Kobuk Valley National Park

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sun setting on sand dunes
The setting sun casts shadows of black spruce on the dunes and colors the water of Ahnewetut Creek a deep blue.
A green pack canoe sits on the bank of the Kobuk River. Clouds are mirrored on the water's surface.
A quick pause on a canoe trip down the Kobuk River.
aerial view of snow capped mountains
The peaks of the Baird Mountains stretch far into the distance and are so remote that many of them have not been named.
The Jade Mountains reflected in the Kobuk River
The Jade Mountains reflected in the Kobuk River as seen near Onion Portage.
pink flower growing in sand
Oxytropis kobukensis (Kobuk Locoweed) is a member of the pea family and adds a splash of pink to the sand dunes. The blossoms have that typical pea/ bean flower shape that many gardeners know.
Caribou bone sitting in the sand
Caribou migrate across the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, heading north in the summer and south in the fall. Some survive and some don't, which is a reality of life
Single caribou with antlers in velvet
A single caribou of the 240,000+ strong Western Arctic herd on its fall migration south across Kobuk Valley National Park.
Dark skies shadow the horizon. A rainbow is illuminated above Niaktovik Creek
Dark skies shadow the horizon. A rainbow is illuminated above Niaktovik Creek.
Photos: National Park Service

About Kobuk Valley National Park

Caribou, sand dunes, the Kobuk River, Onion Portage - just some of the facets of Kobuk Valley National Park. Thousands of caribou migrate through, their tracks crisscrossing sculpted dunes. The Kobuk River is an ancient and current corridor for people and wildlife. For 9000 years, people came to Onion Portage to harvest caribou as they swam the river. Even today, that rich tradition continues.

Quick Facts

State Alaska
Designation National Park
State Code AK
Weather Snow, rain, and freezing temperatures can occur any time of the year. Always travel with good quality rain gear and warm layers. Be especially careful to stay dry. Hypothermia can…

Location & Map

Kobuk Valley National Park is located in Alaska.

Operating Hours

The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is the visitor center for Kobuk Valley National Park. Since there are no roads in to Kobuk Valley, the visitor center is located in Kotzebue, AK. From Kotzebue, visitors will charter an air taxi to transport them into the actual national park which is open 24/7 every day of the year.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Boating Camping Backcountry Camping Fishing Freshwater Fishing Flying Fixed Wing Flying Hands-On Arts and Crafts Hiking Backcountry Hiking Paddling Canoeing Canoe or Kayak Camping Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

Kobuk Valley National Park is very remote. There are no roads to provide access, so planes take care of most transportation needs. Commercial airlines provide service from Anchorage to Kotzebue, or from Fairbanks to Bettles. Once in Kotzebue or Bettles, you must fly to the park with authorized air taxis.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 171 3rd Ave, Kotzebue, AK, 99752
Phone 9073182230
Email wear_webmail@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Archeology Migrations Animals Arctic Dunes Night Sky Aurora Borealis Unique Species Rare Watersheds Wilderness

Things To Do

Visit the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes

Visit the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes

The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are the northern most sand dune complex in North America with an abundance of arctic…

Float the Kobuk River

Float the Kobuk River

Want a nice mild float on a wild river? The Kobuk River may be a great option for wilderness adventure…

Visit the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center

Visit the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center

Trying to figure out where to go and what to do in Northwest Alaska? The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is…

Visitor Centers

Northwest Arctic Heritage Center

Large, half-dome shaped, blue and grey building with just over 11,000 square feet of space. The museum space is just over 1,800 square feet and…

Hours: The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is open year round. Our typical hours are listed below, and you can always call us to confirm hours for a specific date at (907) 442-3890.

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