Is It Just Junk? - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
In the 1970s, empty discarded fuel containers from military jets landed in Noatak National Preserve. Rangers started a campaign to get these scrapped pods out of the wilderness. Over several years they removed ... More
Just Another Day at the Office - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
Botany researchers traveled all over the dunes in 1999 to catalog plant species for the National Park Service. They put on a lot of miles, but the scenery was hard to beat. Two hikers look tiny on a vast expanse of sand.
Noatak national preserve - Lift Off
Quicksilver Air pilot on contract with Noatak National Preserve begins to lift the discarded fuel pod and haul it out of the backcountry. The pilot keeps the pod stable by flying very slowly. Helicopter lifting fuel pod
Looks Like It's Working - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
A Quicksilver Air pilot is making progress with a discarded fuel container. The helicopter took the container to Kotzebue where it was then shipped to Anchorage to recycle the aircraft aluminum.
Alaska free images - Winter Moon
January light and a bright moon at 2 pm over the Igichuk Hills in Cape Krusenstern National Monument. Purple and blue sky with a full moon
Winter on Hugo Creek - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
A winter snowmachine patrol in Noatak National Preserve along lower Hugo Creek. Brief afternoon sunlight makes deep blue shadows. Snowdrifts in a spruce forest.
Alaska free images - Winter Moonset
January light and moonset at 2 pm over the Igichuk Hills. Purple and blue twilit sky with a full moon over rolling hills.
Anigaaq Ranger Station - National Parks Gallery
Ranger station in January at Anigaaq in CAKR. Frozen Tukrok River in background at the base of the small bluff. Blue winter light on the snow around a remote ranger station in Cape Krusenstern National Monument.
Summer Flowers at Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Late June wildflowers near the Cape Krusenstern ranger station along the coastline of the Chukchi Sea. Stinkweed (Artemisia sp. ) present in the picture.
Winter Snowmachine Route - National Parks Gallery
Winter snowmachine trail up a frozen creekbed. Blue winter light and pink clouds over a snowcovered streambed.
Mountains as Far as the Eye Can See
The peaks of the Baird Mountains stretch far into the distance and are so remote that many of them have not been named. An aerial view on a clear fall day is a breathtaking sight. Aerial view of mountains
Big Country Dwarfs A Big Bear - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
Even a big grizzly bear looks small on the open tundra landscape. This photographer was a good distance from the animal - it meandered along undisturbed, looking for food.
Archeologists Hard at Work - Public Domain image, National Parks Galle...
Two archeologists set up their equipment for investigation of a possible prehistoric site. The yellow Theodolite enables them to map the precise location of the site in the upper Salmon River drainage.
Scout Leaving Kelly Bar - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
A National Park Service plane takes off from the Kelly Bar landing site at the confluence of the Kelly River and Noatak River.
Alaska free images - Caribou Tracks
Caribou travel many miles on their migrations and leave tracks everywhere. The prints are distinguished by their rounded toe tips and comma shaped hooves.
Scout Leaving Kelly Bar - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
A National Park Service plane takes off from the Kelly Bar landing site at the confluence of the Kelly River and Noatak River. Plane flying over a river
I Know Where We Are - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
An archeologist uses a complex GPS unit (in his hand) and a powerful antenna device (on the pole) to plot his location during the initial investigation of a prehistoric site in the park.
It's Worth a Look - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Archeologists look for places on the landscape that would currently be a good place to camp, find animals or offer easy travel. If it's a good place today, it was likely a good place thousands of years ago. Ult... More
A Perfect Fall Day in the Wild - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
Clear, cool days are common in September in the park. The blue sky contrasts with the beautiful fall colors on the tundra in the upper Salmon River drainage.
National parks: Anticipation - public domain image
An archeologist digs the first test pit at a site that may have prehistoric artifacts that could tell a story of people who passed through this area. The 50 cm x 50 cm excavation is the first of a few sample ev... More
Scout Leaving Kelly Bar - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
A National Park Service plane takes off from the Kelly Bar landing site at the confluence of the Kelly River and Noatak River.
It Was Worth a Look - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Archeologists look for places on the landscape that would currently be a good place to camp, find animals or offer easy travel. If it's a good place today, it was likely a good place thousands of years ago. Ult... More
Geology Up Close - National Parks Gallery
Rocky outcrops provide a texture contrast to the rounded mountains and dry alpine tundra in the upper reaches of the Salmon River drainage.
Just Waiting for Fish - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
A fish net surrounded by fireweed flowers hangs ready to be set out in the Kobuk River to catch chum salmon or whitefish when the time is right. Close view of fish net, pink flowers, and a river.
Camping on the Sand Dunes - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...
Researchers surveying lichens around the dunes have a flat, soft place to pitch their tents. 5 small tents on the sand near forest and mountains.
Harvesting the First Berries - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
Kids attending Camp Sivu near Kobuk Valley National Park spread out on the tundra to pick early fall blueberries which grow in profusion behind the camp. Nine teenagers collect berries on the tundra.
Ready to Eat - National Parks Gallery
Dried whitefish like this have long been a staple in the diet of Alaska Natives. They're caught and dried in late summer and last throughout the winter. Dried fish hang in the sun at a camp.
Setting Sun over Ahnewetut Creek
The setting sun casts shadows of black spruce on the dunes and colors the water of Ahnewetut Creek a deep blue. Sunlight on sand dunes and creek in shadow.
Aerial View of Sand Dunes - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...
Aerial view of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes in a designated wilderness area with the Baird Mountains on the horizon. Aerial view of sand dunes with mountains on the horizon.
Braided Seal Intestine - National Parks Gallery
Braided seal intestines dry in the sun on a rack at a subsistence camp. 2 sections of braided seal intestine hang over a suspended log.
Alaska free images - Quietly Famous
This pretty but unassuming flower is quite special. Oxytropis kobukensis grows in only one place in the world - in the Kobuk Valley on and around the sand dunes. Bright pink flowers with green leaves growing in the sand.
Shorebird Eggs in a Nest - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Close view of four spotted shorebird eggs in a shallow nest. 4 spotted eggs tucked into the grass and surrounded by driftwood.
Drying Seal Meat - National Parks Gallery
Black strips of seal meat drying on a rack at a summer subsistence camp. 25 pieces of black seal meat hang from a wooden rack .
Flowers and Berries - National Parks Gallery
Flowering Parrya nudicaulis blooms amidst a background of prolific crowberries (aka blackberries) on the Arctic tundra. Arctic plants are short but mighty. Keeping a low profile protects them from harsh weather.
Drying the Harvest - National Parks Gallery
A full rack of drying fish proves that subsistence harvesters have been hard at work. The dried fish can be eaten throughout the winter. Traditional native foods like this (nikipak) are often shared widely betw... More
Fish on a Drying Rack - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Pike (left right) and trout (middle) dry on a rack at a subsistence camp. The slash marks allow more air to circulate and dry the meat more quickly.
Alaska free images - Removing Blubber
An Inupiaq woman at a subsistence camp uses an ulu to separate the blubber from the hide of an Ugruk (Bearded Seal). Woman uses a rounded knife to cut the fat layer off of a seal hide.
Caribou Skull on Tundra - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
This snow white caribou skull probably came from a big male, judging by the size of the antlers. Bleached caribou skull with antlers lying tundra.
Shell on a Pebble Beach - Public domain natural history illustration
A pink spiral shell of a Northern Neptune Snail decorates the gravel beach at Cape Krusenstern National Monument. Close view of pink spiral shell on pebbles
Alaska free images - Semipalmated Plover
A skilled photographer captured this shorebird when there was perfect light to see all its markings. This Semipalmated Plover is in breeding plumage. Shorebird rests on a rock
Shell on a Pebble Beach - Public domain natural history illustration
Pink spiral shell of a Northern Neptune Snail on the gravel beach at Cape Krusenstern.
Alaska free images - Kobuk Locoweed
Oxytropis kobukensis (aka Kobuk Locoweed) is a member of the pea family and adds a splash of pink to the sand dunes. The blossoms have that typical pea/ bean flower shape that many gardeners know. Close view of... More
Alaska free images - Semipalmated Plover
Close view of a Semipalmated Plover in breeding plumage. Semipalmated plover with white face markings and orange and black bill rests on a rock.
Noatak national preserve - Knife Ridge
Wind from a predominately eastern direction plus ground rock from ancient glaciers creates sand dunes up to 150 hundred feet high in the park. Light shines on one side of sand dune with sharp ridge.
How Much Sand Is There? - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes cover 25 square miles in the southern part of the park, but thousands of years ago the dune fields were about 350 square miles. Yellow sand dunes with trees on the margins.
A Palette of Blues - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Blue sky, blue mountains, and blue water make the spruce trees and their reflection striking along the Kobuk River. Blue clouds, mountains, and river with a dark forest.
A Job Well Done - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Park staff and volunteer do a great service by cleaning up old backcountry campsite debris and get it ready to be flown out.
Alaska free images - Funny Rocks
Anaktok Creek is a tributary of the upper Salmon River with heavy mineral content that gives an orange glow to the streambanks Backcountry stream with orange stones
Not Just People on the Sand Dunes
Bear tracks plod across the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes heading towards the forest surrounding the mountains. Bear tracks heading across sand dunes
Gidding's Cabin at Onion Portage
Historic cabin and elevated cache built by famed archeologist J. Louis Giddings before the establishment of Kobuk Valley National Park. The Onion Portage area is a National Historic Landmark. Log cabin and log ... More
Nature Makes Artwork - National Parks Gallery
Winds across the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes create tall ridges, steep slopes and these waves that look like they were made under water. Close view of wave-like patterns in sand.
Camping on the Kugururok - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Spectacular scenery and solitude is available for people who work to get to the headwaters of the Kugururok for a float down the river.
Just a Few Bugs - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Mosquitos aren't a big deal in June and July but ONLY if you remember to wear bug jackets, head nets, or choose to use insect repellent. Mosquitos swarm around a hiker in a white jacket.
Noatak national preserve - Conchoidial Mirage
From this camera angle, the patterns on the dunes made by frequent winds look like rounded conchoidial fractures as seen on the broken edges of rock spearpoints. Accessibility statement: Low sunlight highlights... More
Something in the water - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Natural minerals in Anaktok Creek coat every rock the water touches. Orange rock in a stream
Caribou Framed in Fall Colors - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
One of over 300,000 caribou in the Western Arctic Caribou Herd pauses on a gravel bar along the Kugururok River during the annual southern migration in the fall.
A Labor of Love - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
A VERY dedicated volunteer braves the cold water of the Agashashok River to cart trash to an airplane pick up location in the backcountry. Accessibility statement: Worker wades across a river carrying trash. fe... More
Alaska free images - Wind's Artwork
Wind on the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes thrashes the flexible stems of grasses in all directions, resulting in neat circles and artistic patterns around the plants.
Alaska free images - Arctic Rainstorm
Storm clouds in a vast sky over the immense dunes release a sheet of rain in the distance. Golden sand, gray stormclouds and an isolated rain shower.
Very Different Feet - National Parks Gallery
A wolf footprint on the sand with it's 4 toes next to a human print with 5. Humans are plantigrade walkers (flatfooted) but wolves are digitigrade walkers (on their toes). Close view of wolf print next to a hum... More
Lupine on the Dunes - Public domain botanical illustration
This hardy Lupine (Lupinus arcticus) adds a splash green and purple to long expanses of golden sand. Green plant with purple flowers growing on the sand.
Alaska free images - White Forest
Quaking Aspen groves dot the landscape between the Kobuk River and the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. The aspens grow on old dune fields that are now covered in plants. Forest of white tree trunks.
Where There's Smoke There's Fire
Boggy tundra is a cold, wet environment which allows layers of peat to build up in the soil. Even though it's damp, it is still good fuel for lightning caused wildfires. White smoke rising from the tundra in fr... More
Fire On The Tundra - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Lightning ignited fires on the tundra are common in the summer and fall. This cycle has been going on for millenia. Aerial view of white smoke from multiple fires in the backcountry.
Beach Ridges on the Shore of Cape Krusenstern
Beach ridges created by years of wave action during storms can be seen as parallel lines in the fall vegetation covering the old gravel. People have lived and traveled on this beach to hunt sea mammals for 5000... More
Where There's Smoke There's Fire
Boggy tundra is a cold, wet environment which allows layers of peat to build up in the soil. Even though it's damp, it is still good fuel for lightning caused wildfires. White smoke rising from the tundra in fr... More
Alaska free images - Shed Antler
A shed caribou antler nestled in the spring growth of red stemmed dwarf birch and fireweed shoots. Close view of gray antler and green plants.
Natural Fire Event - National Parks Gallery
Natural caused fire in Kobuk Valley National Park is allowed to burn if it is not threatening any property or villages. The dark patches of tundra show where the fire burned earlier. Aerial view of smoke from a... More
Waiting for the Pick Up - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Two wildlland firefighters take a well deserved rest after getting gear packed up and ready for transport out by helicopter.
Waiting for the Pick Up - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Two wildlland firefighters take a well deserved rest after getting gear packed up and ready for transport out by helicopter.Two people rest amongst two dozen bags of gear.
Cape Krusenstern Beach Ridges - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
5000 years of accumulated beach ridges show up well as concentric curved lines in the light of the summer sun. Arctic Ocean is on the left, Krusenstern Lagoon on the right. Low angle sunlight makes numerous wet... More
Late Spring Ocean Ice - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The last bit of rotted sea ice melts on the shore of Cape Krusenstern in early June. Wall tent frames in the background are locations of traditional summer subsistence camps. Chunks of sea ice along a shoreline
Fire On The Tundra - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Lightning ignited fires on the tundra are common in the summer and fall. This cycle has been going on for millenia.
Swimming the Kobuk - National Parks Gallery
Big hooves for paddles and hollow hair for bouyancy make caribou good swimmers. That's important, because they have to swim across the Kobuk River twice as year as they migrate north in the spring and then sout... More
Where There's Smoke There's Fire
Boggy tundra is a cold, wet environment which allows layers of peat to build up in the soil. Even though it's damp, it is still good fuel for lightning caused wildfires. White smoke rising from the tundra in fr... More
Fire On The Tundra - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Lightning ignited fires on the tundra are common in the summer and fall. This cycle has been going on for millenia. Aerial view of white smoke from multiple fires in the backcountry.
Waiting for the Pick Up - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Two wildlland firefighters take a well deserved rest after getting gear packed up and ready for transport out by helicopter.Two people rest amongst two dozen bags of gear.
Scouting a landing site for the Scout
Dan Stevenson and Richard Kemp scout a backcountry landing strip to determine length and look for obstacles that would hinder a smooth landing or take off. N695AC is a Scout aircraft used on many backcountry mi... More
The Tiniest Detail Matters - Public Domain image, National Parks Galle...
A botonist examines a plant with a hand lens (known as a loupe) to examine the tiny details that will help her decide what plant species she is holding. Close view of a person examining a flower.
A Carpeted Creek - National Parks Gallery
Moss and horsetail grow alongside a tiny stream at the base of the sand dunes, while brown catkins try to navigate the riffles. Bright green moss along the edges of a tiny clear stream.
Natural Fire Event - National Parks Gallery
Natural caused fire in Kobuk Valley National Park is allowed to burn if it is not threatening any property or villages. The dark patches of tundra show where the fire burned earlier. Aerial view of smoke from a... More
Getting Good At It - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Practice and skill enables this pilot to haul two empty fuel containers on the flight from the upper Noatak valley 200 miles in to Kotzebue. Three however, would be too many.
Fire On The Tundra - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Lightning ignited fires on the tundra are common in the summer and fall. This cycle has been going on for millenia. Aerial view of white smoke from multiple fires in the backcountry.
Fire On The Tundra - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Lightning ignited fires on the tundra are common in the summer and fall. This cycle has been going on for millenia. Aerial view of white smoke from multiple fires in the backcountry.
Giddings Cabin and Cache - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
This backcountry cabin and cache in Kobuk Valley National Park was built by the famous archeologist J. Louis Giddings, prior to the establishment of the park. Log cabin and cache in spruce forest.
Waiting for the Pick Up - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Two wildlland firefighters take a well deserved rest after getting gear packed up and ready for transport out by helicopter.Dirty yellow Nomex shirts are evidence of hard work. Two people rest amongst two dozen... More
Natural Fire Event - National Parks Gallery
Natural caused fire in Kobuk Valley National Park is allowed to burn if it is not threatening any property or villages. The dark patches of tundra show where the fire burned earlier. Aerial view of smoke from a... More
Where There's Smoke There's Fire
Boggy tundra is a cold, wet environment which allows layers of peat to build up in the soil. Even though it's damp, it is still good fuel for lightning caused wildfires. White smoke rising from the tundra in fr... More
Panorama of the Salmon River Headwaters
One of the most remote parts of the park is the upper Salmon River, which is particularly beautiful on a clear autumn day. The river is classified as Wild in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Built in 1964 - National Parks Gallery
Historic cabin on the bluff above Onion Portage was built by J. Louis Giddings in 1964 when he was investigating 9000 year old archeological remains from caribou hunting in the area. Engraved board on cabin tha... More
Natural Fire Event - National Parks Gallery
Natural caused fire in Kobuk Valley National Park is allowed to burn if it is not threatening any property or villages. The dark patches of tundra show where the fire burned earlier. Aerial view of smoke from a... More
Tunda Carpet Closeup - National Parks Gallery
An intricate view of classic arctic tundra featuring Cetraria lichens, Labrador Tea, cranberry leaves, and clubmoss. The long, straight leaves of the Labrador Tea give off a wonderful smell as hikers tread acro... More
Fire On The Tundra - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Lightning ignited fires on the tundra are common in the summer and fall. This cycle has been going on for millenia. Aerial view of white smoke from multiple fires in the backcountry.
Life and Death - National Parks Gallery
A remnant section of caribou bone lies alone on the sand dunes. Over 300,000 caribou pass through Kobuk Valley National Park on their migration. Some survive and some don't.
Natural Fire Event - National Parks Gallery
Natural caused fire in Kobuk Valley National Park is allowed to burn if it is not threatening any property or villages. The dark patches of tundra show where the fire burned earlier. Aerial view of smoke from a... More
Fire On The Tundra - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Lightning ignited fires on the tundra are common in the summer and fall. This cycle has been going on for millenia. Aerial view of white smoke from multiple fires in the backcountry.
Waiting for the Pick Up - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Two wildlland firefighters take a well deserved rest after getting gear packed up and ready for transport out by helicopter.Two people rest amongst two dozen bags of gear.
Where There's Smoke There's Fire
Boggy tundra is a cold, wet environment which allows layers of peat to build up in the soil. Even though it's damp, it is still good fuel for lightning caused wildfires. White smoke rising from the tundra in fr... More
No Such Thing as a Break - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Even during a lunch break it's hard to resist the temptation to keep discussing the plants these botanists are surveying on the sand dunes. Two people sitting on the sand with camping gear and plants.
Alaska free images - Permafrost Polygons
Ice wedges form underground over time and produce polygons on the tundra. The complex patterns are best seen from the air. Aerial view of hundreds of geometric polygons on the landscape.