Economy

The economic base of Evansville and Bettles is tourism, government and air transportation. Bettles is the jumping off spot for tourists, hikers, and campers traveling to the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. There is an influx of winter visitors, mainly from Japan for Northern Lights viewing. Full-time and year-round employment is available and seasonal employment in the summer months.

The only road access is in the winter over a snow/ice road. During the winter, the Hickel Trail leads residents to the Dalton Highway (Haul Road) which leads to Fairbanks. The Hickel is only open in the winter and is plowed through the snow over two frozen rivers and a number of frozen creeks. Residents can get supplies over the road during the winter, so some supplies are less expensive than in other land-locked communities. During the summer months, the Koyukuk River is extensively used but not for commercial services. The local airport serves as a transport center with lodging, fuel, and food services. Nearby VOR Lake is also a heavily used aircraft float pond.