State Parks and National Parks

Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve contains 132 miles of the Yukon River and all 106 miles of the Charley River.

Old cabins and relics illustrate the Yukon region's Gold Rush history and archaeological and paleontological sites provide insights into millions of years of prehistory.

The waters of the broad and swift Yukon River are milky with glacial silt while the smaller Charley flows crystal-clear.

The rivers merge between the Gold Rush boom towns of Eagle and Circle. Peregrine and gyrfalcons nest on cliffs and bluffs along the two rivers. Beyond the riverbanks, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and moose dominate the landscape.

Riding the Yukon by raft, canoe or motorboat, is a popular way to see its wildlife and scenery. The Charley River's rapids require some rafting skills.

Visitors can drive the Taylor Highway to Eagle or the Steese Highway from Fairbanks to Circle. There are also air services to both towns from Fairbanks. There are no roads in the preserve.

There is a visitor center in Eagle.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of National Park Service.