In A Nutshell

Directions

Getting There

Cape Krusenstern National Monument lies within a remote area of northwest Alaska and is bordered by the Arctic Ocean and Chukchi Sea.

Visitors generally access the monument via the regional hub in Kotzebue. Commercial airlines provide daily service from Fairbanks or Anchorage, to Kotzebue. Chartered flights with licensed air taxi services, booked in advance, can take backcountry travelers to remote destinations within the monument.

Summer access may include motorized/non-motorized watercraft, aircraft, or by foot. (Note: traveling by foot in the summer would be an arduous, roundabout journey.) Options for winter access include snowmobile, aircraft, or foot.

Fees & Reservations

Currently, there are no fees charged to access Cape Krusenstern National Monument.

The National Park Service does not require reservations for any type of travel or camping within the national monument. Licensed guides and transporters should be contacted in advance to plan travel logistics.

Operating Hours & Seasons

Cape Krusentstern National Monument is open year-round.

The headquarters office located in Kotzebue. Hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

The Innaigvik Education and Information Center in Kotzebue is open in summer only. Please call 907-442-3890 for specific hours of operation.

Arctic winter conditions - snow, ice, wind, and below-freezing temperatures - exist in the monument from October through April. Summer temperatures average 54° F, although some days in July may get up to 80° F. Snow or freezing temperatures may occur at any time.

Accessibility

There are no accessible trails or roads in Cape Krusenstern National Monument. Contact licensed air transporters to check for availability of required services.

Air Taxi

Licensed operators offer various services such as air taxi, guided rafting and hunting. Contact any service providers on the list of licensed operators to facilitate your trip.

Flight shuttle services are available in Kotzebue.

Currently licensed operators providing air taxi service to the monument:

Hageland Aviation
PO Box 697
Kotzebue, AK 99752
907-442-2936

Arctic Air Guides Flying Service
PO Box 94
Kotzebue, AK 99752
907-442-3030

Bering Air, Inc.
PO Box 1650
Nome, AK 99762
907-443-5464

Weather

Weather is a central concern to those planning to visit Cape Krusenstern National Monument at any time of year. Summer temperatures on the coast are usually in the mid 50°'s F, with mid 60’s to 70° F for highs. Some days in July may reach 80° F. Average January lows are 5°F with possible lows of -50°F. Annual averages are not always good guidelines, however. In summer, visitors can experience snow, near freezing temperatures, and long periods of clouds, wind, and rain. For backcountry hiking and camping, wear plenty of warm clothing, dress in layers, and use rain gear. Wear sturdy hiking boots and waders for wet terrain.

Winds average 8 to 12 mph, but 50 to 70 mph winds may accompany storms and produce extremely low and dangerous wind chill factors. Any time of year, exposure and hypothermia are real threats to visitors and monument personnel. Be prepared – visitors should plan on meeting all of their own survival needs while traveling in the monument.

Summer days are long and energized with sunlight. The sun does not set between June 3rd and July 9th. Winter days are short. Although beautiful twilight lingers for hours each day, the sun is above the horizon only one 1 ½ hours on December 21st. The aurora borealis, or northern lights, are active year round, but best seen during high solar activity on the darkest nights of winter.

Contact Information

By Mail
National Park Service
P.O. Box 1029
Kotzebue, AK 99752

By Phone
Headquarters
907-442-3890
Visitor Information
907-442-3890

Summer Visitor Center Information
907-442-3760

907-442-8316