The Eagle Visitor Center is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., from mid-June to September 15. It is closed the rest of the year. The Eagle Headquarters Office and Fairbanks Headquarters Office are open year-round, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., respectively.
There is no entrance fee or pass required to enter Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. It is free year-round.
From Fairbanks, take the Taylor Highway to Eagle, then float down the Yukon River to immerse in pristine wilderness and historic gold rush trails.
Parking options are limited; auto and bus/RV parking available near visitor centers, but no overnight parking permitted and no fees. No designated parking lots within the preserve itself.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:None
Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, situated in the vast expanse of Interior Alaska, is a realm of untouched beauty and rich cultural heritage. Spanning over 2.5 million acres, this preserve envelops 130 miles of the majestic Yukon River and the entire drainage basin of the Charley River, the only Wild River with its watershed fully protected. The landscape is a tapestry of fire-driven boreal forests, tundra vegetation, and riverside willows and conifers, creating a diverse habitat for an array of wildlife.
Here, peregrine falcons soar overhead, while caribou, moose, Dall sheep, brown bears, and wolves inhabit the land. The preserve is also a haven for scientific research, with unique plant communities and unaltered ecosystems that offer extraordinary opportunities for exploration.
Travelers can float down the Yukon River or paddle the Charley River, experiencing the pristine waters and encountering historic cabins from the 1890s Klondike gold rush. The area is dotted with paleontological and archaeological sites, adding a layer of historical depth to the natural beauty.
In the summer, ranger-led canoe tours and hiking trails like the Biederman Bluff Trail offer immersive experiences. The preserve’s headquarters in Eagle, a quaint town on the Yukon River, serves as a base for local outfitters and guides who can lead adventurers into the heart of this wilderness.
As the seasons change, the preserve transforms: spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers endless daylight, autumn paints the landscape with vibrant hues, and winter blankets the area in a serene silence. For those seeking a deeper connection, local businesses such as the Eagle Trading Company provide insights into the region’s history and culture.
- Area (mi²)
- 3948
- Annual visitors
- 1 133
- Established year
- 1978
Top 3 Facts about Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve
The preserve features rocky cliffs that are over 600 million years old, making them some of the oldest rocks in the region, a significant geological wonder.
In this pristine wilderness, peregrine falcons soar along river bluffs, while brown bears, moose, and Dall’s sheep roam the tundra. The rivers host one of North America’s largest breeding populations of peregrine falcons and provide habitat for wolves, eagles, and loons. Subarctic steppe and rare endemic plant species thrive, and the landscape is shaped by natural fire disturbances, creating a mosaic of successional vegetation. This untouched ecosystem offers a rare glimpse into unaltered predator-prey relationships and the majestic beauty of the wild.
In this pristine Alaskan landscape, the Yukon River, a 1,800-mile waterway, slices through the terrain with 130 miles of its course protected here. The river’s crystal-clear waters flow past towering bluffs, home to peregrine falcons, and through a basin where temperatures can plummet to -50°F in winter or soar to 97°F in summer. The Charley River, a 100-mile wild river, adds to the dramatic scenery with its untamed beauty and unique rock formations.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Living History & Cultural Demos
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Arts & Crafts
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan for summer or winter adventures, considering the Yukon River’s float season or the harsh winter months. Pack extra food and leave a detailed trip plan. Visit the Eagle Visitor Center for essential guides and anticipate rugged terrain and limited amenities.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for unpredictable weather, sturdy hiking boots, and a waterproof jacket. Bring a first aid kit, headlamp, and extra batteries. For camping, include a tent, sleeping bag, and insulated sleeping pad. Plan food and water for the duration of your stay.
Respect Wildlife
Keep food and scented items 100 feet from camp, suspended 10 feet high to protect wildlife. Respect habitat, especially during sensitive seasons like calving and migration. Leave no trace, and enjoy the pristine wilderness.
Stay Informed
Be aware of unpredictable weather, steep terrain, and fast-moving rivers. Stay on marked trails, avoid cliffs and hot springs, and carry a reliable communication device. Check weather and fire restrictions; for emergencies, call 907-455-0625.
Seasons
Experience spring in Alaska’s vast wilderness from late May to July, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 70°F. Witness the Yukon River’s spring run-off and enjoy premier whitewater rafting on the Charley River, all while avoiding peak mosquito seasons. Ideal for adventurers.
Summer in Alaska’s wild interior: float 150 miles of pristine rivers, camp on gravel bars, and witness the Forty-mile caribou herd’s calving. June to August, temperatures range from 60-80°F, with long days and mild weather. Ideal for adventure seekers.
Experience the allure of autumn along the Yukon River, with crisp temperatures in the 20s-40s°F and vibrant foliage. Witness the annual migration of wildlife and enjoy serene kayaking amid the golden hues of boreal forests. A season of solitude and natural beauty.
Experience the raw beauty of winter from October to March, with temperatures often below -50°F. Bitter cold and short days offer a serene, untouched landscape, ideal for adventurous and well-prepared travelers.