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. CONTACTS Email - YUCH_Eagle_Office@nps.gov Fax- 907-547-2247 Write to
Eagle Ranger Station (Field Office)
P.O. Box 167
Eagle, AK 99738 - or -
National Park Service (Fairbanks Hqrts)
201 First Avenue
Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone
Visitor Information - 907-547-2233 (EAA)
Visitor Information - 907-547-2234 (EAA)
Headquarters - 907-456-0281 (FAI)
TRAVEL BASICS
Operating Hours, Seasons
The Preserve is open year round. The field office in Eagle is open 7 days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., from mid-May to mid-September. From mid-September to mid-May the Eagle field office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Fairbanks office is open all year, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Getting There
PLANE - Scheduled air taxis from Fairbanks serve Eagle and Circle, located up river and down river of the preserve, respectively. 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. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - None. Weather & Climate
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. Accessibility
Recreation in the preserve is limited primarily by difficulty of access. There are no roads into the preserve and most trails are used only in the winter. In general access is via plane or boat. People wishing to get a Yukon River experience can either arrange their own transportation, take the Yukon Queen, which plies the waters upriver from the preserve between Dawson and Eagle, or contact a commercial transport operator. 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. Filing a float plan with the Visitor Center in Eagle and a friend or relative is highly recommended. Safe storage of food supplies will deter wildlife advances and protect visitors from unnecessary loss of food and equipment.
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