Eskimo name meaning "big river" first transcribed by John Simpson in 1850 as "Kowuk." Explored by Lieutenant G. M. Stoney, U.S. Navy (USN), in 1883-1886, who wrote the name "Ku-buck," but proposed that it be called "Putnam" in honor of Master Charles Flint Putnam, U.S. Navy (USN), officer of the Rodgers, who was carried to sea on the ice and lost in 1880. Lieutenant J. C. Cantwell, U.S. Revenue-Cutter Service (USRCS), also explored the river in 1884 and 1885 and spelled the name "Koowak" on his map and "Kowak" in his text. Ivan Petroff spelled the river name "Kooak" in 1880, and W. H. Dall spelled it "Kowk" in 1870. Lieutenant H. T. Allen, USA, obtained the Koyukan Indian name in 1885 which he spelled "Holooatna" and "Holoatna."

Fatalities

On July 15, 2024, 1 person died while boating. Read More

On October 23, 2010, 1 person died while atving. Read More

Topo Maps

Selawik (1951), Selawik D-4 (1955), Selawik (1957), Selawik (1957), Selawik (1957), Selawik (1957), Selawik (1957), Selawik (1957), Selawik (1957), Selawik D-4 NW (2015),

Places Near Kobuk River

Mountains:

Hotham Peak,

Ridges:

Kiana Hills,

Rivers:

Kobuk River,

Streams:

Cross Creek, Kagboo Creek, Oksik Channel, Oksik Creek, Timber Creek,

Cities:

Old Kotzebue, Tenmile Post,