Kobuk Valley National Park

National Park · AK

Kobuk Valley National Park

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.

nps.gov ↗

Photos

sun setting on sand dunes — The setting sun casts shadows of black spruce on the dunes and colors the water of Ahnewetut Creek a deep blue.

A green pack canoe sits on the bank of the Kobuk River. Clouds are mirrored on the water's surface. — A quick pause on a canoe trip down the Kobuk River.

aerial view of snow capped mountains — The peaks of the Baird Mountains stretch far into the distance and are so remote that many of them have not been named.

The Jade Mountains reflected in the Kobuk River as seen near Onion Portage.

pink flower growing in sand — Oxytropis kobukensis (Kobuk Locoweed) is a member of the pea family and adds a splash of pink to the sand dunes. The blossoms have that typical pea/ bean flower shape that many gardeners know.

Caribou bone sitting in the sand — Caribou migrate across the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, heading north in the summer and south in the fall. Some survive and some don't, which is a reality of life

Single caribou with antlers in velvet — A single caribou of the 240,000+ strong Western Arctic herd on its fall migration south across Kobuk Valley National Park.

Dark skies shadow the horizon. A rainbow is illuminated above Niaktovik Creek.

Activities

Boating
Camping
Backcountry Camping
Fishing
Freshwater Fishing
Flying
Fixed Wing Flying
Hands-On
Arts and Crafts
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Paddling
Canoeing
Canoe or Kayak Camping
Junior Ranger Program
Wildlife Watching
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store