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National Park

Kobuk Valley National Park

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.

Photo: NPS Photo

About

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.

Activities

BoatingCampingBackcountry CampingFishingFreshwater FishingFlyingFixed Wing FlyingHands-OnArts and CraftsHikingBackcountry HikingPaddlingCanoeing
Canoe or Kayak Camping
Junior Ranger Program
Wildlife Watching
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

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.

Get directions →

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.

News

Kiana Traditional Council and community partners to receive 2026 Eileen Devinney Award
Oct 16, 2026

Kiana Traditional Council and community partners to receive 2026 Eileen Devinney Award

Western Arctic National Parklands will present the 2026 Eileen Devinney Award to the Kiana Traditional Council, Tessa Baldwin-Cyrus, Robin Kornfield and Thomas Jackson in recognition of their longstanding partnership with the National Park Service and contributions to preserving and sharing traditional knowledge in Northwest Alaska.