Kobuk Valley National Park
The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Kobuk River, Onion Portage archaeology, and Western Arctic caribou herd make a surprising landscape where desert-like forms are built by glacial sediment and wind.
Artwork inspired by Fred Machetanz
Arctic sand dunes rise beside a caribou migration corridor and living Iñupiat homeland. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Kobuk River, Onion Portage archaeology, and Western Arctic caribou herd make a surprising landscape where desert-like forms are built by glacial sediment and wind.
Orient at Kotzebue’s heritage center, then choose an aircraft landing or river journey with an operator who understands dune and water conditions. There are no roads or services inside the park. Wind, river levels, insects, and aircraft weight determine what is actually possible. Give Great Kobuk Sand Dunes and Onion Portage equal attention: together they explain far more than a quick viewpoint or checklist can.
- Established
- 1980
- Dunes
- Up to 100 feet
- Access
- Air or river
Quick guide
- Start with
- Orient at Kotzebue’s heritage center, then choose an aircraft landing or river journey with an operator who understands dune and water conditions.
- Look closely at
- Trace how Great Kobuk Sand Dunes directs attention toward Onion Portage instead of studying either in isolation.
Know before you go
- Start with
- Orient at Kotzebue’s heritage center, then choose an aircraft landing or river journey with an operator who understands dune and water conditions.
- Look closely at
- Trace how Great Kobuk Sand Dunes directs attention toward Onion Portage instead of studying either in isolation.
- Connect the story
- Connect wind-built dunes, Onion Portage archaeology, river travel, and caribou migration as parts of one living Arctic landscape.
- Plan around
- Allow Half day–multi-day. There are no roads or services inside the park. Wind, river levels, insects, and aircraft weight determine what is actually possible.
Good to know
There are no roads or services inside the park. Wind, river levels, insects, and aircraft weight determine what is actually possible.
Notice these
- Great Kobuk Sand Dunes
- Onion Portage
- caribou crossing