YUKON - CHARLEY RIVERS NATIONAL PRESERVE
Travel Tidings Alaska highlights Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve in Interior Alaska

Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska
Photo: © Alaska Division of Community and Business Development



 

 

 

 

 

 





Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve includes 2.5 million acres in Interior Alaska, along the Canadian border, near the communities of Eagle and Circle.

Accessibility:

The preserve can be reached from Eagle or Circle, both of which are accessible by air taxi from Fairbanks. Eagle may also be reached on the Taylor Highway during the summer months. Circle is at the end of the 161-mile Steese Highway. The Yukon River is the primary method of travel in the park, as there are no roads or facilities.

History:

The area was established as a national monument in 1978, and became a national preserve in 1980. The preserve protects 115 miles of the 1,800-mile Yukon River and the entire length of the 100-mile Charley Wild River.

Unique features:

Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve is probably best known for its rich Gold Rush history, when thousands of hopeful miners floated the Yukon, staked their claims and prayed for gold. Today, old mining cabins and roadhouses still stand as crumbling remnants of the miners’ optimism. Several of these structures are available for overnight stays.

In addition to history, the preserve also boasts abundant wildlife, important archeological sites and the Charley Wild River, which has been called one of the most spectacular rivers in Alaska.

Temperature:

Summer temperatures reach into the 80s, while winter temperatures can dip well below 50 degrees below zero.

Activities and attractions:

Boating the Yukon or Charley rivers is one of the most popular activities in the preserve. Camping, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and exploring historic sites are also popular options. Winter activities include dog mushing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. The 1,000-mile Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race traverses the frozen landscape, bringing racers, veterinarians and race enthusiasts in the middle of the otherwise quiet winter.

Fees:

There are no entrance fees in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve.






national parks

 Denali
Gates of the Arctic
Glacier Bay
Katmai
Kenai Fjords
Klondike Gold Rush
Lake Clark
Sitka
Western Arctic
Wrangell-St. Elias
Yukon-Charley Rivers
Parks Safety Tips







Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve Definite Dos - Must See Park Features

Raft the Yukon River
Load up your raft with provisions and fl oat down the Yukon River in
Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. Pack a tent, stay in one of the
seven public use cabins or sleep under the stars along the way. Many
visitors start at the town of Eagle and end at Circle, though longer trips
can take you all the way to the Bering Sea.


Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve Icons

Yukon River
The Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve protects 115 miles of the great, 1,800-mile Yukon River. Th e river, which stretches from Canada and across Alaska, was a major transportation route and played a key role in the gold rushes of the late 1800s. Today, the river is popular for rafting, kayaking and canoeing.


Safety Tips from the National Park Service

Plan ahead
Before starting out on any adventure, let a friend, family member or park ranger know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Always carry some sort of survival kit, including a fi rst aid kit, waterproof matches and extra food and water. Check conditions, such as weather, trail conditions, bear sightings and river crossings, before heading out.

Firearms
Some parks allow firearms – others don’t. Always check with the park you’re visiting for specific rules.

Private property
Respect private property in or around the parks.

Pets
Pets are allowed in most parks, but usually must be leashed. Always check with the park you’re visiting for specific rules.



click here for more safety tips