Visiting the Park:
No permit is required for entry into Kobuk Valley National Park. However, visitors are encouraged to stop by or contact the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center before their trip. Park rangers can provide essential information on current weather conditions, fire and wildlife alerts, backcountry safety, bear safety, and Leave No Trace camping techniques. Bear Resistant Food Containers are also available for borrowing at the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center.
The National Park Service may require a Special Use Permit for certain activities to occur in Kobuk Valley. These include organized gatherings like weddings or church services, public assemblies and demonstrations, special events, filming and some commercial activities like commercial travel or still photography. A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:
- provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization rather than the public at large;
- requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service (NPS) in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
- is not prohibited by law or regulation;
- is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS; and is not managed under a concession contract or lease.
Please note that while a special park use may meet the above criteria, not all activities are approved based on park specific resources, visitation and potential impact.
What Activities May Need a Permit
The following list includes but is not limited to what activities may need a permit; please contact us to inquire if your requested activity will require a Special Use Permit.
- Special Events
- Research Permits: A Scientific Research Permit is required to conduct research on all National Park Service lands, including the collection of novel data, the deployment of research equipment, and/or the collection of research samples.
- Renting the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center Multipurpose Room: The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center (NAHC) is the primary visitor center and park headquarters. Located in the village of Kotzebue, AK the NAHC host interpretive exhibits, park store, and a multipupose room. This room is available for education or public meeting purposes.
- Filming: A filming permit may be required.
- Still Photography: Including sets, props, products, models or large equipment) or sound recording. Compensated portrait photographers hired to photograph weddings or other ceremonies/events, or portraits (weddings, family, senior, pets, engagement, etc) may require an SUP for Still Photography if group size exceeds 5 people using cameras and tripods only.
- Wedding or Other Ceremonies
- First Amendment
- Scattering of Ashes
Commercial Activities:
Any business or individual intending to conduct commercial activities in Kobuk Valley National Park must obtain either a Concession Contract or a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) beforehand. These permits are issued and managed by the National Park Service (NPS). For a list ofnauthorized commercial guides or to apply for a permit, visit the NPS Do Business With Us webpage. For further inquiries, contact the Northwest
Arctic Heritage Center in Kotzebue at 907-442-3890.
