Kobuk Valley National Park

The remote, almost untouched Kobuk Valley National Park lies in northwestern Alaska, 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The Kobuk River cuts through the middle of the park and spreads for 61 miles across the area. The park is bordered by the Baird Mountains to the north and the 25-square mile Great Kobuk Sand Dunes to the south. The dunes are the largest active sand dunes in the Arctic. Nearly half a million caribou use the park as their own personal highway, migrating through twice a year as they head north in the spring and south in the fall.

This far north, weather should be a consideration in everything you do. During the summer, temperatures in the park are usually in the mid-60s, but can venture into the 80s. Also, remember that the sun doesn’t set between June 3rd and July 9th. If you find it hard to sleep when it’s light, you may want to bring a sleep mask to help you at night. Finally, even though temperature averages are warm during the summer months, there is still the possibility of snow any time of the year. Be sure to check forecasts, bring layers, and be prepared for any type of weather.

In the winter, the average low is -8°F but temps have been known to drop to -50°F. The days are very short, and while twilight lasts for several hours, on the shortest day of the year the sun is above the horizon for only 90 minutes. Northern lights are active year-round, but are best seen on the darkest nights of winter. Be sure to prepare with high-quality winter gear if you’re headed to the park then.   

The closest town to the park is Kotzebue, 80 miles southwest. You’ll find the park visitor center and museum, along with a few restaurants and shops there. You will find even more amenities in Fairbanks, which is one of the cities that provide transportation to the roadless areas in and around the park.

Because the park is so remote, and even the visitor center is 80 miles away, there are few scheduled events within the park itself. The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center does have scheduled kids programs which you can find here, and adult programs which you can see here. You can also find plenty to do on your own, including backcountry hiking and camping, and sand dune sliding!