Backcountry Camping

There is plenty to see and do at the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. People can spend several hours to several days exploring the dune field. However, it is remote and help is several hours away.

Hiker walking along the edge of a sand dune.

Arctic Sand Dunes The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are unlike any dune complex in North America. Where else can one discover tracks from grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves converging on such otherworldly terrain? A place where Boreal Forest, tundra, and brush collide with glacially pulverized sand. Most people fly to the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes so make sure when planning your itinerary there is some cushion for weather. One never knows what the weather will be like in northwest Alaska so be ready for flight delays. When packing for the trip don't forget your sunscreen and rain jacket as you may use both in a single day. Bugs abound in the summer so bring a head net. It can be windy out on the dunes as you are extremely exposed. Don't forget to bring layers.

The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are the northern most sand dune complex in North America with an abundance of arctic wildlife.

Visit the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes

Animals

Wolves

Arctic

Tundra

Dunes

Foothills, Plains and Valleys

Coniferous Forests

Geology

Glaciers

Migrations

Mountains

Natural Sounds

Night Sky

Aurora Borealis

River and Riparian

Scenic Views

Wetlands

Canoe or Kayak Camping

The Kobuk River reflecting the sky and clouds on a calm day.

Calm Kobuk The Kobuk River is a source of life to many in Northwest Alaska. It hosts caribou migrations, the return of salmon from the Pacific Ocean, and a waterway of transporation for the people of Northwest Alaska. Although the segment of the river which flows through Kobuk Valley National Park is not designated as wild or scenic, those who float it still find recreation, rest, and remoteness like no other with areas of bushwhacking access to the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes and unbound wilderness. The Kobuk River is a great place for experienced backcountry campers and intermediate in float trips. Its waters are usually slow and calm, but always check weather conditions as winds can blow upriver so furiously that visitors have had to paddle with the rivers' flow to make any progress. The Kobuk can have more traffic on it depending on the time of year one floats it with local people utilizing it for motorboat transportation and subsistence purposes via fishing and hunting. Please be respectful to all subsistence users while floating the river.

Want a nice mild float on a wild river? The Kobuk River may be a great option for wilderness adventure and zen-like floating in Kobuk Valley National Park.

Float the Kobuk River

Archeology

Climate Change

Forests and Woodlands

Native American Heritage

Watersheds

Wilderness

Museum Exhibits

A sample of exhibits at the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center including Dall Sheep and caribou.

Information, Education, and National Park Rangers The main point of contact for over 9 million acres of the Western Arctic National Parklands, the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is what you may be looking for when in search of where to go, what to see, and what's so special about three national park units - Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Noatak National Preserve. If you may be considering a visit to Northwest Alaska the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is the one-stop-shop for information and orientation of this remote area of parklands. Although trails and facilities are nonexistent in these National Park units, the Heritage Center offers informative exhibits, summer programs led by National Park Rangers, and documentary films to be watched while visiting Kotzebue, Alaska. Any questions? Call the ranger at the front desk at (907)442-3890.

If your school or large group would like to set up a field trip please schedule one with our park rangers at (907)442-3890.

Trying to figure out where to go and what to do in Northwest Alaska? The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is a great place to meet rangers and acquire information on Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Noatak National Preserve.

Visit the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center

Arts

Coasts, Islands and Atolls

Fossils and Paleontology

Thickets and Shrublands

Unique Species

Caribou, sand dunes, the Kobuk River, Onion Portage - just some of the facets of Kobuk Valley National Park. Half a million 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.