When you think of the desert, your imagination may wander to sand, camels and pyramids. Although there are no camels or pyramids in sight, Alaska does have a secret desert in the Arctic. The Kobuk Sand Dunes in the Western Arctic National Park are found in the northern part of the state. You will be amazed by this hidden desert in Alaska.
Northern Alaska sounds like the farthest place from a desert…
Western Arctic National Parklands/Flickr
But the Western Arctic National Park features the Kobuk Sand Dunes, a hidden desert in the Arctic.
Western Arctic National Parklands/Flickr
Today, the sand dunes cover 25 square miles, but thousands of years ago the dunes were over 350 square miles.
Western Arctic National Parklands/Flickr
Sleeping in a tent on the dunes is a lot softer than in the hard floor of the surrounding forest.
Western Arctic National Parklands/Flickr
Constant eastern winds can create dunes up to 150 hundred feet high.
Western Arctic National Parklands/Flickr
Caribou migrate across the sand dunes each spring and summer. Some don’t make it through the long, dry journey.
Western Arctic National Parklands/Flickr
Thirsty? Head for Ahnewetut Creek, a shallow but constant stream of water that cuts through the sand dunes.
Western Arctic National Parklands/Flickr
The sand dunes are slowly moving westward, covering the boreal forest floor. These flowers continue to bloom despite the harsh conditions.
Western Arctic National Parklands/Flickr
No desert is complete without a mirage. The Conchoidial Mirage pictured shows patterns on the dunes look like rounded conchoidial fractures as seen on the broken edges of rock spearpoints.
Western Arctic National Parklands/Flickr
The endless spectacular sunset over Waring Mountains will remind you that you are still in Alaska.
Western Arctic National Parklands/Flickr
Have you been to this secret gem? Do you have photos of the dunes? Share in the comments below.
Western Arctic National Parklands/Flickr
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