Caribou, sand dunes, the Kobuk River, Onion Portage - just some of the facets of Kobuk Valley National Park. 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 harves…
Caribou, sand dunes, the Kobuk River, Onion Portage - just some of the facets of Kobuk Valley National Park. 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.
Photos
Canoe on the Kobuk River — NPS Photo / Justine SchmidtThe Jade Mountains reflected in the Kobuk River — NPS Photo / Annie CarlsonA rainbow over Niaktovik Creek — NPS Photo / Amy Martin (2022 Artist in Residence)Mountains as Far as the Eye Can See — NPS PhotoLeft Behind — NPS PhotoKobuk Sand Dunes — NPS PhotoLone Rangifer tarandus — NPS PhotoKobuk Locoweed — NPS Photo
How to Get There
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.
Heading to Kobuk Valley National Park? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Kobuk Valley National Park?
No central reservation system listed for Kobuk Valley National Park. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/2795) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Kobuk Valley National Park?
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.
How do I contact Kobuk Valley National Park?
You can reach the park at phone: (907) 318-2230 or email: [email protected].