The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center, the main visitor center for Kobuk Valley National Park, is located in Kotzebue and is open year-round, but specific hours are not provided. For the most accurate and up-to-date hours, it is best to contact the center directly.
There is no entrance fee to enter Kobuk Valley National Park. It is free year-round.
Most arrive by air: fly to Kotzebue or Bettles, then charter a bush plane to the park. River travel is also an option in summer.
There are no parking options at Kobuk Valley National Park. No parking is available for cars, RVs, or motorcycles.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:None
Kobuk Valley National Park is a remote Arctic wilderness of sand dunes, tundra, and boreal forests in northwestern Alaska. Home to ancient Inupiat heritage, dramatic caribou migrations, and the surreal Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, the park invites adventurers to explore its vast landscapes via hiking, paddling, or flightseeing. Visitors may witness the Northern Lights, trace glacial river paths, or uncover 9,000 years of human history in this pristine frontier.
- Area (mi²)
- 2736
- Annual visitors
- 17 233
- Established year
- 1978
Top 3 Facts about Kobuk Valley National Park
The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, a remnant of the last ice age, cover 25 square miles and are stabilized by vegetation, with river bluffs composed of sand standing as high as 150 feet, holding fossils of Ice Age mammals.
One of Alaska’s key caribou migration corridors, with thousands of animals crossing each year.
Rich archaeological history spanning over 9,000 years of indigenous Inupiat habitation.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan logistics carefully: book flights and tours early, and check on seasonal access points.
Pack Appropriately
Pack for extremes—layers, waterproof gear, GPS, food, first aid, and bear-proof storage.
Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance. Store food properly to avoid bear or wolf encounters.
Stay Informed
Stay weather-aware. River crossings can be hazardous, and weather changes quickly.
Seasons
Spring (Apr–Jun): Thawing landscape, bird migrations, emerging flora, and fewer bugs.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak for hiking, caribou sightings, paddling, and long Arctic days. Prepare for mosquitoes.
Fall (Sep–Oct): Colorful tundra foliage, crisp air, caribou migration, and fewer visitors.
Winter (Nov–Mar): Remote beauty under snow, cross-country skiing, Northern Lights, solitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Kobuk Valley National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to Kobuk Valley National Park is Kotzebue, Alaska, a fishing village with a population of about 3,000 people. It is located 100 miles away from the park and offers various amenities including lodging, dining, and recreational activities. Commercial flights from Anchorage to Kotzebue are available daily.
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There are no established trails in the park, only game trails created by wildlife. Hikers must navigate through the tundra and other terrain without marked paths. This makes all hiking in the area challenging and not suitable for those seeking easy trails.
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To get there, you need to fly because there are no roads. You can fly from Anchorage to Kotzebue or from Fairbanks to Bettles, then take an authorized air taxi to the park. In the summer, you can also use motorized or non-motorized watercraft, or hike, while in the winter, you can use aircraft, snowmobiles, or dogsleds.
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There is no parking available because the park is not reachable by vehicle. No roads lead to the park, so cars, camper vans, motorhomes, and trailers cannot access it.
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Backpacking and camping in the vast wilderness, boating or floating down the Kobuk River, and fishing for species like northern pike and sheefish are top activities. Flightseeing offers a bird’s eye view of the park, including the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. In winter, aurora viewing, snowmobiling, skiing, and dog mushing are popular for those with Arctic survival skills.