Kobuk Valley National Park

Usual hours

• Mon–Sun 0:00–0:00

From 56 published days, 2026-10-24 to 2026-12-18; community-mapped.

About

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

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.

Official facts

Public access: Open access.

Protected area: 1,715,880 acres (694,393 ha).

Designation: National Park. Listed as "Kobuk Valley National Park" in the Protected Areas Database of the United States. Protection: managed for biodiversity, natural processes allowed (GAP 1). IUCN category II.

Established: 1980.

Managed by: NPS.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Gap Analysis Project (GAP), 2025, Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) 4.1

At the park

• Exhibits exhibit
• Visitor center exhibit
• Beaches scenic feature
• Wildlife & bird watching scenic feature
• Hiking trails trail
• Fishing water

Shows and experiences

• Historic sites & museum

Before you go

Mobility

Available in the park: mobility & stroller rentals. Confirm rental availability and pricing with the park.

Limits

Any businesses, such as guides and transporters operating in the park, must have a current permit from the National Park Service

Getting 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.

Weather & when to go

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.

Visitor center

Northwest Arctic Heritage Center

Visitor center

Northwest Arctic Heritage Center

Visitor center

Northwest Arctic Heritage Center

Visitor center

Northwest Arctic Heritage Center

Visitor center

Northwest Arctic Heritage Center

Visitor center

Northwest Arctic Heritage Center — The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is open year round. Our typical hours are listed below, and you can always call us to confirm hours for a specific date at (907) 442-3890. — Visitors generally access the park via the regional hub in Kotzebue. Commercial airlines provide daily service from Fairbanks or Anchorage, to Kotzebue. Chartered flights with licensed air taxi services, booked in advance, can take backcountry travelers to remote destinations within the park.

Facilities on the park map

1 bench, 1 defibrillator, 1 first aid kit, 1 mobility rental, 2 restroom, 6 visitor information, 1 water fountain.

History

Opened

1980

• Park opened