The Kobuk River is one of the largest in Northwestern Alaska and flows through a forest-covered valley with views of the mountains behind. The trip is through the deep Alaskan wilderness where there are far more caribou than people. This incredible adventure awaits those who are willing to go to great lengths to find the most epic views. Take a river trip on the Kobuk for the Alaskan adventure of a lifetime.
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The Kobuk River runs from Walker Lake in the Gates of the Arctic National Preserve and continues to past the village Kiana where it fans out into a delta in the Kotzebue Sound.
Western Arctic National Parklands | Flickr
Most people put their crafts in the river below Walker Lake to avoid the mean Class IV rapids that lie only 3/4 of a mile from where the rive leaves the lake. The trip takes about 5-8 days, so no one wants to start out soaking wet.
Western Arctic National Parklands | Flickr
The banks of the Kobuk are thick with spruce. Be strategic with choosing camping spots along the bank as they may be far between.
Western Arctic National Parklands | Flickr
The area is teeming with waterfowl. The flock seen here is mostly composed of mallards and scaups, but there are many types in area for the bird watchers.
Western Arctic National Parklands | Flickr
The area is also the habitat of many types of Alaskan wildlife, so look out for bear, moose, caribou, wolves, wolverine, fox and porcupines, to name a few.
Western Arctic National Parklands | Flickr
The river is packed with delicious fish to catch and eat along your trip. There are an abundance of sheefish (Stenodus leucicthys), a large whitefish prized for it’s buttery flesh and delicious flavor.
Western Arctic National Parklands | Flickr There is silty glacial sand along the banks in places along the river. There is even a hidden desert in the area.
More information here.
The caribou migrate through this area on their fall migration. Artifacts have shown that people have lived in this area for over 12,000 years, and you’re sure to see the timeless appeal.
Western Arctic National Parklands | Flickr
Many have a float plane meet them near the Lower Kobuk Canyon. After this point, the river becomes busy with riverboat traffic as the largest villages in the area line the river: Kobuk, Shungnak, Ambler, Kiana and Noorvik.
Western Arctic National Parklands | Flickr
A trip on the Kobuk River is absolutely magical. Consider this remote, untouched, ancient part of the world next time you’re planning a river trip.
Western Arctic National Parklands | Flickr
More information about floating the Kobuk River here.
Western Arctic National Parklands | Flickr
There is silty glacial sand along the banks in places along the river. There is even a hidden desert in the area.
More information here.
Have you traveled the Kobuk River? Tell us about it in the comments below?
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