Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve - Kobuk River (U.S. National Park Service)

NPS Image

NPS Photograph Teri McMillan

The Kobuk River flows from its headwaters in the Endicott Mountains and Walker Lake, through a broad valley. Located on the southernmost reaches of the Brooks Range, it passes through one of the largest continuous forested areas in the Park and Preserve.

Approximate Length	110 mi / 177 km
Scenic Quality	Wide valleys with sweeping vistas of nearby hills and low mountains; Walker Lake; two canyons
Recreational Opportunities	Exceptional float river; a few short stretches of extremely rugged rapids (up to class V); good opportunities for sport hunting ( in Preserve only), wildlife observation and backpacking
Geologic Features	Endicott Mountains of central Brooks Range; upper and lower Kobuk canyons
Natural Resources	Variety of fish and wildlife; one of largest concentrations of sheefish; wintering grounds for Western Arctic caribou herd; one of the largest continuous spruce forest areas in the Brooks Range
Cultural Resources	Highly significant potential for archeology because of continuous occupation and links between inland Eskimo people. The Kobuk River was the site of a minor gold rush at the turn of the century.