Ive been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is the largest active, high-latitude, dune field on Earth. In this article, More Than Just Parks provides you with 10 amazing facts about one of Americas most magnificent national parks. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes comprise the largest active Arctic dune field in North America. [5], Kobuk Valley National Park was established as one of fifteen new National Park Service properties established by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980. If you plan on rafting, those trips often begin from the small community of Bettles. Winter access includes snowmobiles, aircraft and by foot. Despite their location 40 miles above the Arctic Circle, the sand dunes can experience 100 degree temperatures in the summer. Our 59th park visit, to Kobuk Valley in Alaska, was also our hardest (logistically and physically), but weve never been happier in our lives than we were on that day. A hunting ground for Alaskans for thousands of years, the portage is one of Americas most important archeological sites in the Arctic Circle preserving over 70 stratified layers of history. A combination of outwash deposits from the glaciers and strong winds created the field, which is now mostly covered by forest and tundra. To get there, one must first fly (1 hour 45 minutes from Anchorage) to the extremely isolated town of Kotzebue. Thousands of caribou migrate through, their tracks crisscrossing sculpted dunes. CHECK OUT: 10 FASCINATING Facts About Denali National Park. Kobuk Valley National Park is open year round. You can expect one (short) email per week. Kobuk Valley National Park preserves and interprets the archeological sites of the Onion Portage, while protecting the natural features of the Kobuk River Valley, the Kobuk Sand Dunes, the migration of nearly half a million caribou, and the plant and wildlife that have supported the Native Alaskans' subsistence lifestyle for thousands of years. Alaska seasons and regulations apply. The region was apparently deserted for about 2,000 years until people of the Archaic tradition appeared in the valley from the south and east. . Kobuk is an Iupiaq word meaning big river. The Kobuk Rivers bluffs, some of which stand more than 150 feet high, and is home to a treasure chest of anthropological discoveries. Weve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming Americas national parks and public lands. Streams along the dunes are slow moving and giardia has been reported. Whether you are dogsledding, snowshoeing or just scanning the skies for the northern lights, you will still be able to relax . Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. We'll surely marvel at the stark contrast from the Noatak River to the barren landscape that makes the sand dunes as marvelous as they are unique. Learn more. CHECK OUT: 15 AMAZING Facts About Grand Teton National Park. [14], The park lies in a transition zone between boreal forest and tundra. You won't believe how tall the bluffs look from the water. If you head to the dunes, remember your head net and your water filter. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. Kobuk River Kuyuktuvuk Creek North Fork Koyukuk River & 'The Gates' Noatak River How To Plan Your Route In Gates Of The Arctic Trekking In Tundra Wildlife In Gates Of The Arctic "Ok, this looks close enough, turn in here," I said, as we swung the Crosstrek off the Dalton and into a tunnel of trees. Summer access to and through the Park includes motorized and non-motorized watercraft, aircraft and by foot. it was, in all likelihood, the most isolated wilderness I would ever see. Hes a columnist for Orion and the Anchorage Daily News, and is the author of the. 6 reviews #1 of 1 things to do in Kobuk Valley National Park National Parks Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying By Barbara S " Trip to Alaska " Jul 2019 Traveled to Kobuk Valley National Park by plane. Grinnel, one of the Kobuk stampeders living at Camp Penelope, provides some accounts of the first substantial contact with Euroamericans. Kobuk Valley National Park is located in northwest Alaska, it is east of the city of Kotzebue, AK and 26 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The present inhabitants of the valley are the Inupiat people, who subsist on hunting and fishing in the region. Getting Here The closest major airport is Anchorage, AK with smaller airports at Kodiak and Homer, AK. We work with agents and advisors to provide the best Alaska experience for your clients. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes cover 25 square miles and constitute the largest active sand dunes within arctic latitudes. Thousands of caribou migrate through, their tracks crisscrossing sculpted dunes. If you want to view the northern lights, this family owned lodge offers a remote and exclusive experience north of the Arctic Circle. These people were the Akunirmiut and Kuuvaum Kangiamirnuit. At Onion Portage, all of Northwest Alaskas long history is on display and its a significant source of information about the ancient cultures of the Arctic region. Be prepared before you go into the park. The Baird and Waring Mountain Ranges surround the park, forming a sort of semi-circle-shaped bowl in which the park sits. Proclaimed a national monument in 1978, it . Kobuk Valley National Park was proclaimed a national monument 01 Dec 1978, and established as a national park 02 Dec 1980. Also included: a two-day, Lifelong resident of the Arctic, Seth Kantner is a writer, wildlife photographer, and commercial fisherman. No roads or trails. Bettles Lodge offers simple but comfortable accommodations and genuine hospitality for all guests. The park is home to several Native American communities, including the Inupiat and Koyukon, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. There is no admission fee. Learn about the geology, trees, mammals, birds, or other plants and wildlife of the area. If I had to select which of the Kobuk Valley National Park Facts were my favorite it would be this one. . 8,000-6,500 BC) to the Arctic Woodland Eskimo Period (ca. Boaters can access Salmon River by packing their boats from high mountain airstrips to the river's headwaters. General access is via scheduled air service from Fairbanks or Anchorage to Kotzebue and then air taxi from Kotzebue to nearby villages. It is part of a vast region of national parks, monuments, and preserves located north of the Arctic Circle that stretches for hundreds of miles from west to east. If youre interested joining the adventure, sign up below! Around 28,000 years ago, the Earth cooled and glaciers formed in the mountains surrounding the Kobuk Valley. #exploretheusa #alaska Your email address will not be published. Rafting is also possible in Kobuk Valley National Park; a portion of the Kobuk River flows through the area. Nice work, boys. The populations of some other animals species may even fluctuate with that of the caribou. . Traditionally, caribou have been among this regions chief food sources for human, predators, and scavengers. Website by Simon de la Salle. Kobuk Valley National Park covers 1.75 million acres of boreal forest and mountains in northwestern Alaska and includes the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes the largest active, high-latitude, dune field on Earth. According to the Dictionary of Alaska Placenames (by Donald J. Orth . The Salmon River in Kobuk Valley National Park is a designated National Wild and Scenic River. There is no road access, campgrounds, or well-maintained trails in Kobuk Valley. Traditionally, this includes fishing, hunting, and gathering the resources that the land has to offer their people. They're in their happy place, and their trip - 500 miles from the middle of Alaska to the coast - is amazing. The park is named after the Kobuk River valley, which runs through its center. Establishment the Kobuk Valley National Park. Most dramatically, the mighty Western Arctic Caribou Herd passes through Kobuk Valley twice a year on their annual migration to and from their calving grounds north of the Brooks Range. 600 Barrow Street, Suite 200. In the native language, "Kobuk" means "big river," and 61 miles of it flow within the park. Older, vegetated dunes cover much of the southern portion of the valley. During the presidency of Jimmy Carter, Americas most trusted newsman was legendary CBS News Anchor, Walter Cronkite. Apart from all the other things Alaska offers its people, this national park is home to beautiful dunes and amazing scenery. It is also home to different species of animals and Arctic culture. Wildlife, including bears, wolves, caribou and moose are often seen at the edge of the dunes or crossing the open sand. Getting into the park requires multiple flights, a guide (to do it safely), and thousands of dollars. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Whats so fascinating is that there have been humans in the area which is today Kobuk Valley National Park for as long as there have been people on the North American continent. Salmon River, Alaska + View larger map Managing Agency: National Park Service, Kobuk Valley National Park Designated Reach: December 2, 1980. Smaller mammals include wolverines, martens, minks, porcupines, muskrats, snowshoe hares and a variety of voles. Collapsible kayaks, collapsiblecanoes, and packrafts are recommended for the river's slow-moving waters. Once you have your camp set, head out in any direction looking for wildlife, tracks in the sand and beautiful views of the western reaches of the Brooks Range looming beyond the desert in the foreground. Kobuk valley provides important fall and winter range for the western arctic caribou herd. The most important feature is the Kobuk Valley, where most of the parks archeological sites are located. The boundary of the park runs along the height-of-land of the Baird Mountains in the north and the shorter Waring Mountains in the south that form a ring, defining and enclosing the Kobuk Valley. During the summer, there is a scheduled air service from Anchorage to Kotzebue or Fairbanks to Bettles. The best backcountry hiking can be found in the mountains, with expansive views and more solid footing than the spongy lowland tundra. Park Size: 1,750,716 acres (2,735 sq miles) (7,084 sq km) Location: Northwest Arctic Borough. Even today, that rich tradition continues. Alaska's Kobuk Valley National Park is the least visited national parkand is home to the largest active sand dunes in the Arctic. General access is via scheduled air service from Fairbanks or Anchorage to Kotzebue and then air taxi from Kotzebue to nearby villages. Projects from Kobuk Valley National Park. For more information, visit the National Park ServiceKobuk Valley National Parkwebsite or call 907-442-3760. The majority of park visitors come in August. Summer temperatures average around 65F (18C), and can reach 85F (29C). [5], The park consists of the broad wetlands valley of the Kobuk River which runs along the southern edge of the western Brooks Range, which is known as the Baird Mountains. The wedge ice eroded like karst, old and gnarly. The park encompasses the Baird Mountains, the Waring Mountains, and the Kobuk Valley that lies between both mountain ranges. The park was designated in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to preserve the 100ft (30m) high Great Kobuk Sand Dunes[3] and the surrounding area which includes caribou migration routes. Twice a year, however, the caribou arrive, pouring across the tundra and down the steep slopes before plunging into the Kobuk River on their biannual migration across the Brooks Range. Or, more specifically, what you wont see if you journey to this park. For just as long, humans have been gathering there to hunt them. The Kobuk River, one of the major rivers in Alaska, flows through the heart of the valley. Do its permafrost ice wedges hold Ice Age mammal fossils? Boaters can take out at the villages of Kobuk, Shugnak or Ambler, or they can continue downriver into the National Park, past the historic site, Onion Portage, and the sand dunes. It has more than 70 distinct stratified cultural layers that document a progression of human camps spanning about 12,500 years. The mosquitos will be out in full force in July and the biting flies can be terrible in late August. Kobuk Valley National Park is a 1.7 million acre (2736 miles) national park in Arctic Alaska. Here you will find all you need to know about the natural history of the park. [3] NASA has funded their study as an analog for Martian polar dunes. The Onion Portage Is One Of The Most Important Landmarks In The Park, 6. These dunes were formed over thousands of years as wind blew sand from the riverbanks and deposited it in the valley. The Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve lie 32 miles (51km) to the east. According to the Subsistence Advisory Council, Subsistence is the very blueprint within our souls that describes who we are as a people, and how we depend on our brothers and sisters of earth, air and water. From a very young age, the Inupiat learn the ways of a subsistence lifestyle. When a tree is freshly cut, its growth rings can be matched to an exact year on the modern calendar. #ThrowBackThursday #Alaska #Inuit, Simple skies and distant mountains. If you are looking for a unique and remote landscape in Alaska, Kobuk Valley National Park fulfills both requirements. For Alaska's day-to-day weather, its best to plan for a bit of everything. I don't blame them. Booking.com Kobuk National Park is about 26 miles (64.75 square kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle. The earliest inhabitants, the Akmak peoples of the Paleoarctic tradition, lived in a treeless environment and were mostly hunters who subsisted off the valleys large caribou population. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Travel with the wildlife along the Kobuk River. The Inupiat show great respect for the land and sea, since the creatures of the earth give themselves to the people, who in turn share with family and friends, shaping relationships that celebrate life. (Helga Eakon). Subscribe to the Under the Midnight Sun Newsletter. Click here to see what we offer for our younger visitors! By matching the pattern of growth rings in an old piece of wood, such as a piece of timber used in an old building, to a known pattern, archeologists can determine when the wood was cut and the building was constructed. Unlike many Park Service units in Alaska, Kobuk Valley is entirely national park land, with only subsistence hunting by local residents permitted. Located in the remote northwest region of Alaska, Kobuk Valley National Park is a 1.7-million-acre park protecting several unique features of Alaska's Arctic. Were Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks. [5], The first human inhabitants of the Kobuk Valley were people of the Paleo-Arctic tradition, who hunted caribou at Onion Portage. Archaeological investigation of the site and interviews with his descendants could provide a powerful illustration of Inupiat acculturation. And now Im sharing some of the incredible stories about these beautiful places with you. 8 AMAZING Alaska National Parks Helpful Guide For Visiting, 11 AMAZING Facts About Acadia National Park, 14 AMAZING Facts About Biscayne National Park, 14 AMAZING Facts About Canyonlands National Park, 10 FASCINATING Facts About Denali National Park, 12 AMAZING Facts About Dry Tortugas National Park, 15 AMAZING Facts About Grand Teton National Park, 10 FASCINATING Facts About Great Basin National Park, 25 Bucket List Famous Landmarks In America (MUST-SEE), Jimmy Carter Was The GREATEST Conservation President, Alaska Lands National Interest Conservation Act, 13 Reasons Why Jimmy Carter Is Americas Greenest President, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAZiIc4j-Ps&t=2s, The BEST National Park in America (2021) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAZiIc4j-Ps&t=2s), 8 Amazing Alaska National Parks (Tips for Visiting), 11 Amazing Glacier Bay National Park Facts, 10 Fascinating Facts About Denali National Park, All 63 Best US National Parks Ranked from Best to Worst, Official List of US National Parks (Alphabetical & by State), Visiting 8 EPIC ALASKA National Parks (How to Actually Get There), 15 AMAZING Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park (Helpful Guide+ Photos), 11 BEST National Parks Near San Francisco to Visit (Expert Guide), Kobuk Valley National Park Has Been Home To Humans For As Long As There Have Been People On This Continent, An Arctic Archaeologist Unlocked Our Knowledge Of Northwest Alaska, The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes Are The Largest Active, High-Latitude, Dune Field On Earth, The Onion Portage Is One Of The Most Important Landmarks In The Park, Kubak Valley Is One Of Only Two National Parks That Is North Of The Arctic Circle, Kobuk Valley Is A Great Place To Go Fishing, No Amphibians Or Reptiles Can Be Found In Kobuk Valley, The Sun Does Not Set Between June 3rd & July 9th, The Park Was Designated By Jimmy Carter As Part Of The Largest Single Act Of Conservation In U.S. History. Park visitors must bring all their own gear for backcountry camping, hiking, backpacking, boating, and dog sledding. Kubak Valley Is One Of Only Two National Parks That Is North Of The Arctic Circle, 8. Giddings most significant discovery came in the early 1960s at Onion Portage on the Kobuk River, where evidence of humans dates back 12,000 years. Some days in July may reach 85 F. Average January lows are -8F with possible lows of -50F. Endless summer days give meaning to the, This winter adventure through Southcentral and Interior Alaska features a scenic rail excursion, balmy hot springs, aurora viewing, dog mushing, and a visit to Santas house. Hiking in the Baird Mountains in the summer and boating along the Kobuk River are especially fine ways to experience the park. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes Are The Largest Active, High-Latitude, Dune Field On Earth, 4. there have been humans in the area which is today Kobuk Valley National Park for as long as there have been people on the North American continent, His work at the Cape Krusenstern beach ridges and Onion Portage formed the basis of our modern understanding of the human history in Arctic Alaska, The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is the largest active, high-latitude, dune field on Earth. Marketing by LeapUp. It is approximately 280 miles (451 km) long. We dont normally think of sand dunes when we think of the Ice Age. The Ahteut, an archeological site in the area, provides evidence of people living in pithouses, which marks the transition into the Arctic Woodland Eskimo culture that traditionally hunted caribou in the winter and fished salmon in the summer. Average low temperatures in January are 8F (22C), and can reach nighttime lows of 50F (46C). [9] Offices and visitor services for Cape Krusenstern National Monument and Noatak National Preserve are in the same facility. What we learned: big goals make rough circumstances so much easier, more purpose-filled and more fun. [2] It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including caribou, wolves, bears, and many species of birds. [5] The most visible animals are the 400,000 caribou of the Western Arctic herd. The Great Kobuk, Little Kobuk and Hunt River Sand Dunes offer a desert environment perfect for hiking, camping, even fat biking. If landing on the Kobuk River be . To learn more about this extraordinary mans achievements, I recommend two books: (1) Kobuk River People and (2) Ancient Men of the Arctic both by J. Louis Giddings. Alaska is home to many seasonal phenomena, and while the winters here are known for the northern lights, theres nothing like Alaskas midnight sun in summer. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Renowned archeologist J. Louis Giddings discovered the site in 1961. Credit - National Park Service Kobuk Valley National Park Contents [ hide] Kobuk Valley National Park Why Trust Us About Kobuk Valley National Park? As is the case over all of northern Alaska, the aurora borealis is often visible on winter nights when solar activity is high. Big ship or small ship? The park was designated as National Park in 1980 to maintain the environmental integrity of the valleys natural features in an undeveloped state and to protect and interpret important archaeological sites associated with Alaska Native cultures. Large expanses of tundra cover the valley in some locations, while forests cover the better-drained portions. An icon of Kobuk Valley National Park, the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes rise unexpectedly out of the tundra and trees. The herd's annual crossing of the Kobuk River is central to the Inupiaq people's subsistence hunting. It's possible to fly in just for the day. Wilderness Adventure. Other services include a gift shop, a multipurpose conference room, and an exhibit hall that highlights the natural and cultural history of Alaskas northwestern peoples. Kobuk Valley National Park | National Park Foundation Planning a Visit? The Park Was Designated By Jimmy Carter As Part Of The Largest Single Act Of Conservation In U.S. History. The Sun Does Not Set Between June 3rd & July 9th, 10. the only two U.S. national parks north of that line, Due to the temperatures in Kobuk Valley there are almost no amphibians and reptiles found in the park, The park was created as a part of the largest single act of conservation in U.S. history. In the winter, access is by plane, snowmachine, or dog sled. The first U.S. Census of the region was conducted in 1900. Even with my newly-found fitness, I'd never keep up. There are several trails that lead through the park, including the Kobuk Valley Overland Trail, which offers a challenging backcountry route through the parks wilderness. Kobuk National Park is about 26 miles (64.75 square kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle. Coordinated ethnographic, historical, and archaeological study of the village and Camp Penelope can open exciting and unique interpretive, historical and methodological vistas. Air charter companies inKotzebueandBettlesoffer flightseeing trips over the park, including options to land in the park for some up-close exploration. Required fields are marked *. No fees Alaska hunting and fishing licenses, available in Anchorage or Kotzebue, are required. There are no roads and no trails in Kobuk Valley National Park. The excavations revealed evidence of nine different cultures dating back at least 8,000 years, possibly earlier. The middle two-thirds of the Kobuk River, from just above Kiana to just below Ambler, is included in the park, as are several of its major tributaries such as the Salmon River and the Hunt River. We went and landed on the Kobuk sand dunes. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. More Than Just Parks is your one-stop-shop when it comes to learning everything youll need to know about Americas national parks. Now thats a long time folks! The parks cultural resources include ancient hunting camps, burial grounds, and other sites of historical and cultural significance. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. From there an air taxi, such as Golden Eagle Outfitters, who can deliver you right onto the dunes. [19] The Onion Portage Archeological District is a National Historic Landmark district at the east end of the Kobuk River's course through the park. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, travel americas diverse cultures travel itinerary. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the Plant Hardiness zone at Kallarichuck at 13ft (4 m) elevation is 2a with an average annual extreme minimum temperature of -47.1F (-43.9C). RELATED: Jimmy Carter Was The GREATEST Conservation President. And yet Kobuk Valleys sand dunes are a relic of the last Ice Age. [7], The park's headquarters are at the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center in Kotzebue, about 100 miles (160km) west of the park on the Bering Sea coast. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Their descendants, the Inupiat, still live in the Kobuk Valley where they hunt the caribou and otherwise continue to practice a subsistence life style. The park is one of the least-visited American national parks,[2] along with others inaccessible by road, including the neighboring Gates of the Arctic, Isle Royale in the middle of Lake Superior, the Dry Tortugas at the end of the Florida Keys, as well as Katmai and Lake Clark in southern Alaska. (Another thing we learned: if you can swing it, bring Lyle from lakeandpenair along with you everywhere you gobesides being the best pilot in Alaska and a human GPS, he can protect you from bears . The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Black bears, brown bears, beavers, river otters, Canadian lynxes, and Dall sheep exist in the park as well. CHECK OUT: 12 AMAZING Facts About Dry Tortugas National Park. The park has no developed facilities. Since no roads lead into the park, visitors arrive via chartered air taxi from Nome, Bettles, or Kotzebue. There are no roads or rail service to Kobuk Valley National Park. Subsistence living defines the culture and history of the Inupiat and other native Alaskan societies. [5] Much of the southern portion of the park, south of the Kobuk River, is managed as the Kobuk Valley Wilderness of 174,545 acres (70,636ha). The dunes were formed during the last ice age as winds tore through the region and deposited . After exiting the canyons, the water becomes flat, winding Class I floating. There are also airport at Kotzebue and Nome, AK. . Most visitors access the park by air taxi fromKotzebueorBettles. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Little Kobuk Sand Dunes and the Hunt River Dunes are remnants of dune fields that covered as many as 200,000 acres (81,000ha) immediately after the retreat of Pleistocene glaciation.
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