Kobuk Valley National Park

About Kobuk Valley

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.

Hours

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.

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 set in on a windy, wet day, even when it doesn't feel that cold.

Things to do

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