State Parks and National Parks

Remote Nowitna is situated about 200 miles west of Fairbanks in the central Yukon River Valley. The 2.1 million-acre refuge protects forested lowlands, hills, lakes, marshes, ponds and streams.

The primary challenge for the visitor is getting to Nowitna because no roads lead there. The Yukon River, which forms the refuge's northern boundary, allows some access during the ice-free season from Galena and Ruby. Other than boat, access is by aircraft or, in winter, by snow machine and dog sled.

The Nowitna River, a nationally designated wild river, is the refuge's dominant feature. About 223 miles of the Nowitna River's 283-mile length flow within the boundaries of the refuge, providing many miles of

boating, kayaking or canoeing. The canyon area of the upper river is an especially beautiful area providing exceptional opportunities for viewing and photographing scenery and wildlife.

The Palisades at the northeastern end of the refuge houses the remains of ancient mammoths, bison and other mammals.

Visitors look for moose, black and grizzly bears, wolves, lynx, wolverine, marten, river otters and other furbearers, as well as white-fronted and Canada geese, various other species of waterfowl, ospreys, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks.

The fishing is excellent. The Nowitna is the spawning ground for northern pike and sheefish and home to various salmon and grayling. However, the refuge was established primarily to protect waterfowl and their habitat.

Nowitna is one of four refuges encompassed by a solar basin, characterized by encircling hills, light winds, low rainfall, severe winters and short warm summers. The summer sun never sets on this unique region.