Kobuk Sand Dunes. Photo: NPS Photo
- Entrance
- Free
- Nonresident fee
- None
- Park annual pass
- Not sold
- Payment
- Not listed
Work out the cost for your group
About Kobuk Valley
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.
Things to do
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Float the Kobuk 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.
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Visit the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes
The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are the northern most sand dune complex in North America with an abundance of arctic wildlife.
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Visit the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center
Trying to figure out where to go and what to do in Northwest Alaska?
Photos
Canoe on the Kobuk River Photo: NPS Photo / Justine Schmidt 
Mountains as Far as the Eye Can See Photo: NPS Photo 
The Jade Mountains reflected in the Kobuk River Photo: NPS Photo / Annie Carlson 
Left Behind Photo: NPS Photo 
A rainbow over Niaktovik Creek Photo: NPS Photo / Amy Martin (2022 Artist in Residence)
Entrance fees
This park has no entrance fee.
Reservations
NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.
Weather and seasons
Snow, rain, and freezing temperatures can occur any time of the year. Always travel with good quality rain gear and warm layers. Be especially careful to stay dry. Hypothermia can set in on a windy, wet day, even when it doesn't feel that cold.
Hours
The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is the visitor center for Kobuk Valley National Park. Since there are no roads in to Kobuk Valley, the visitor center is located in Kotzebue, AK. From Kotzebue, visitors will charter an air taxi to transport them into the actual national park which is open 24/7 every day of the year.
Getting there
Kobuk Valley National Park is very remote. There are no roads to provide access, so planes take care of most transportation needs. Commercial airlines provide service from Anchorage to Kotzebue, or from Fairbanks to Bettles. Once in Kotzebue or Bettles, you must fly to the park with authorized air taxis.
Visitor centers
Alerts
No alerts as of October 26, 2026.
