You'll find caribou, sand dunes, the Kobuk River and the Onion Portage here. 500,000 caribou migrate through here leaving their tracks criss-crossing the dunes. For over 9,000 years, the Kobuk people have come to the Onion Portage to harvest on these caribou as they swam the river -- and today the tradition still continues.
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
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.
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.
Things to Do
Visit the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes
The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are the northern most sand dune complex in North America with an abundance of arctic wildlife.
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.
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 Monument, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Noatak National Preserve.
Getting There
Address: 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. 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 driving directions → Official NPS directions →Frequently Asked Questions
When is Kobuk Valley National Park open?
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.
What are the best things to do in Kobuk Valley National Park?
Popular things to do in Kobuk Valley National Park include Visit the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Float the Kobuk River, Visit the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center. See Things to Do above for photos and details.