Where is Kobuk Valley National Park,Kotzebue, Alaska?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Kobuk Valley National Park is located in Alaska, USA. It lies between the Baird Mountains and the Kobuk River, situated in northwestern Alaska, and is famous for its sand dunes, caribou migrations, and remote wilderness.

Kobuk Valley National Park Location Map,Kotzebue, Alaska

Where is Kobuk Valley National Park Located inKotzebue, Alaska
About Map: The map showing location of Kobuk Valley National Park in theKotzebue, Alaska in the United States.

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Top Attractions Inside Kobuk Valley National Park

  • Great Kobuk Sand Dunes – Vast desert-like dunes in the Arctic, offering unique landscapes and hiking opportunities.
  • Hunting & Wildlife Viewing – Spot caribou, moose, wolves, and migratory birds in their natural Arctic habitat.
  • Kobuk River – Scenic river ideal for kayaking, fishing, and observing wildlife.
  • Backcountry Camping – Remote wilderness camping for immersive Arctic experiences.
  • Arctic Tundra Trails – Hiking routes through tundra, forests, and along glacial moraines.
  • Subarctic Lakes & Wetlands – Pristine lakes and marshes providing habitat for birds and other wildlife.
  • Park Ranger Programs – Educational talks and guided tours about the park’s ecology and cultural history.

Kobuk Valley National Park Facts

Official NameKobuk Valley National Park
LocationKotzebue, Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska, USA
Latitude & Longitude67.5500° N, 162.9667° W (approx.)
Total Area~1,750,716 acres (7,085 km²)
EstablishedDecember 2, 1980
FounderUnited States Congress
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service (NPS)
RegionArctic Alaska / Kobuk River Valley
AddressKobuk Valley National Park, Kotzebue, AK 99752, USA (Visitor Services)
Zip Code99752
Area Code907
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneAlaska Standard Time (AKST) – UTC−9 Standard / UTC−8 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptArctic Wilderness, Sand Dunes, Caribou Migration, Kobuk River, Indigenous Culture, Remote Adventure
Sections (Areas)Great Kobuk Sand Dunes - Kobuk River Corridor - Western Arctic Uplands - Backcountry Trails
Famous AttractionsGreat Kobuk Sand Dunes - Caribou Migration Viewing - Kobuk River - Backcountry Hiking & Camping - Arctic Wildlife Observation
Annual VisitorsApprox. 7,000–10,000 (very remote park)
Entry Fee TypeFree Park Entry
Ticket Price RangeFree (Special guided tours or chartered flights optional)
Ticket OptionsBackcountry Permits - Guided Tours - Flightseeing - Canoeing/Kayaking Excursions
Best Time to VisitJune–August (summer months; milder weather and wildlife activity)
Nearby AirportKotzebue Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (OTZ) – primary access point
TransportationSmall aircraft access from Kotzebue - Riverboats / Canoes - Hiking & Backcountry Trails
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/kova

Distances from Kobuk Valley National Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Park Headquarters – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • John River – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Hunt River – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Great Kobuk Sand Dunes – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Alatna Village – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Ambler River – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Shungnak Village – 70 km (43.5 mi)
  • Kobuk River – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Selawik National Wildlife Refuge – 90 km (55.9 mi)
  • Ambler, AK – 80 km (49.7 mi)
  • Noatak National Preserve – 100 km (62.1 mi)
  • Walker Lake – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Hobbs River – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Boundary Creek – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Red Dog Mine – 120 km (74.6 mi)
  • Misheguk Mountain – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Purcell Mountains – 55 km (34.2 mi)
  • Selawik River – 85 km (52.8 mi)
  • Kivalina – 130 km (80.8 mi)
  • Noorvik – 95 km (59 mi)