In the northwest corner of Alaska
30 miles above the Arctic Circle
a landscape of over 9 million acres is
preserved by the National Park Service
to protect the region's scenic areas, wilderness and history.
These parks are among the least visited in the country
because they're so remote, but if you
take a look around you'll notice that
the Arctic is actually bustling with life.
Since prehistoric times,
unique plants and animals have called this place home.
The Western Arctic Caribou Herd migrates through these wide open spaces
grazing on lichen and plants of the tundra.
In summer, the midnight sun shines all night long.
And in winter the northern lights dance across the dark skies.
Inupiaq culture and subsisting from the land
are large part of the Living History here
with traditions of the past continuing on just as they have for thousands of years.
At Cape Krusenstern National Monument, the beach ridges along the coast
hold evidence of that long human history.
The land here is part of Beringia, a vast area
connected to Asia during the Ice Age.
Archaeologists study the artifacts left behind by past cultures
to learn more about the larger story of North America's early inhabitants.
In a more recent history
muskox have returned to these hills.
They were present since the Pleistocene,
but extirpated and in the late 1800's
and then reintroduced in the 1970's.
Their under-wool, or qiviut, sheds every year
and is extremely soft and insulating.
Moving east, you'll find the Noatak River, wild and free flowing.
Noatak National Preserve is known for
its vast, scenic landscapes.
Experienced backpackers and hunters enjoy recreating
in the remote mountains of this Preserve.
Logistics and unexpected weather can make visiting the Noatak,
or any parks in this region, extremely difficult.
But with good planning and flexibility,
a trip to the Northwest Arctic
can turn out to be the adventure of a lifetime.
Scientists also take advantage of these
remote landscape because they're far off the
road system and away from modern developments.
With evidence of climate change already affecting the Arctic,
researchers use these parklands as a
living laboratory to study topics such as
temperature trends in the permafrost
erosion along the coastline
and wildlife population and distribution.
Another interesting place for researchers and visitors
are the naturally-occurring sand dunes
in Kobuk Valley National Park.
"Welcome to Kobuk Valley National Park!"
(laughter and shouts)
The sands were formed by the grinding of
ancient glaciers, and carried by
wind and water to Kobuk Valley.
These dunes are the largest and most active in the
Alaskan Arctic and provide habitat to
rare species of beetles, wood frogs and
plants like the Kobuk Locoweed.
We're in a very special place
here in Kobuk Valley National Park
called Onion Portage. A place not only well known for
its wild onions, but an archaeologist named
Louis Giddings came up here in the 1960's
and was able to find evidence of
roughly 9,000 years of human occupation and use
right here at Onion Portage.
And it's because of these caribou swimming across the river.
And as they're crossing this river
that's a perfect opportunity for people
to utilize this area in hunting them.
Those hundreds of thousands of caribou
provide food, a way of life
a subsistence way of life
for the local people out here.
Gidding's Cabin remains at the Onion Portage Site
and is now a National Historic Landmark.
In the Northwest Arctic, the old ways of life
blend with the new on a daily basis
and throughout the year.
Traditional knowledge meets modern technology
in the way that people travel and recreate here.
And subsistence practices like
cutting and drying salmon
are passed down through generations.
-Should I leave it in this water or what? -Put it up here.
So are you ready to visit Kobuk Valley National Park,
Noatak National Preserve, and
Cape Krusenstern National Monument?
Patience is key when visiting these parks.
Even the most experienced traveler can face
extensive delays or an unexpected cancellation.
If you're planning a trip here
we encourage you to make extra time
for all the tricky and odd situations
that come with travel by small aircraft,
wilderness safety, and unpredictable weather.
Whether you're waiting for a flight
or stopping by Kotzebue,
Come visit the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center
just one minute from the airport!
Visit us online at nps.gov
for more information about your National Parks