KOBUK VALLEY NATIONAL PARK Kobuk Valley ALASKA

Kobuk Valley National Park oc­ park's 692,000 hectares (1.71 lometers (25 square miles) cupies a broad valley along million acres) sit in a semi- south of the Kobuk River. Rel­ the central Kobuk River in enclosed bowl, ringed on the ict plants, remnants of the northwestern Alaska, some 40 north by the Baird Mountains flora that existed during the kilometers (25 miles) north of and lined on the south by the Pleistocene, still survive in the Arctic Circle. The park is Waring Mountains. The boreal the Kobuk Valley, where the approximately 560 kilometers forest reaches its northern climate approximates Ice Age (350 miles) west-northwest of limit here, and an open wood­ conditions. The Salmon River Fairbanks and 120 kilometers land of small trees in a mat flows clear and swift out of (75 miles) east of Kotzebue, of thick tundra results. the Baird Mountains to the the regional center. The vil­ Kobuk River. Inland Eskimos lages of Kiana and Ambler lie The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes and maintain subsistence patterns on its western and eastern the Little Kobuk Sand Dunes that have existed for millen­ sides, respectively. The extend over some 40 square ki­ nia.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE ACCOMMODATIONS AND SERVICES There are no National Park ling, arctic char, sheefish, There are no campgrounds in Service facilities, trails, or and several species of salmon the park. Camping is permitted services. People who venture inhabit park waters. throughout most of the park. to this park will initially be However, it is not permitted interested in backpacking in in sensitive archeological the Baird and Waring Mountains ACCESS zones; where it would inter­ and along their foothills and Northwestern Alaska cannot be rupt subsistence activities; valleys. Terrain is good for reached by road. Daily commer­ or on private inholdings along hiking, although occasional cial flights serve Kotzebue the Kobuk River without the stands of willows are encoun­ from both Anchorage and Fair­ owner's consent. Kotzebue has tered. The Great Kobuk Sand banks . There are connecting a hotel. Some lodgings are Dunes, naked, active, and flights to Kiana and Ambler. found in Kiana. There are no reaching a height of 30 meters From Kotzebue you can charter commercial lodgings in Ambler. (100 feet), can be reached by light aircraft to the park. Kotzebue has small stores and an easy hike from the river. Aircraft can also be chartered most basic goods can be bought The Kobuk River flows placidly from Ambler and Kiana, but there. Kiana and Ambler also through the park, providing make arrangements in advance. have small stores. Fairbanks interesting motorized and non- Aircraft land on primitive and Anchorage offer all the motorized river trip opportu­ airstrips and gravel bars or, usual merchandise. Limited nities. The Salmon River is if float-equipped, on the riv­ guiding and outfitting are fine for canoeing and kayak­ er. Boats can sometimes be available in the region, and ing. Wildlife includes grizzly chartered in Kiana and Ambler. air taxi operators and boat bear, black bear, caribou, Backpackers can hike in from owners offer some services. moose, wolves, and lynx. Gray­ Ambler or Kiana. KOBUK VALLEY NATIONAL PARK Kobuk Valley ALASKA

WEATHER AND INSECTS CLOTHING, FOOD AND GEAR Winter is long and cold; sum­ It is essential that clothing copy of your planned itinerary mer is warm and brief. Temper­ and camping gear be of good with the Visitor Information atures in June, July, and Au­ quality. Tents should be able Center in Kotzebue. Local res­ gust range from 17°C to 32°C to withstand strong winds and idents carry on their subsist­ (40°F to 90°F), with daytime should have rain flies. Rain ence way of life within the highs often in the upper 20s gear is often needed. Always national park. Their camps, C (80s F). June and July are carry extra food because fishnets, and other equipment usually clearest; rain in­ scheduled air and boat pickups are critical to their well-be­ creases in August and Septem­ can be delayed by bad weather. ing. Please observe the usual ber. Winter temperatures can Be familiar with your gear be­ courtesies respecting their drop to -50°C (-60°F), and fore your trip. You should be property and privacy. -29°C (-20°F) is common. Mos- competent in hiking, camping, quitos appear in late June, boating, first aid, and sur­ are at their worst in July, vival skills. Winter travel is and disappear in August. They not advised. are most dense in wet lowlands and most sparse in the dry PRECAUTIONS AND COURTESIES highlands. Whitesocks and The park is vast, and a number gnats hatch in August and con­ of dangers may confront you tinue into September. here. For your safety leave a

Get specific information about your planned trip from:

Superintendent National Park Service Northwest Alaska Areas P.O. Box 1029 Kotzebue, Alaska 99752 Phone: (907) 442-3890