Kobuk Valley National Park

Kobuk Valley National Park is a protected area in northern Alaska that includes three sand dune fields, wetlands, and a major river between two mountain ranges. The Kobuk flows through the entire length of the valley and forms riverside zones with willows and spruce trees, while the dunes rise along its southern edge.

People have lived in this area for over ten thousand years, hunting caribou at natural bottlenecks along the river. The region became a national park in 1980 to protect its wilderness and archaeological sites.

The name comes from the Inupiat language and refers to the river flowing through the valley that has served as a caribou hunting ground for thousands of years. Visitors can spot trails worn by reindeer herds during their annual migration at Onion Portage.

Access is only by chartered small aircraft from Kotzebue, Nome, or Bettles, as no roads reach this remote Arctic region. Travelers should bring complete camping gear and provisions, as there are no facilities on site.

The large sand dunes in the Arctic tundra constantly shift with the wind and form shapes that scientists compare to Martian landscapes. Some dunes reach a height of 30 meters (100 feet) and offer an unusual sight in this polar environment.

Location: Alaska

Inception: December 2, 1980

Operator: National Park Service

Website: https://nps.gov/kova

GPS coordinates: 67.55000,-159.28333

Latest update: December 22, 2025 23:09