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. NPS Photo

Kobuk Valley National Park

National Park · Alaska · National Park Service

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.

Plan your visit

Trails & hiking

Hiking

Camping

Camping · Backcountry Camping

Site types & reservations: see the official site.

Know before you go

Phone
9073182230
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

Things to do

Highlights: Archeology · Migrations · Animals · Arctic · Dunes · Night Sky · Aurora Borealis · Unique Species · Rare · Watersheds · Wilderness

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

Photos

  • A green pack canoe sits on the bank of the Kobuk River. Clouds are mirrored on the water's surface.
    NPS Photo / Justine Schmidt
  • aerial view of snow capped mountains
    NPS Photo
  • The Jade Mountains reflected in the Kobuk River
    NPS Photo / Annie Carlson
  • Caribou bone sitting in the sand
    NPS Photo
  • Dark skies shadow the horizon. A rainbow is illuminated above Niaktovik Creek
    NPS Photo / Amy Martin (2022 Artist in Residence)
  • A herd of caribou run and swim the Kobuk River during fall migration.
    NPS Photo / Kyle Joly
  • pink flower growing in sand
    NPS Photo

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12