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Cape Krusenstern National Monument

North of the Arctic Circle, Cape Krusenstern National Monument stretches 70 miles along the Chukchi Sea shoreline. Beach ridges provide evidence of 5000 years of human activity. Inupiat people continue to use the resources today. Vast wetlands provide food, water, and shelter for migratory birds. Hikers and boaters can see carpets of tundra wildflowers and sometimes musk oxen, moose, or caribou.

The Basics

Hours:

Cape Krusentstern National Monument is open year-round.

The headquarters office located in Kotzebue. Hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

The Innaigvik Education and Information Center in Kotzebue is open in summer only. Please call 907-442-3890 for specific hours of operation.

Arctic winter conditions - snow, ice, wind, and below-freezing temperatures - exist in the monument from October through April. Summer temperatures average 54-degree F, although some days in July may get up to 80-degree F. Snow or freezing temperatures may occur at any time

Address:

PO Box 1029
Kotzebue, AK 99752

Phone:

907-442-3890

Phone:

907-442-3760

Fax:

907-442-8316

Directions

Getting There

Cape Krusenstern National Monument lies within a remote area of northwest Alaska and is bordered by the Arctic Ocean and Chukchi Sea.

Visitors generally access the monument via the regional hub in Kotzebue. Commercial airlines provide daily service from Fairbanks or Anchorage, to Kotzebue. Chartered flights with licensed air taxi services, booked in advance, can take backcountry travelers to remote destinations within the monument.

Summer access may include motorized/non-motorized watercraft, aircraft, or by foot. Options for winter access include snowmobile, aircraft, or foot.

Climate

Weather is a central concern to those planning to visit the park at any time of year. Summer temperatures on the coast are usually in the low 50°'s F, with mid 60° to 70° with an occasional period of 80's or 90's in the interior. Average January lows are -15°F on the coast and -50°F in the interior.

Link to our Nome Weather coverage for more information.

Fees

No Fees.

Reservations

The National Park Service does not require reservations.

Things To Do

Kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, backpacking, wildlife watching, and photo opportunities abound in the summer. With winter arctic survival skills and personal equipment, snow machining, skiing and dog mushing are also possible. Community programs are available in the summer at the Innaigvik Education and Information Center. Topics include natural and cultural history of the monument, local research, local crafts and children’s activities. Schedules vary, so please call 907.442.3890 before your arrival to learn about upcoming programs.

There are no developed facilities in Cape Krusenstern National Monument. Access in summer is by plane or boat. Winter access is by plane or snow machine. Summer hikes are possible along the many miles of beach. Private land lines much of the coast, so please detour around areas that show any signs of ownership. A hike in the hills provides a spectacular view of tundra landforms, the Chukchi Sea, and possibly muskoxen. Be prepared for the spongy tundra to slow your hiking speed. Kayaking is also possible on several large lagoons. Remember to pack warm clothing, as prevailing westerly winds may drop wind chill factors below freezing, even in summer.

Small planes may be chartered from Kotzebue to land in the national monument, or to fly over the area for a view of the beach ridges and wildlife.

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