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National Preserve · Alaska

Noatak National Preserve

National Preserve in Alaska. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Preserve
StateAlaska
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkKobuk Valley (35 mi)
Closest airportIAN (73 mi)
Noatak River cuts through a green tundra landscape with distant mountains.
The Noatak River carves through the summertime tundra. Photo: NPS Photo / Annie Carlson

Noatak National Preserve is a national preserve run by the National Park Service in Alaska.

In the park service’s words

As one of North America's largest mountain-ringed river basins with an intact ecosystem, the Noatak River environs feature some of the Arctic's finest arrays of plants and animals. The river is classified as a National Wild and Scenic River. It offers stunning wilderness float-trip opportunities - from deep in the Brooks Range to the tidewater of the Chukchi Sea.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Fishing the Noatak (1 to 7 Days): Fishing in the Noatak National Preserve is a dream trip for many enthusiasts.
  • Visit the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center (30 to 120 Minutes): Trying to figure out where to go and what to do in Northwest Alaska? The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is a great place to meet rangers and acquire information on Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Noatak National Preserve.
  • Float the Noatak (7 to 35 Days): A float trip by canoe on the Noatak River

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. Public access to Noatak National Preserve is open year-round, 24-hours a day.

Getting there

Noatak National Preserve is a very remote area. There are no roads that provide access. Commercial airlines provide service from Anchorage to Kotzebue or Fairbanks to Bettles. Once in Kotzebue or Bettles, you must fly to the preserve with various air taxi operators. There are scheduled flights to villages and chartered flights to remote park areas. Summer access may include motorized/non-motorized watercraft, aircraft, or by foot.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Bob Baker Memorial Airport (IAN) Kiana, AK No road route 73 Regional
Ambler Airport (ABL) Ambler, AK No road route 81 Regional
Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (OTZ) Kotzebue, AK No road route 107 Regional
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) Anchorage, AK No road route 553 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Northwest Arctic Heritage Center: Mon 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Tue 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Wed 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat Closed; Sun Closed. The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is across from the Kotzebue airport and is open normal hours weekly. If you have any questions about a specific date or visiting Kotzebue contact us at (907) 442-3890.

Weather

Snow, rain, and freezing temperatures can occur any time of the year. Always travel with good quality rain gear and warm layers. Be especially careful to stay dry. Hypothermia can set in on a windy, wet day, even when it doesn't feel that cold.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Kobuk Valley, about 35 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Noatak National Preserve?

No entrance fee.

Where is Noatak National Preserve?

In Alaska. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Bob Baker Memorial Airport, about 73 miles away.

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