Onion Portage

A historical point of interest along the Kobuk River, and a great place to look for caribou in autumn.

Hiking Easy

Distance: 570 m
Ascent: 24 m
Descent: 24 m
Duration: 0-1 hrs

Low Point: 25 m
High Point: 49 m
Gradient: 12˚

This spot along the Kobuk River is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Arctic, and also an important cultural site to Native Alaskans. It’s a place where the caribou herds predictably cross the river on their migrations, becoming vulnerable targets in the water. It’s therefore been a crucial hunting ground for thousands of years.

The landscape near Onion Portage Photo: E. Mesner, NPS

The historic cabin at Onion Portage Photo: Western Arctic National Parklands

Enjoying the scenery near Onion Portage Photo: Western Arctic National Parklands

Description

Because Onion Portage is still used for hunting by Kobuk Valley residents, access may sometimes be restricted. Otherwise, it makes an interesting stop on a river trip or flightseeing excursion, especially in the fall when caribou might be spotted. At the portage site, a gravel beach and a wooded slope lead to a historic log cabin maintained by the Park Service. It’s occasionally manned as a ranger station but is normally closed to the public. The track mapped here is a short walk in the vicinity of the cabin. Longer hikes along the river or across the peninsula are possible.

Sources: https://www.nps.gov/kova/learn/historyculture/onion-portage.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OnionPortageArcheologicalDistrict