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.
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