Kobuk Valley National Park

National Park · AK · nps.gov page

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.Photo: NPS Photo

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.

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News

  • Kiana Village as seen from the river
    Kiana Traditional Council and community partners to receive 2026 Eileen Devinney Award

    Western Arctic National Parklands will present the 2026 Eileen Devinney Award to the Kiana Traditional Council, Tessa Baldwin-Cyrus, Robin Kornfield and Thomas Jackson in recognition of their longstanding partnership with the National Park Service and contributions to preserving and sharing traditional knowledge in Northwest Alaska.

Photos

A green pack canoe sits on the bank of the Kobuk River. Clouds are mirrored on the water's surface.
A quick pause on a canoe trip down the Kobuk River.Photo: NPS Photo / Justine Schmidt
aerial view of snow capped mountains
The peaks of the Baird Mountains stretch far into the distance and are so remote that many of them have not been named.Photo: NPS Photo
The Jade Mountains reflected in the Kobuk River
The Jade Mountains reflected in the Kobuk River as seen near Onion Portage.Photo: NPS Photo / Annie Carlson
Caribou bone sitting in the sand
Caribou migrate across the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, heading north in the summer and south in the fall. Some survive and some don't, which is a reality of lifePhoto: NPS Photo
Dark skies shadow the horizon. A rainbow is illuminated above Niaktovik Creek
Dark skies shadow the horizon. A rainbow is illuminated above Niaktovik Creek.Photo: NPS Photo / Amy Martin (2022 Artist in Residence)
A herd of caribou run and swim the Kobuk River during fall migration.
Caribou crossing the Kobuk River in fall.Photo: NPS Photo / Kyle Joly
pink flower growing in sand
Oxytropis kobukensis (Kobuk Locoweed) is a member of the pea family and adds a splash of pink to the sand dunes. The blossoms have that typical pea/ bean flower shape that many gardeners know.Photo: NPS Photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.