Kobuk Valley National Park
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- Kobuk Valley National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park in northwestern Alaska sits in an isolated boreal forest just above the Arctic Circle. The park is known for its expansive dunes covering 25 square miles, the largest of its kind in Arctic North America. During the summer, you can expect 24-hour sunlight between June and early July. In winter, you'll enjoy gorgeous kaleidoscopic Aurora Borealis displays on clear nights. However, if you plan on traveling to this remote region of Alaska in wintertime, don't forget to prepare for the extreme cold, as temperatures can dip as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit. RVing to Kobuk Valley National Park (or, rather its regional vicinity since you can only get there by air) is an excellent way to experience Alaska. You use nearby Fairbanks as your launching point. If you're interested in RV rentals near Kobuk Valley National Park, you'll find a diverse selection of motorhomes and campers for rent in Fairbanks and Anchorage. When you arrive at the park, the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center in Kotzebue is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Its remote location makes Kobuk Valley National Park one of the most unique destinations in the U.S. National Park System. Camping is permitted throughout the park, but you must pack all gear in and out of the site. Visitors typically access the park from Fairbanks or Anchorage and then take an air taxi to the site from there. Since you won't be RVing to Kobuk Valley National Park itself, you don't have to worry about RV size restrictions. Fairbanks offers dozens of RV-friendly campgrounds to stay at before your Arctic adventure. You can safely use this RV guide to Kobuk Valley National Park to plan your trip. However, we advise that you check with the park office in advance regarding your preferred campsite and any specific restrictions. For the most up-to-date information on road closures and air taxi services, visit the National Park Service website.
While the park does not require general entry permits, you must plan your travel logistics more carefully than the typical national park tour. The trip requires you to coordinate with an air taxi pilot regarding pick-up and drop-off areas because planes can't land everywhere in the park. Since camping at Kobuk Valley National Park is undoubtedly a backcountry voyage, pack plenty of gear, food, and supplies. We encourage you to call the park at (833)477-9357 in advance for details regarding camping in specific park areas and any additional information concerning required permits.
- Spring 35-50 F
- Summer 60-80 F
- Fall 20-40 F
- Winter -8 - -50 F
- Coming soon
- Coming soon
Kobuk Valley National Park Hiking Trails
The Kobuk Valley National Park offers a backcountry hiking experience like no other. The rugged, isolated site has no designated roads, trails, or calculated mileage, so you can expect your entire voyage to be off the beaten path. Park visitors can head to the largely unexplored and spectacular Baird Mountains between the Noatak and Kobuk rivers. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes offers a stunning tour through an Arctic desert, while the journey from the Kobuk River presents a scenic yet challenging hike. The Kotzebue Loop is one of the park's only defined hiking paths, and it runs along the shoreline of the Kotzebue Sound.
Hiking at Kobuk Valley National Park
Things to do Outside Kobuk Valley National Park
The nearby town Kotzebue offers several opportunities for shopping, dining, and other local amenities to enhance your visit to Kobuk Valley National Park. Little Louie's is a favored burger spot in the area, and you can indulge in equally delicious meals at the Empress and Bayside restaurants. Local shopping options include the Salina Art Center and Arctic Circle Trading Post, where you can purchase unique regional crafts and souvenirs. For sightseeing activities, a Northern Lights photography tour is always an option, as is Creamer's Field Waterfowl Refuge for an amazing birding experience.
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RV Resorts & Campsites near Kobuk Valley National Park
Kobuk National Park doesn't designate its campground. You can camp virtually anywhere in the park. However, you can't leave any gear or supplies behind. For travelers driving to Kobuk Valley National Park from Canada or the Lower 48, Fairbanks makes for an ideal base camp with National Forest camping options nearby.
Campgrounds Near Kobuk Valley National Park
Find the Best Dumpstations Near Kobuk Valley National Park
How to get to Kobuk Valley National Park
The park's isolated location means that reaching the site is an adventure in itself. There is no driving to Kobuk Valley National Park, so you'll have to rely on air taxis. Most out-of-state travelers begin their journey at the Anchorage or Fairbanks international airports. From here, you can book a flight from Ralph Wien Memorial Airport in Kotzebue or Bettles Airport. At this point, you'll have to arrange for an air taxi service as park transport. A small aircraft pilot will ask you about your drop-off and pickup locations, and remember to plan for weather-related aviation delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kobuk Valley National Park is remote and does not have accessible trails or roads. Visitors to the park hire vendors to provide a plane ride or boat, so contact those operators to see what their accessibility is like. The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center in Kotzebue is accessible and has a wheelchair that's available on request.
Yes, pets are allowed at Kobuk Valley National Park. In fact, dog mushing is a popular activity at the park. Pet owners should watch for bears and other wild animals while in the park.
Top things to do at Kobuk Valley National Park include flightseeing, hiking, backpacking, and fishing. In winter, visitors with Arctic winter survival skills can ski or dog mush in the park.
No, there are no designated camping spots at Kobuk Valley National Park. Visitors can choose their own place to camp. Because the only way in and out of the park is by plane or boat, visitors will have to pack in their camping gear. RV campers may want to set up a base camp in Fairbanks and take a trip to Kobuk Valley National Park from there.
Kobuk Valley National Park has a mild summer climate, with temperatures in the mid-60s through 80s during the day. Winters are very cold, with an average January low of -8°F although temps go down to -50°F.
Visitors should also keep in mind that the sun does not set from early June until July 9th. In winter, the sun is above the horizon for just 1 1/2 hours on the shortest day of the year.
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