Alaskan national parks are a true treasure trove of untouched natural beauty waiting for exploration. Kobuk National Park is one of those treasures and is one of the most rarely visited parks in the U.S. This particular park is famed for having the largest arctic sand dunes dating back to the last Ice Age.
Before you set out into the wilderness, purchasing visitors medical insurance will be beneficial towards securing your finances in case of any unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries.
Go forth kayaking, hiking, camping under the stars, or exploring the sea of sand dunes at the park. There are endless opportunities for exploration here that will leave you with a lifetime's worth of unforgettable experiences.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers Visiting Kobuk Valley National Park - FAQs
Medical emergencies can arise at any time, whether from an injury or from falling sick. Kobuk Valley National Park is sure to test your outdoor survival skills, and its remote location could very well require you to be medically evacuated if your injuries are severe enough. Healthcare in the U.S. is terrifyingly expensive. As a precaution against such potential financial pitfalls, it's advisable that you opt for visitors medical insurance.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before traveling to Kobuk Valley National Park?
The simple reason is that you cannot predict the future. Kobuk Valley National Park does not have any facilities, campgrounds, or roads, and knowing those things, you would want to consider purchasing visitors medical insurance, as the level of risk is distinctly higher due to the environment.
What should I look for in my Kobuk Valley National Park visitors medical insurance?
Check for the following benefits in your plan, and decide which ones you need:
- Coverage for emergency medical expenses
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage
- Ability to extend or cancel coverage
- Coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- We also recommend purchasing a hazardous sports travel insurance plan designed to cover riskier-than-average activities like rafting, hiking, and more.
Things to Do For Your Kobuk Valley National Park Travels
There are no developed facilities in Kobuk Valley National Park, but vast stretches of remote backcountry give plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Rafting
River rafting in the Kobuk River is a one-of-a-kind experience, and your journey starts on a floatplane. Depending on the package, the experience varies. If you are going solo or with a group without any package, it's perfect as a one-day activity. For packages, you can make it a whole trip that includes everything from sightseeing to fishing to hiking to flying. The more the merrier for rafting, as the park itself is quite desolate.
Wildlife watching
The national park is free from roads or any semblance of human touch and, thus, is a great place to view the local wildlife. It's one of the last places to see large-scale animal migrations. The Western Arctic Caribou herd can be seen migrating to and fro every summer and winter. Aside from them, wolverines, grizzly bears, porcupines, and moose roam free here.
Flightseeing
It's the best way to see the active, arctic Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. A lot of your time will be spent in the air, as there is no road connectivity in the park. This is perfect if you are here for a short time and have not taken a backcountry trip before. Viewing the landscape from the sky is a great experience, but you may ask the pilot to land for you to explore. A proper discussion with the charter before you book their services will make it easier to get around and see more places.
Hiking
It's not impossible; this national park has ample flat terrain to explore on foot. The charter companies will be able to provide better guidance as to which areas are best for hiking and safe from wild animals. It's best to land at lower elevations and hike up the ridges of the mountains. It's an arduous journey crossing softer land through forests and tundra to the mountains, so make sure to have adequate resources to sustain yourself.
Fishing
It's one of the leisure activities and a good idea if you are going camping. Sheefish, salmon, grayling, pike, and Dolly Varden are some of the fish you can catch from the rivers and eat. The area is remote, so you won't find much information available on the river conditions that might affect fishing. Talking to the locals or the charters can help you decide on proper fishing spots and areas to set up camp.
Key Guidelines for Travelers to Kobuk Valley National Park
For a national park as remote as Kobuk Valley, a lot of planning and precautions should be taken. Some important factors you need to take into consideration:
Weather
Alaska is almost always experiencing freezing temperatures. Pack for sub-zero temperature, and prepare yourself for wet or dry weather. This is especially true for this national park, as there are no stores inside to sell you supplies you might need.
Group Travel
If you are traveling with a large group, special permits might be required from the park's Chief Ranger. Most of the activities at the park are strenuous and will require equipment. Make sure to bring them with you, as the park only has supplies for basic groceries. And again, they're not service shops or any shops that might sell supplies. Bring with you and carry any medication and outdoor gear needed.
Wildlife
Watching wildlife can be extremely exciting and enjoyable. However, keep in mind the animals within the park are wild. You cannot approach any of the wildlife within the park. If you see an animal in distress, you can contact a park ranger, as they are familiar with and trained to assist the wildlife that live within the park. There are also specific mating seasons, especially for moose and the bears. The bears mate in summer, the moose in the fall. They can be extremely territorial, and it's best to steer clear of them.
Supplies
The park is absolutely remote and a true backcountry destination. Bringing adequate food, especially if you are camping for a stretch and going on an extended water adventure, is a must. You will also need to dress yourself in warmer clothing, possibly layering clothing items, as well as pack extra blankets and heaters for colder nights.
Before You Travel to Kobuk Valley National Park - Do This
Before setting off on your adventure, be absolutely sure that you have packed adequately. Bring plenty of warm clothes, outdoor gear, basic supplies, and a medical kit, as a bare minimum.
Visit this lesser-known national park with adequate visitors health insurance coverage for yourself and your travel partners. Take the time to compare plans and select the one that best fits your needs. We wish you a satisfying trip to Kobuk Valley National Park!