The river is classified as a National Wild and Scenic River. It offers stunning wilderness float-trip opportunities - from deep in the Brooks Range to the tidewater of the Chukchi Sea.
Photo: NPS Photo / Annie Carlson
Noatak National Preserve
As one of North America's largest mountain-ringed river basins with an intact ecosystem, the Noatak River environs feature some of the Arctic's finest arrays of plants and animals.
- LocationKotzebue, AK
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now29°F Heavy snow
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Arctic
- Aurora Borealis
- Headwaters
- Night Sky
- Scenic Views
- Tundra
- Watersheds
1 more topics
- Wilderness
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.
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Fishing the Noatak
Fishing in the Noatak National Preserve is a dream trip for many enthusiasts.
Learn more about Fishing the Noatak on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Float the Noatak
A float trip by canoe on the Noatak River
Learn more about Float the Noatak on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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 a great place to meet rangers and acquire information on Cape Krusenstern National…
Learn more about Visit the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 3 of 3
Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Wildlife Watching
- Fishing
- Boating
- Paddling
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum Exhibits
- Arts and Crafts
- Backcountry Camping
- Backcountry Hiking
- Canoeing
Show 7 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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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…
171 3rd Ave, Kotzebue, AK (907) 318-2230 Directions
Details
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 · Noatak National Preserve
Hours details
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Noatak National PreserveOpen 24 hours, daily
Public access to Noatak National Preserve is open year-round, 24-hours a day.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
29°F
Heavy snow · feels like 24°
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Today
31° 28°
Moderate snow94% rain -
Tomorrow
28° 20°
Mist47% rain -
Wednesday
21° 14°
Overcast26% rain
Updated 1 hr ago
What to expect by season
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
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The famous golden hour near sunset on Copter Peak gives depth to the mountains and neon hues to the tundra. — NPS Photo -
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1 more photo
Getting There
Kotzebue, AK 99752
Noatak National Preserve is a very remote area. There are no roads that provide access.
Full directions
Commercial airlines provide service from Anchorage to Kotzebue or Fairbanks to Bettles. Once in Kotzebue or Bettles, you must fly to the preserve with various air taxi operators. There are scheduled flights to villages and chartered flights to remote park areas. Summer access may include motorized/non-motorized watercraft, aircraft, or by foot.
Mailing address: PO Box 1029, Kotzebue, AK 99752
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