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Kobuk Valley National Park

Caribou, sand dunes, the Kobuk River, Onion Portage - just some of the facets of Kobuk Valley National Park. Half a million caribou migrate through, their tracks crisscrossing sculptured dunes. The Kobuk River is an ancient and current path 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.

The Basics

Hours:

Kobuk Valley National Park is open year around. The headquarters office - located in Kotzebue - is open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Address:

PO Box 1029
Kotzebue, AK 99752

Phone:

907-442-3890

Phone:

907-442-3760

Fax:

907-442-8316

Directions

Kobuk Valley National Park is a remote area. There are no roads that provide access. Commercial airlines provide service from Anchorage to Kotzebue or Fairbanks to Bettles. Once in Kotzebue or Bettles, you must fly to the park 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. Winter access may include snowmobiles, aircraft or by foot.

Climate

Expect high winds throughout the year and short, mild, cool sunny summers. Experience 24 hours of daylight for one month and a long, severe, harsh, extremely cold winter with about one hour of daylight by December 1. The area receives 10-12" precipitation annually. For back country hiking/camping, wear plenty of warm clothing, dress in layers, and use rain gear. Wear sturdy hiking boots and waders for wet terrain.

Link to our Nome Weather coverage for more information.

Seasons

The Innaigvik Education and Information Center in Kotzebue is open only in the summer. Please call ahead for specific hours of operation. 907.442.3890. Arctic winter conditions - snow, ice, wind, and below-freezing temperatures - exist in the preserve from October through April. Summer temperatures average 54° F, although some days in July may get up to 100° F. Snow or freezing temperatures may occur at any time.

Fees

No Fees.

Things To Do

Boating, camping, hiking, backpacking, wildlife watching, photography, and fishing opportunities abound. With winter arctic survival skills and personal equipment, snow machining, skiing and dog mushing is also possible. Community programs are available in the summer at the Innaigvik Education and Information Center. Topics include natural and cultural history of the park, 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 Kobuk Valley National Park. Access in summer is by plane or boat. Winter access is by plane or snow machine. Summer hikes in the Baird Mountains are popular, especially along ridgelines where walking is easier than on the lower level tundra. Floating the 350- mile Kobuk River is a great way to experience the park. Private land is frequently found along the river, so please detour around areas that show any signs of ownership. Anglers are required to follow Alaska state regulations, which are available at www.adfg.state.ak.us. 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 or Bettles to land in the national park, or to fly over the area for a view of the river and mountains.

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