Kobuk Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

Wilderness Adventure

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 sculpted 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.
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		The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes lie 40 miles above the Arctic Circle, yet summer temperatures there can soar to 100 degress Fahrenheit! One of Alaska's true oddities, in some places, the sand stands 100 feet high. The three clusters of dunes within the park — the Great Kobuk, the Little Kobuk, and the Hunt River Sand Dunes — cover 25 square miles and constitute the largest active sand dunes within arctic latitudes. more...

		National Historic Landmark at Kobuk Valley National Park For thousands of years, vast numbers of caribou have passed through this area on their seasonal migrations between tundra and taiga. Drawn by these herds, hunters, both ancient and modern, have stationed themselves at the vantage point afforded by the site's location to await their coming. more...

Write to

PO Box 1029
Kotzebue, AK 99752

E-mail Us

Phone

Headquarters
(907) 442-3890

Summer Visitor Information
(907) 442-3760

Fax

(907) 442-8316

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.