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.
Topics
Animals
Archeology
Arctic
Aurora Borealis
Dunes
Migrations
Night Sky
Rare
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Unique Species
Watersheds
Wilderness
A quick pause on a canoe trip down the Kobuk River. — NPS Photo / Justine Schmidt
Things to Do
3 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park.
Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Float the Kobuk River
Want a nice mild float on a wild river? The Kobuk River may be a great option for wilderness adventure and zen-like floating in Kobuk Valley National Park.
Trying to figure out where to go and what to do in Northwest Alaska? The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is a great place to meet rangers and acquire information on Cape Krusenstern National…
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
Northwest Arctic Heritage Center
Facility
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 contains animal displays…
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 contains animal displays, soundscapes, tactile exhibits and more. The Heritage Center also contains a bookstore, restroom, art gallery, and sitting area. The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center serves as the visitor centers for the Western Arctic National Parklands: Kobuk Valley National Park, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, and Noatak National Preserve.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily· Kobuk Valley National Park
Hours details
Kobuk Valley National ParkOpen 24 hours, daily
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.
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.
Photos
The peaks of the Baird Mountains stretch far into the distance and are so remote that many of them have not been named. — NPS Photo
1 more photo
Getting There
171 3rd Ave Kotzebue, AK 99752
Kobuk Valley National Park is very remote. There are no roads to provide access, so planes take care of most transportation needs.
Full directions
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.