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

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  • Опубліковано 13 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 106

  • @rhondaz356
    @rhondaz356 Рік тому +23

    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
      @ilovesparky13 Рік тому +2

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

    • @ThroughMyLens
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому +4

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

  • @Z38_US
    @Z38_US Рік тому +17

    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
      @nick_0 3 місяці тому +1

      I instantly thought of Minecraft as well 😂

  • @krissto22
    @krissto22 Рік тому +5

    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 ❤️👍

  • @xiongbear.travel
    @xiongbear.travel Рік тому +9

    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
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому

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

  • @Scotty1963AZUSA
    @Scotty1963AZUSA Рік тому +2

    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
    @DyanK614 Рік тому +6

    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
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому

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

  • @TB-qk7hg
    @TB-qk7hg 5 місяців тому +1

    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".

  • @kellyjohnson3617
    @kellyjohnson3617 Рік тому +2

    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
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому +1

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

  • @2011woodlands
    @2011woodlands Рік тому +1

    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.

  • @zmarko
    @zmarko Рік тому +1

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

  • @airstreamer
    @airstreamer Рік тому +1

    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
    @stevesalter1138 Рік тому +1

    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 UA-cam. 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.

  • @channel4change430
    @channel4change430 Рік тому +1

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

    • @ThroughMyLens
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому

      I agree. It was something special to see for sure

  • @annb2045
    @annb2045 Рік тому

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

  • @jlyn8228
    @jlyn8228 5 місяців тому

    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.

  • @louise3993
    @louise3993 Рік тому +2

    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. 😊

  • @brindahoward4527
    @brindahoward4527 Рік тому

    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.

  • @wildzenventures
    @wildzenventures Рік тому +1

    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!

  • @caterlinachung185
    @caterlinachung185 Рік тому

    Thanks!

  • @jeffwilson2077
    @jeffwilson2077 Рік тому

    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.

  • @wanderlust62
    @wanderlust62 Рік тому

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

  • @pxb006
    @pxb006 11 місяців тому

    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!

  • @SmallWonda
    @SmallWonda Рік тому

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

  • @channel4change430
    @channel4change430 Рік тому +2

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

  • @maxt1617
    @maxt1617 11 місяців тому

    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!

  • @realalaskaliving
    @realalaskaliving Рік тому +1

    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
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому +1

      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

  • @johanna7254
    @johanna7254 Рік тому

    These landscapes are incredible. Thank you for sharing this!

  • @rephaelrechitzky9763
    @rephaelrechitzky9763 Рік тому

    Thank you Josh for sharing this beauty. Really awesome.

  • @theLifeofTahir
    @theLifeofTahir Рік тому +3

    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
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому

      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

  • @andreajohnson1796
    @andreajohnson1796 Рік тому

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

    • @ThroughMyLens
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому +1

      You are so welcome. Glad you watched it!

  • @caterlinachung185
    @caterlinachung185 Рік тому

    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
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому +1

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

  • @jatraveler1277
    @jatraveler1277 Рік тому

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

    • @ThroughMyLens
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому +1

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

  • @robinowen3058
    @robinowen3058 Рік тому

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

    • @ThroughMyLens
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому

      Thanks for watching! Ya the weather was perfect

  • @randallgd
    @randallgd Рік тому

    Wow happy for you two and thanks for sharing!

  • @maryfettig3378
    @maryfettig3378 Рік тому

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

  • @kayokolindenberger3754
    @kayokolindenberger3754 Рік тому

    Awsome video! Thanks for sharing your trip.

  • @cindym5302
    @cindym5302 Рік тому

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

  • @MtBakerlife
    @MtBakerlife Рік тому

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

  • @kismetfast4674
    @kismetfast4674 Рік тому

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

  • @jamiefheim
    @jamiefheim 6 місяців тому

    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.

  • @ItsBalakA
    @ItsBalakA Рік тому +1

    Love your videos. Keep em coming!

  • @ashleymb16
    @ashleymb16 Рік тому

    Incredible! Thank you for sharing!

  • @jimgreen5788
    @jimgreen5788 8 місяців тому

    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.

  • @davidfinance
    @davidfinance 9 місяців тому

    Wow great video!

  • @terrydiemer5473
    @terrydiemer5473 Рік тому

    Excellent job

  • @travelertrome8449
    @travelertrome8449 Рік тому

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

  • @TheKds9999
    @TheKds9999 Рік тому

    What amazing trip!

  • @jymnmeier3527
    @jymnmeier3527 Рік тому +1

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

    • @ThroughMyLens
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому +1

      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
      @jymnmeier3527 Рік тому +2

      @@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
    @jenford7078 Рік тому

    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?

  • @runningrock124
    @runningrock124 4 місяці тому

    good video!

  • @thr33zapparel73
    @thr33zapparel73 10 місяців тому

    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

  • @MrGucchino
    @MrGucchino Рік тому

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

  • @mattc4266
    @mattc4266 Рік тому +1

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

    • @ThroughMyLens
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому +1

      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
      @mattc4266 Рік тому

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

  • @NuncaPowellHasSpoken01101
    @NuncaPowellHasSpoken01101 Рік тому

    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?

  • @channel4change430
    @channel4change430 Рік тому +1

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

    • @ThroughMyLens
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому

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

  • @fff2009
    @fff2009 Рік тому

    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
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому +1

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

  • @whatskevupto2964
    @whatskevupto2964 Рік тому

    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 UA-cam (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?

  • @brynafitzpatrick8854
    @brynafitzpatrick8854 4 місяці тому

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

  • @MovingToAdventure
    @MovingToAdventure Рік тому

    I would love to do this trip one day

  • @TwelveFeetTravels
    @TwelveFeetTravels Рік тому

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

    • @ThroughMyLens
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому

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

  • @nikeduck24
    @nikeduck24 Рік тому

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

    • @nikeduck24
      @nikeduck24 Рік тому

      For $1,700 a person 😳😳😳

    • @ThroughMyLens
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому

      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
    @dimakelly Рік тому

    videos are lot nicer with your dad

  • @koppolaholland9949
    @koppolaholland9949 2 місяці тому

    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

  • @slighwentwalking2025
    @slighwentwalking2025 Рік тому +2

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

    • @realalaskaliving
      @realalaskaliving Рік тому +1

      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
      @ThroughMyLens  Рік тому +1

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

  • @sushi777300
    @sushi777300 Рік тому

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

  • @slarsen6653
    @slarsen6653 Рік тому

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

    • @MtBakerlife
      @MtBakerlife Рік тому +1

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

    • @ilovesparky13
      @ilovesparky13 Рік тому +3

      No, that is not how you define a National Park

  • @chanamyriam2960
    @chanamyriam2960 Рік тому

    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. 🤓

  • @nancymclaughlin7626
    @nancymclaughlin7626 Рік тому

    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.