We were in Bettles Aug./Sept. 2008 to go rafting on the Northfork of the Koyukuk – Gates of the Arctic Nat. Park. One has to fly into Bettles and leave it this way. Bettles is south of the Gates of the Arctic Nat. Park and one of it's main entrance points. Our guides booked with Bettles Air and we stopped at Bettles Lodge. Gates of the Arctic Nat. Park is a great place.

We had some problems with the transport of our luggage and part of the luggage was lost in Bettles during the transfer from the plane Fairbanks - Bettles (Bettles Air) and Bettles to our starting point for the rafting (also Bettles Air). I cannot comment, because I do not know the details sufficiently.

On the way back to Fairbanks, we were supposed to leave Bettles, Sept. 3rd at 14:30 with Bettles Air together with two other passengers, who had the same information. The plane was there, everything else was there, including the pilot, but there was "no go". First we were surprised by the message that there was no flight scheduled on the 3rd anyway - then it was 7:00 pm. As a consequence of this delay we wanted some hot lunch in Bettles Lodge shortly before 2:00 pm and were told they were going to close at 2:00 pm - therefore no warm lunch!-- Bettles Air and Bettles Lodge have the same owner!—We did not find this very helpful.

We heard a funny story during waiting: The pilot was not prepared to go before 7:00 pm, because he wanted to take his girl friend with him, an employee of Bettles Lodge, who was not free before 7:00pm. You do not believe this?-- We did not either!-- At 6:00 pm the pilot came with a little Blonde with a night pack, hand in hand, who took a seat next to the pilot. Your guess is as good as mine, whether the story we heard was true or not. Independent from this story we did not find this reliable.

So much about the service of Bettles Lodge and Bettles Air. Fortunatly there is another Air Charter in Bettles and there is at least one other Lodge there.

Jo
Germany, Gorxheimertal

My wife kept repeating "Best. Vacation. Ever!" for weeks after this trip. We've stayed in fancier resorts and have had incredible experiences elsewhere but this trip was unique. How often have you seen your pilot de-ice the plane with a credit card!

We wanted a remote getaway to, hopefully, see the Northern Lights. We considered a different, more upscale resort but the TripAdvisor reviews were not favorable to the staff and experience. We then discovered the Bettles Lodge through this site.

Like others, we walked into the more modern lodge at Bettles and were initially disappointed. It's nothing fancy but it was clean, comfortable, and WARM! (It was in the negative 20's on arrival.) But, later, we toured the older lodge and agreed that we were much happier staying in the new lodge. We liked our room with private bath and didn't need the "charm" of the old lodge to enjoy our stay.

The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The food was incredible! There was only one entree prepared each night for dinner -- everyone has the same thing -- but that was never a problem for us. (And I consider myself a picky eater.) In such a remote location it would not be practical to have a diverse menu for the 7-8 of us staying there.

We felt lucky to see the Northern Lights our first night. We took amazing photos in the bitter cold. (Thanks for the bonfire!)

This is certainly not a trip if you are looking to be pampered in luxury. It was expensive because it's expensive to bring people and supplies to a location such as this. But it was worth it to us and we hope to go again.

Bettles Lodge is a great adventure and a great experience. The staff there cannot predict when the weather will cooperate or when the Northern Lights will show themselves; yet, they are always on the lookout to help you see the lights if at all possible. On our visit there, Jeff did a great job of watching for us and when the skies cleared, there were the Northern Lights. We had the true privilege of seeing the lights both nights we were there. The first night as a group, most of the visitors to Bettles Lodge went over to the historical Lodge and kept watch. From that location, we could keep warm and then go outside to view the spectacular northern lights just off the air strip. It was amazing… and I got some great pictures that will help preserve such a wonderful experience. The second night the group (11 or so) elected to go out to the lake (frozen as it was) to view the lights with fewer city/weather/airstrip lights. The viewing hut is several miles outside of Bettles but there is an oil stove in it so that people can remain somewhat warm. On the way out to the lake, we followed a wolf on the road, and 2 ptarmigans flew in front of the vehicle. Cool wildlife experiences!! Once at the lake, stars abounded in the sky and when the show began, we could see the lights beautifully.

From the first time I spoke with Linda on the phone, I got a good feeling about what would be offered at Bettles Lodge. She gave us all the information we would need regarding our trip and even booked the overnight stay at the Princess for us. They even accommodated our return flight back to Fairbanks by leaving an hour early, knowing we had to connect to a flight leaving Fairbanks. Linda prepared us with information about what activities are available at Bettles upon arrival. Remember this is winter, and very cold outside (-20) so indoor activities are part of the plan. The great thing though is that Bettles has Bunny Boots, Parkas and Mittens to help keep the visitors warm. That is part of the deal and despite the temperature, we walked around town, went dog-sledding, and some went for a ride on a snow mobile. Max took many of us on a great dog-sled ride into a winter wonderland. So going to see the lights is only one part of the experience.

Dan, the pilot gave us a smooth flight to Bettles and back to Fairbanks. Mary even drove us to the other end of the airport so we could make our connections. Jamie and Melissa worked the kitchen and provided delectable meals from the Alaskan north. We had Halibut, Caribou sausage, Moose chili and other great dishes that complimented our stay in Alaska. There were always goodies (cookies and cake) for us to snack. We were never wanting for something to eat or drink. On our last day, John took us over to where he and Jamie live on the Koyukuk River. It is so beautiful. Minnie, the Lodge Dog, kept us entertained as she is so playful and loveable. Jesse is working on homemade beds for the lodge that he is building from Black Spruce wood that has been salvaged from the fire in the woods several years ago. Such an addition of these beds will add one more quaint aspect to the stay at Bettles/Aurora Lodge.

I will definitely return there someday and would love to share this experience with others I know. It was a phenomenal trip and everyone we met just made it that much more special. I highly recommend this trip for those with an adventuring spirit.

Staff greeted us at the Fairbanks Airport Bettles Air facility. Owner or the Lodge was also pilot of our Bettles Air flight. It was the beginning of an Alaskan Adventure!

We did get to see the Northern Lights, the stars were amazing out on the lake from the viewing cabin. What a sky view! We were able to dogsled with Max and his team. I wish I had had more time to take advantage of the snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Food was delicious, presentation appreciated, and accomadation to special diet requests accomadated.

Historic Lodge was used as one of our bases for one of the 2 nigfhts of viewing of the Aurora Borealis. We followed a wolf out to the 2nd night of viewing at the lake cabin. Enjoyed our sunrise and sunset walks around town to take pictures and looki for Ptarmigans. Look forward to the return trip!

dh
San Antonio, TX