Kobuk Valley National Park • Alaska

sun setting on sand dunes

A green pack canoe sits on the bank of the Kobuk River. Clouds are mirrored on the water's surface.

aerial view of snow capped mountains

The Jade Mountains reflected in the Kobuk River

pink flower growing in sand

Caribou bone sitting in the sand

Single caribou with antlers in velvet

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

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.

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

A quick pause on a canoe trip down the Kobuk River.
NPS Photo / Justine Schmidt

The peaks of the Baird Mountains stretch far into the distance and are so remote that many of them have not been named.
NPS Photo

The Jade Mountains reflected in the Kobuk River as seen near Onion Portage.
NPS Photo / Annie Carlson

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.
NPS Photo

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
NPS Photo

A single caribou of the 240,000+ strong Western Arctic herd on its fall migration south across Kobuk Valley National Park.
NPS Photo

Dark skies shadow the horizon. A rainbow is illuminated above Niaktovik Creek.
NPS Photo / Amy Martin (2022 Artist in Residence)

Evening light on sand dunes and low mountains

Great Kobuk Sand Dunes

An icon of Kobuk Valley National Park, the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes rise unexpectedly out of the tundra and trees.

5 tents on the sand dunes near forest and mountains.

Things to do in Kobuk Valley

Learn about all the ways to explore Kobuk Valley National Park.

Caribou standing on a hill by Onion Portage

Explore Onion Portage - Paatitaaq

Learn more about the historical and cultural significance of Onion Portage as well as the ecology and natural history of the area.

a large grizzly bear stands in the grass showing his teeth to the camera

Respecting bears and learning proper behavior can keep you safe if you encounter a bear.

Inupiaq women pulling in gill net

Inupiaq Subsistence in Kobuk Valley

The people along the Kobuk River carry on traditions spanning over 8,000 years.

Ranger speaks with 2nd graders in a classroom setting.

Educational Programs

Learn more about our educational program offerings.

Picture of two people collecting data

Science and Research

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Last updated: January 31, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1029
Kotzebue, AK 99752

Phone:

907 318-2230
This phone is located at the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center.

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