Kobuk Valley National Park

The peaks of the Baird Mountains stretch far into the distance and are so remote that many of them have not been named. An aerial view on a clear fall day is a breathtaking sight.
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.
Map showing location of park.
Ed Vigilone sits for an interview in 2023.
Ed Viglione recognized as 2025 Frontline Hero of the Year by National Park Service
The National Park Service has named Edwin “Ed” Talaq Viglione as the 2025 Frontline Hero of the Year, recognizing his exceptional dedication to public service and his quiet leadership within Western Arctic National Parklands.
Smokejumpers respond to 2 new fires near Ambler
A detection flight Sunday night located five new lightning-caused wildfires in the Galena Zone. The zone recorded nearly 1,600 lightning strikes Sunday following days of hot, dry conditions with little to no precipitation.
Dr Raime Fronstin with a timelapse camera on the tundra.
Dr. Raime Fronstin Honored
The National Park Service proudly announces that Dr. Raime Amaguq Fronstin has been awarded the Alaska Region’s Award for Natural Resource Research.
sun setting on sand dunes
Photo by NPS Photo
aerial view of snow capped mountains
Photo by NPS Photo
Caribou bone sitting in the sand
Photo by NPS Photo
Single caribou with antlers in velvet
Photo by NPS Photo
pink flower growing in sand
Photo by NPS Photo