Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve

Located along the Canadian border in central Alaska, the preserve protects 115 miles of the 1,800-mile Yukon River and the entire Charley River basin. Numerous rustic cabins and historic sites are reminders of the importance of the Yukon River during the 1898 gold rush. Paleontological and archeological sites here add much to our knowledge of the environment thousands of years ago. Peregrine falcons nest in the high bluffs overlooking the river, while the rolling hills that make up the preserve are home to an abundant array of wildlife. The Charley, a 100-mile long wild river, is considered by many to be the most spectacular river in Alaska.

Eagle Ranger Station (Field Office)
P.O. Box 167
Eagle, AK 99738
907-547-2233 (EAA) - Visitor Information
907-547-2234 (EAA) - Visitor Information
907-457-5752(FAI) - Headquarters

By Plane
Scheduled air taxis from Fairbanks serve Eagle and Circle, located up river and down river of the preserve, respectively.

By Car
Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve is primarily a wilderness. There is no road access. Two highways serve towns near the Preserve boundaries. The 161-mile Taylor Highway begins at Tetlin Junction on the Alaska Highway and ends at Eagle, 12 miles from the preserve. It is usually open from mid-April to mid-October and is suitable for cars. The Steese Highway is open year round. It begins in Fairbanks and travels 162 miles to Circle, 14 miles from the preserve. In good weather it takes about five hours to drive either of these gravel roads. Check locally about road conditions before setting out.

By Plane
None.

Getting Around
There are no commercial facilities of any kind located within the preserve. Visitors should always carry all necessary supplies with them. Float times vary depending upon weather and water conditions. Safe storage of food supplies will deter wildlife advances and protect visitors from unnecessary loss of food and equipment.

Weather can often be extreme, with winter bringing temperatures to minus 60 degrees F, while summer can bring temperatures to 90 degrees F. Summer thunderstorms are common, and high winds can produce whitecaps on the Yukon. Self- sufficiency in all respects must be the guiding rule. Quality clothing that can be layered, sturdy camping and rain gear and good insect repellent are essential.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Kayaking
• Whitewater Rafting
• Cross Country Skiing
• Dogmushing
• Snowmobiling

Recommended Activities
The Visitor Center at the Eagle Field Office offers exhibits depicting the area, history, and ecology of Yukon-Charley Rivers. Visitors can hear historic accounts of the area on an interactive CD-ROM program at the center. Visitors can enjoy a short video presentation on the preserve as well as area specific videos during normal visitor hours. Scheduled nature hikes, talks, and campfire programs are announced at the Visitor Center wayside and at the nearby BLM campground. There are currently four public use cabins located within the preserve. The cabins are along the Yukon River corridor; located at Kandik River mouth, Nation Bluff, Glenn Creek, and historic Slaven's Roadhouse at the mouth of Coal Creek. These cabins are available on a first come, first served basis. Rafting, kayaking and canoeing are popular on the Yukon River. Many people start in Eagle and end in Circle, either arranging to be picked up, or to be flown back to Eagle. Longer trips, from Dawson or Whitehorse to the lower Yukon or Bering Sea, are also popular ways of traveling the Yukon through the preserve. Rafting or kayaking the Charley River is also an excellent way to visit Yukon-Charley Rivers. The entire 1.1 million acre watershed of the Charley River is protected inside preserve boundaries and the river itself is a National Wild River. Air-chartered drop off and pick up, or continuation to Circle, must be arranged for a trip on the Charley.