What designations are associated with Kobuk Valley National Park?
What is the origin of the name Kobuk? Kobuk Valley National Park is named after the Kobuk River valley, which runs through its center. According to the Dictionary of Alaska Placenames (by Donald J. Orth), “Kobuk” is an Inupiaq Eskimo word meaning “big river.” In older publications it is sometimes spelled “Kowak” or “Kowuk.” Several 19th century explorers recorded the name with different spellings, such as: Ku-buck, Koowak, Kowak, Kooak, Kopak, Kubuk, and Kuvuk.