National Park Guide

Kobuk Valley National Park

Alaska, US

Arctic sand dunes rise above the tundra in one of America's most remote and surreal national parks.

1,750,717
Acres
0
Trails
1980
Established
11,500
Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season
June - September
Entrance Fee
Free
Nearest Airport
Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (OTZ), Fly-in only (air taxi from Kotzebue)
Best Months
June, July, August

Highlights

  • Great Kobuk Sand Dunes
  • Western Arctic Caribou Herd migration
  • Kobuk River floating and paddling
  • Little Kobuk and Hunt River Sand Dunes
  • Onion Portage archaeological site

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

About Kobuk Valley National Park

Kobuk Valley National Park protects 1.75 million acres of remote Arctic wilderness, including the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, a 25-square-mile expanse of sand rising up to 100 feet above the surrounding boreal forest. The park straddles the Kobuk River corridor, an ancient caribou migration route used by the Western Arctic Caribou Herd.

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Where to Stay

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Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center

$$

Full-service hotel in Fairbanks with two restaurants and a bar, providing a comfortable overnight before connecting flights to Kotzebue and onward air taxi to Kobuk Valley.

Gateway city (Fairbanks)$150-250/night
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SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks

$$

Modern suites with kitchenettes near the Chena River in Fairbanks. Offers free breakfast, indoor pool, and airport shuttle for travelers connecting to Kotzebue.

Gateway city (Fairbanks)$180-280/night
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Pike's Waterfront Lodge

$$

Highly rated 3-star lodge on the Chena River in Fairbanks with a sauna, steam room, garden, and free airport shuttle. An excellent staging point for Arctic park adventures.

Gateway city (Fairbanks)$180-300/night
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Park Details

Highest Point
4,760 ft (Mount Angayukaqsraq)
Camping
Available
Wilderness Areas
Yes
Pet Friendly
Limited (developed areas only)
Region
Alaska/Hawaii
Established
1980