Kobuk Valley National Park

Kobuk Valley National Park is located in the northwest region of Alaska. It is the furthest northwestern national park in the country. The Gates of the Arctic is just slightly more north, with Kobuk Valley being further west. The park covers an area of 2,735.5 square miles (7,084.9 sq km) making it the 9^th largest national park in the United States.

There is no road access leading into the national park.  Travelers have to schedule one of the air taxis available from Alaskan cities that deliver visitors to the park.  The remoteness and challenges related to accessing the park make it the least visited national park in the country. Isle Royale and Gates of the Arctic compete for the fewest number of visitors.

Kobuk Valley is comprised of a wide valley with wetlands created by the Kobuk River which meanders through the valley.  The Baird Mountains and the Waring Mountains frame the river and valley in between. 

The southern part of the park is recognized as the Kobuk Valley Wilderness.  There is a collection of sand dunes located along the south side of the Kobuk River.  These dunes include the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Hunt River Dunes, and the Little Kobuk Sand Dunes.  The dunes cover 32 square miles (82.87 sq km) of the area along the river.

The ecosystem is comprised primarily of boreal forest and tundra and serves as a tremendous habitat for the wildlife in the area.  The caribou are the most prominent species which blanket much of the area with over 400,000 roaming the valley.

Other large species of wildlife include black bear, brown bear, timber wolf, red box, Dall sheep, lynx, and moose. Some of the intriguing smaller species include mink, wolverine, porcupine, muskrat, and snowshoe hare.

Of course, as throughout much of Alaska, chinook, chum, pink, and sockeye salmon are all present. Other sought-after fishing species are present as well.

Photos

Kobuk Valley National Park Photo Gallery

Highlights

The terrain and caribou roaming across it serve as much of the highlight of this captivating wilderness. One of the highlights for most who venture into this hidden gem is the solitude and tranquility of pure nature void of human interaction.

Caribou

The caribou is also known as the reindeer.  This species of deer is renowned for its wintery alpine, arctic, and sub-Arctic habitats.  Where else was Santa going to get something to pull his sleigh.

Although Russia is home to the largest herd of caribou in the world with a population approaching 1 million, the herd here in Kobuk Valley is remarkable.

The caribou is the only deer species where both the male and female grow antlers. The antlers can reach lengths of 53 inches (135 cm) and widths of 39 inches (100 cm). The larger male caribou can weigh as much as 400 lb. (182 kg) and reach heights of 84 inches (214 cm).

The herd of caribou in Kobuk Valley is the pinnacle wildlife attraction and the population is approaching half a million.

Kobuk Valley National Park Trails

There are no designated trails or hiking routes in the park.  This is remote wilderness exploration and backcountry hiking.  There are no roads or park services inside the park.  All hiking and camping must be done from the food and supplies on your back.