A 1.7-million-acre park in northwest Alaska, Kobuk Valley National Park consists of a nearly enclosed mountain basin on the middle section of the Kobuk River. Located 75 miles east of Kotzebue, Kobuk Valley is encircled by the Baird and Waring mountain ranges, protecting several unique features including the Great Kobuk sand dunes. Sand created by the grinding of ancient glaciers has been carried to the area by wind and water, and dunes now cover much of the southern Kobuk Valley.
Activities and Attractions
The 25-square-mile Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Little Kobuk Sand Dunes near Onion Portage and the Hunt River Dunes are among the few dune fields found in the Arctic. Formed by the grinding action of glaciers, these wind-sculpted dunes rise as high as 100 feet and are stabilized by the area's vegetation. The dunes are accessible by a strenuous 1 hour hike along Kavet Creek from the Kobuk River.
A section of the Kobuk River also runs through the park. Its bluffs, some of which stand more than 150 feet high, hold permafrost ice wedges and Ice Age mammal fossils. The slow-moving Kobuk River offers extraordinary wilderness float trip opportunities through scenic boreal forests teeming with wildlife. Other activities include backpacking, fishing, dog sledding, hiking and boating.
Accessibility
Access to the park is from Nome or Kotzebue, both of which are served by commercial airlines. In the summer, visitors may access the park by charter flight or boat. In the winter, access is by plane, snowmobile or dogsled.
Fees and Visitor Count
There are no fees for Kobuk Valley National Park and visitor counts are not available.
Weather and Climate
Arctic winter conditions - snow, ice, wind, and below-freezing temperatures exist in the park from October through April. Snow or freezing temperatures may occur any time, even in summer. Expect high winds throughout the year and short, mild, cool sunny summers. Experience 24 hours of daylight for one month and a long, severe, harsh, extremely cold winter with about one hour of daylight by December 1. The area receives 10-12" of precipitation annually. For backcountry hiking/camping, wear plenty of warm clothing, dress in layers, and use rain gear. Wear sturdy hiking boots and waders for wet terrain.
Facilities
Kotzebue Headquarters and Information Center - 907-442-3890 - Located on Front Street in Kotzebue (Open year-round)
Innaigvik Education & Information Center - 907-442-3760 - Located on 2nd Avenue in Kotzebue (Open in summer)
History
Kobuk Valley National Park was established as a national monument in 1978 and a national park in 1980.
http://www.nps.gov/kova/index.htm