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Kotzebue, Alaska
Cape Krusenstern National Monument is a treeless coastal plain dotted with sizable lagoons and backed by gently rolling limestone hills. Cape Krusenstern's bluffs and its series of 114 beach ridges record the changing shorelines of the Chukchi Sea over thousands of years.
Because the ridges accumulated over time, the earliest ridges lie inland, and the most recently formed ridges near the shore. This unusual series of beach ridges present, in sequence, detailed evidence of an estimated 9,000 years of prehistoric human use of this coastline. Some archeological sites here are older than well-known remains of ancient Greek civilizations on the Mediterranean Sea.
In summer, wildflowers color the beach ridges and nearby hills. Large numbers of migratory birds come from all over the world to Cape Krusenstern to nest. In fall, these migrating birds use the lagoons as feeding and staging areas. Shifting sea ice, ocean currents, and waves continue to form spits and lagoons possessing important scientific, cultural, and scenic values.
Along the outer beaches, Alaska Natives still hunt marine mammals. Local rural residents are allowed to hunt in the Monument. A road to the Red Dog mine crosses the northern boundary. Trucks haul zinc from open pit mines to a tidewater port. Cominco Alaska operates the mine, along with the NANA Regional Corp., a Native corporation based in Kotzebue.
Activities
There are no developed facilities in the Monument. Access in summer is by plane or boat. Winter access is by plane, snowmachine or dogsled. Summer hikes are possible in the Monument although private land lines much of the coast. A hike in the hills provides a spectacular view of tundra landforms and the Chukchi Sea. Kayaking is also possible on several large lagoons, however prevailing westerly winds often bring wind chill factors near below freezing, even in summer. Small planes may be chartered from Kotzebue to access the Monument, or to fly over the area for a view of the beach ridges.
Plan Your Visit
Operating Hours & Seasons Park is open year around. Headquarters office hours 8:00am to 5:00PM Monday through Friday. Visitor Center 8:00AM to 5:00PM daily, June through September. Arctic winter conditions - snow, ice, wind, and below-freezing temperatures exist in the park from October through April. Temperatures rarely exceed 65 degrees F. in July-August; snow or freezing temperatures may occur any time.Getting There PlaneCommercial airlines provide service from Anchorage or Fairbanks to Nome or Kotzebue. There are scheduled flights to villages and chartered flights to specific park areas. Summer access may include motorized/non-motorized watercraft, aircraft, or by foot. Winter access may include snowmobiles, aircraft or by foot.
Return to Alaska National Parks Index
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