThroughMyLens]

So awesome! Florida was a huge highlight for pops and me! Yea, I plan to put together a whole video on costs and other information at the end of the series.

[@jymnmeier3527]

@@ThroughMyLens Wonderful :) I assumed so but had to ask. You truly are a gift to those of us who are planning NP adventures. I have shared this before on a livestream... I am visually impaired and need help researching things to a modest degree. My family is always blown away at how near-perfect our National Park trips are, and when they ask, I always mention You, Pops, Amy, and your Mom. I don't know your motivations in putting these wonderful videos together, but please know it has helped me feel some independence when I often have to rely on folks for help. I say thank you, but please know my gratitude means far more than these two little words

[@jenford7078]

My sister-in-law was a doctor in Kotzebue for a number of years and my in-laws traveled up there a number of times. Beautiful shots over the ocean, and Gates of the Arctic was gorgeous! Those sand dunes confuse me, how and why?

[@jimgreen5788]

Though a town of 3000 would be a small town here in IL, up in Arctic Alaska, that's a major city, as are Nome and Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow). Re. Kobuk Valley, it's a small group of countries around the world that can claim they have an arctic desert, if any others. It was probably around 6/10/84 when I was in Kotzebue, and was on the ocean side at probably the same hotel as you were in. I took a sort of time exposure, seeing the sun meander its way down to the horizon, then back up.

[@MrGucchino]

Love your vids man! What time of year did you visit and how were the mosquitoes??

[@fff2009]

Thanks for the awesome videos! Is there a way to drive close to it and hike your way thru? Also any designated camp sites?

[@ThroughMyLens]

Not really. You basically have to access these parks via air

[@thr33zapparel73]

I was just smoking W33D and looking on google maps at places that are like unknown and shiiiiid like that and then this was like the only recent video Thanks bro good content

[@runningrock124]

good video!

[@brynafitzpatrick8854]

Are reservations not available? You just hope for the best? Did you have to pack lunch/snacks to take on the plane?

[@NuncaPowellHasSpoken01101]

When they say inclement weather what are they referring to? I can imagine it being inaccessible in the cooler months but what happens up there in the summer? Windiness? Rain?

[@whatskevupto2964]

I heard the Department of the Interior and the NPS made some rules about a year ago that prevented people from posting National Park videos on KZbin (which sucks because I love your videos). Did you get some special permit for your Alaska series? And what are some other parks that you will be visiting soon?

[@mattc4266]

How you travel for so much do you use travel rewards cards ?

[@ThroughMyLens]

Ya I actually signed up for an Alaska Airlines card for this trip. We did so many short Alaska flights it made sense and helped with costs

[@mattc4266]

@@ThroughMyLens that’s what I planned on doing THANKS SO MUCH FOR REPLY

[@MovingToAdventure]

I would love to do this trip one day

[@ThroughMyLens]

I hope you can!

[@channel4change430]

You two make a great team: She understood the assignment 7:05

[@ThroughMyLens]

Haha I always love bringing my wife along for some of the adventures!

[@TwelveFeetTravels]

where did Amy get her National Park sweatshirt? I love it!

[@ThroughMyLens]

It was from Parks Project (www.parksproject.us/) but I am not sure if they make it anymore

[@nikeduck24]

Did you say only 30 mins to explore?! Wow.

[@nikeduck24]

For $1,700 a person 😳😳😳

[@ThroughMyLens]

Ya it’s an expensive and quick trip but it is the most cost effective way to visit those two parks, beleive it or not

[@dimakelly]

videos are lot nicer with your dad

[@slighwentwalking2024]

Have you gotten to witness the 'northern lights'? That is something I would like to see.... and could you see Russia?🤫

[@realalaskaliving]

The northern lights have been active for days in Alaska, great viewing from Palmer throughout the interior. Basically away from the major cities:) cold but it allows spectacular northern lights.

[@ThroughMyLens]

I would love to see the Northern Lights but that is something I have never seen

[@koppolaholland9949]

Yeah, um...my useless opinion, if you can't drive to a National Park from any of the 50 states on a mostly maintained road then it really needs to be "reduced" to National Forest status. Makes it hard for majority of people to visit, and harder to check it off the coveted "N.P. To-do List". And don't get me started on National Park of American Samoa lol

[@sushi777300]

As a German Kotzebue sounds so damn wrong 🤢 Kotze is colloquial for puke

[@ThroughMyLens]

Haha really?!

[@slarsen6653]

If there’s no infrastructure, it’s a National Wildlife Preserve or National Forest. But thanks for the views!!

[@MtBakerlife]

They are both listed as national parks on the Alaska State website. Either way all are amazing.

[@ilovesparky13]

No, that is not how you define a National Park

[@nancymclaughlin7626]

I love your videos, but you have to watch out. A new law requires that you acquire a permit to make videos in National Parks, Recreation, Forests, as well as BLM areas and state parks. The permit is expensive, but the fine is even more expensive.

[@chanamyriam2960]

Wow did you two kids miss an opportunity to really ‘WOW’ your audience! In an adventure 97% of your viewer plus would never have an opportunity to enjoy…why in Heaven’s name would you not have your tour guides share some information on the two parks?!!! I can only imagine what tales they would share… I’m actually sad you made this mistake because i’ll never have the opportunity to go, nor ask and could have vicariously lived through you…if only for a moment. Be well…enjoy the ride and continue to learn. 🤓