Things To Do

Boating, camping, hiking, backpacking, wildlife watching, photography, and fishing opportunities abound. With winter arctic survival skills and personal equipment, snow machining, skiing and dog mushing is also possible. Community programs are available in the summer at the Innaigvik Education and Information Center. Topics include natural and cultural history of the park, local research, local crafts and children's activities. Schedules vary, so please call 907.442.3890 before your arrival to learn about upcoming programs.

There are no developed facilities in Kobuk Valley National Park. Access in summer is by plane or boat. Winter access is by plane or snow machine. Summer hikes in the Baird Mountains are popular, especially along ridgelines where walking is easier than on the lower level tundra. Floating the 350- mile Kobuk River is a great way to experience the park. Private land is frequently found along the river, so please detour around areas that show any signs of ownership. Anglers are required to follow Alaska state regulations, which are available at www.adfg.state.ak.us. Remember to pack warm clothing, as prevailing westerly winds may drop wind chill factors below freezing, even in summer.

Small planes may be chartered from Kotzebue or Bettles to land in the national park, or to fly over the area for a view of the river and mountains.

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 and Bettles.

Currently licensed operators providing air taxi service to the preserve:

Brooks Range Aviation
PO Box 10
Bettles, AK 99726
907-692-5444
www.brooksrange.com

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

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

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

Management

Our Mission:

"Cooperative Stewardship for the Conservation and Understanding of Natural and Cultural Resources in Northwest Alaska."

Kobuk Valley was established as a national monument by presidential proclamation in 1978 and redesignated a national park by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) in 1980. ANILCA §201(6) specifically directs:

“Kobuk Valley National Park shall be managed for the following purposes, among others: To maintain the environmental integrity of the natural features of the Kobuk River Valley, including the Kobuk, Salmon, and other rivers, the boreal forest, and the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, in an undeveloped state, to protect and interpret, in cooperation with Native Alaskans, archaeological sites associated with Native cultures; to protect migration routes for the Arctic caribou herd; to protect habitat for, and population of, fish and wildlife including but not limited to caribou, moose, black and grizzly bears, wolves and waterfowl and to protect the viability of subsistence resources. Subsistence uses by local residents shall be permitted in the park in accordance with the provisions of title VIII.”

Kobuk Valley National Park is one of over 389 National Park Service units that, working with other partners, helps safeguard this nation's natural and cultural heritage.

• Maintain the environmental integrity of the natural features of the Kobuk River Valley, including the Kobuk, Salmon, and other rivers, the boreal forest, and Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, in an undeveloped state
• Protect and interpret, in cooperation with Native Alaskans, archeological sites associated with Native cultures
• Protect migration routes for the arctic caribou herd
• Protect habitat for, and populations of, fish and wildlife including but not limited to caribou, moose, black and grizzly bears, wolves, and waterfowl
• Protect the viability of subsistence resources