State Parks and National Parks

The Noatak National Preserve occupies a dramatic river basin ringed with mountains forming the western Brooks Range.

Primitive camping, backcountry hiking, fishing, wildlife observation and photography are outstanding. Fine canoeing, kayaking and rafting opportunities abound on the Noatak River, as well as its tributaries. The river supports arctic char, whitefish, grayling and salmon.

Among the preserve's large mammals are brown and black bears, moose, caribou, wolves, lynx and Dall sheep. Birdlife also abounds thanks to the migrations from Asia and the tip of South America.

The National Park visitor center at Kotzebue is open Monday through Saturday during the summer.

Most visitors fly from Anchorage or Fairbanks to Kotzebue, and then fly to the parklands and nearby villages. During summer, visitors can hire licensed boat guides/outfitters for backcountry trips.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of National Park Service.