The Superintendent issued a closure of the Smith/40-Mile Public Use Cabin due to being unsafe for public occupancy as a result of structural damage caused by the 2023 Yukon River break-up and flooding.
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Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve
Alaska
Located in Interior Alaska, Yukon-Charley Rivers offers exploration in a largely untouched landscape. Whether you float the mighty Yukon River or paddle the Charley River's whitewater, your memories will last a lifetime. Geology, cultural history, gold rush remnants, wildlife, and vast scenery will be a part of your experience. But, the strongest element will be solitude. Your adventure awaits.
About Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve
Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve is a national preserve located in Alaska. The area that Yukon-Charley Rivers encompasses is generally classified as sub-arctic, with exceptionally cold winters, relatively warm summers, low annual precipitation, and generally high winds.
Although there is no direct highway connection to Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, visitors are able to access the preserve by either air travel from Fairbanks, or water or air travel from two small towns on the road system(Eagle and Circle), near the preserve boundaries.
π° Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Yukon - Charley Rivers is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
π₯Ύ Things to Do
Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Boating, Motorized Boating, Camping, Backcountry Camping, and 17 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
π¦ Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Yukon - Charley Rivers
π Visitor Planning Tips for Yukon - Charley Rivers
- βBeat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Yukon - Charley Rivers before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- βMonitor Active Alerts: There are currently 2 active alerts for Yukon - Charley Rivers. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- βSecure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Yukon - Charley Rivers get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- βWilderness Survival: As a remote Alaskan unit, visiting Yukon - Charley Rivers requires complete self-sufficiency. Bring bear deterrents, dress in synthetic layers, and verify survival check-ins before departures.
Located in Interior Alaska, Yukon-Charley Rivers offers exploration in a largely untouched landscape. Whether you float the mighty Yukon River or paddle the Charley River's whitewater, your memories will last a lifetime. Geology, cultural history, gold rush remnants, wildlife, and vast scenery will be a part of your experience. But, the strongest element will be solitude. Your adventure awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yukon - Charley Rivers
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer β National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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