The Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve is a vast wilderness located in interior Alaska and includes 115 miles of the Yukon River and all the Charley River basin. Cliffs and bluffs line the two rivers as they merge between Eagle and Circle, making the perfect nesting area for peregrine falcons. The elevation varies from 600 feet to 6,000 feet. During the Gold Rush era, the rivers were dotted with logging towns and places for miners to stopover. Several cabins and historic sites remain today as a reminder of the past.
Exploring rural Alaska by RV is both fun and convenient. Many national park sites are remote and require you to supply your own food and supplies. What better way to be prepared than to rent an RV from RVshare?
Both the Yukon and Charley Rivers offer views of unspoiled, wild territory. If you have an adventurous spirit, enjoy the scenery by taking a five to 10-day summer float trip from Eagle to Circle. Hunting and trapping are popular at the hunting camps along the Yukon River near Eagle and Circle. Other popular activities include kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, and fishing, dog sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Hiking in the backcountry is possible although there aren’t any designated hiking trails.
Hiking Trails
SightseeingPioneer Park is a 44-acre city park bordering Chena River. It features a carousel, a train that circles the park, and a historic sternwheeler. The park focuses on Alaskan history with original buildings that were moved from downtown Fairbanks and Gold Rush street.
Airport Wy. & Peger Rd., Fairbanks, AK 99701
The 5-acre garden, named for Charles Christian Georgeson, is an experiment in subarctic horticulture. In 2001, an effort began to raise flowers for export. Thus began the concentration on peonies. Besides peonies, research involves annuals, perennial ornamentals, native plants, and vegetables.
2180 W. Tanana Dr., Fairbanks, AK 99775
The sanctuary boasts up to 15 different mammals, including beavers, red foxes, moose, and flying squirrels, but is also considered a bird-watcher’s paradise. There are two gravel nature trails; Taiga Trail winds through the forest along Wander Lake while Wander Lake Trail loops around the lake. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are favorite activities in the winter. The northern lights can be seen during Aurora Season from August 21 through April 21.
212 Wedgewood Dr., Fairbanks, AK 99701-1728
MuseumsRoundhouse at Alyeska Museum is a mountaintop museum with a spectacular view of Turnagain Arm, two mountain ranges, and seven glaciers. In 2003, the Roundhouse was listed on the National Historic Register as a museum and interpretive center. Skiers come from around the world, and the displays emphasize the history of the Alyeska ski resort. The museum can be reached by aerial tram or ski lift, one of the longest in the world. Visitors can enjoy the on-site restaurant and lounge.
1000 Arlberg Ave., Girdwood, AK 99587
The University of Alaska Museum of the North has the unique distinction of being the only research and teaching museum in Alaska. The museum features 2,000 years of Alaskan art, Alaska’s largest gold display, and a nearly 50,000-year-old mummified bison named "Blue Babe." The different collections of artifacts and specimens make research on climate change, genetics, and other environmental issues possible.
UAF Campus, 1962 Yukon Dr., Fairbanks, AK
The exhibit hall is 9,000 square feet and houses the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, which serves the entire region. Dioramas depict the different seasons and create an atmosphere of wonder at how people lived in Interior Alaska. The center features exhibits of the culture and economic history of Alaska. They also have an artisans’ workshop and a geographic store.
101 Dunkel St., Fairbanks, AK 99701
Nearby Shops and RestaurantsSportsman’s Warehouse is one-stop shopping for outdoor recreation. They carry outerwear, boots, clothing, and other accessories as well as canoes, kayaks, and inflatables for boating on the river. You can also find hunting, fishing, outdoor cooking, and camping supplies. You can even find boat motors here.
423 Merhar Dr., Fairbanks, AK 99701
Trax Outdoor Center is the place to go for winter equipment and warm clothing. You can buy, rent, or trade gently used skis including classic, cross-country, and skate skis. Lessons are available when you rent a pair of skis. For summer fun, boats are also available. Trax Outdoor Center invites you to sit by the fire, and have a soda or some ice cream while you’re there.
310 Birch Hill Rd., Fairbanks, AK 99712
Walmart is the place to go to stock up on food, water, and drinks before you go out exploring. Shop for warm clothing, sturdy shoes, sunglasses, and gloves. Then, head over to the sporting goods section for fishing and camping supplies. Don’t forget to grab a fishing license!
537 Johansen Expy., Fairbanks, AK 99701
Aurora Mediterranean Restaurant offers family-style dining. Entrees include Aurora Bowls, wraps, sandwiches, pasta, kababs, gyros, and more. The hummus and their specialty sauce are made in-house. The restaurant also features weekly specials.
1452 S. Cushman Dr., Fairbanks, AK 99701
The Cookie Jar offers homecooked meals, homemade soups, and sandwiches on homemade bread. Boxed and bagged lunches are available for takeout. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Gift baskets, cookie baskets, cookie bouquets, cinnamon roll wreaths, and cookies in large quantities can be specially ordered.
1006 Cadillac Ct., Fairbanks, AK 99701
Located on the bank of the Chena River, Chena’s Alaskan Grill offers wild-caught Alaskan seafood, steaks, and chicken along with an extensive wine selection. Outdoor seating is available on either the lower deck or upper deck. For those who have food preferences or sensitivities, the restaurant offers vegetarian and gluten-free menu options.
4200 Boat St., Fairbanks, AK 99709-4696
Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve is located in a remote area of Alaska. Travel via the Taylor Highway will take you as far as Eagle, AK. From there, you will travel 12 miles downstream on the river. Or you can travel on the Steese Highway as far as Circle, AK, and travel 14 miles upstream by motorboat. Another option is to charter an air taxi from Fairbanks and fly to the Charley River, keeping in mind that this is more of a challenge because of the whitewater rapids. Before venturing into the unknown, contact the Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center.
101 Dunkel St, Suite 110, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Fee: Entry fee (per person)
There is no entry fee.
Whether exploring Alaska is on your bucket list or simply an adventure you crave, Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve will surpass your wildest imagination. The virtually untouched wilderness, the abundant wildlife, and the everchanging river will mentally challenge you. You will experience total reliance on your own capabilities. Experience the adventure of a lifetime by taking an RV road trip and then journeying into the great unknown.
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