Kobuk Valley National Park Visitors Guide

Welcome to the Kobuk Valley National Park Visitors Guide.
Here you will find general visitors information on regulations about bringing dogs to the park, wheelchair access, entrance fees, visitor centers, and reservations.
You will also learn what outdoor activities are available such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.

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Visitors Guide
  • Accessibility
  • Archeological Site
  • Backpacking
  • Camping
  • Entrance Fees
  • Fishing
  • Food and Supplies
  • Hiking
  • Lodging
  • Permits
  • Visitor Centers
  • Weather

  • 
    

    Accessibility

    There are no roads or rail service to Kobuk Valley National Park. General access is via scheduled air service from Fairbanks or Anchorage to Kotzebue and then air taxi from Kotzebue to nearby villages. There are several incoming and outgoing flights to Kotzebue each day, although with less frequency December through April. Summer access to and through the Park includes motorized and non-motorized watercraft, aircraft and by foot. Winter access includes snowmobiles, aircraft, and by foot.

    The Interagency Kotzebue Public Lands Information Center and the headquarters offices are accessible.


    
    

    Archeological Site

    The Onion Portage site, on the Kobuk River in the eastern side of the park, is one of the most important archeological sites in arctic America. It has more than 70 distinct stratified cultural layers that document a progression of human camps spanning about 12,500 years.


    
    

    Backpacking

    Kobuk Valley National Park is perfect for primitive backcountry experiences, as there are no amenities in the park. Be prepared before you go into the park.

    See the Hiking Page for more information.


    
    

    Camping

    Kobuk Valley National Park has no campgrounds. Visitors can camp on the tundra, except on archaeological areas and on private property.

    See the Camping Page for more information.


    
    

    Entrance fees

    There are no entrance fees.


    
    

    Fishing

    Fishing can be good when rivers are clear and fish are running. An Alaska fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age and older. Alaska seasons and regulations apply. No fees Alaska hunting and fishing licenses, available in Anchorage or Kotzebue, are required.

    See the Hiking Page for more information.


    
    

    Food and Other Services

    Be prepared to bring your own food and supplies. There are no amenities in the park. There are some amenities available at Kiana, Ambler, and Kotzebue. First aid is not available in the Park, but is available in the villages of Ambler and Kiana. The nearest hospital is in Kotzebue.


    
    

    Hiking

    The Kobuk Valley National Park is a remote, rugged area with lots of primitive hiking and backcountry experiences to enjoy. There are no roads and no trails in Kobuk Valley National Park.

    See the Hiking Page for more information.


    
    

    Lodging

    Seasonal, overnight lodging is available in the villages of Ambler and Kiana. Lodging is available year-round in Kotzebue.

    There are no maintained campgrounds in Kobuk Valley National Park. Tundra and river bars are often used for primitive camping, although private native lands within the Park are to be avoided to prevent trespass.

    See the Lodging Page for more information.


    
    

    Permits

    A no fees Alaska fishing license, available in Anchorage or Kotzebue, is required for fishing. Hunting is prohibited in the park, however firearms are allowed to protect you from the animals.


    
    

    Visitor Center

    There are no facilities or amenities in Kobuk Valley National Park. The Kotzebue Public Lands Information Center is an interagency information center located in Kotzebue that is open year-round but hours vary depending on the season. Summer hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with some late evening and weekend hours. Winter hours, mid October through 01 May are from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. It is closed on federal holidays.

    See the Calendar Page for more information.


    
    

    Weather

    Kobuk Valley National Park is a vast area subject to harsh weather, high winds, rain and snow. Summers are mild and cool with extended daylight. Winters are extremely dark and harsh. The Kobuk River typically thaws by early June and freezes by the last week of September.

    See the Weather Page for current conditions, forecasts and other weather data.


    Kobuk Valley National Park Links
    Bullet Activity & Calendar Page
    Bullet Address, Email & Phone Guide
    Bullet Archeological Site
    Bullet Backpacking
    Bullet Bear Aware
    Bullet Brochures, Maps, Written Info
    Bullet Camping Guide
    Bullet Chat
    Bullet Environment
    Bullet Establishment
    Bullet Fees
    Bullet Fishing
    Bullet Hiking Guide
    Bullet Jobs, SCA, Volunteer Positions
    Bullet Leave No Trace Principals
    Bullet Location
    Bullet Lodging Guide
    Bullet Map Guide
    Bullet Park Information
    Bullet Permits
    Bullet Search
    Bullet Sights Guide
    Bullet Size and Visitation Info
    Bullet Travel Guide
    Bullet Visitors Guide
    Bullet Weather
    Bullet Wildlife

    Alaska State Information Page

    Kobuk Valley National Park
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    by John William Uhler

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    This site is in no way associated with the United States Government, the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service

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