Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River

Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River has its headwaters in the White Mountains, approximately 50 miles north of Fairbanks, Alaska. The river flows west past the jagged limestone ridges of the White Mountains before flowing to the north and east, where it enters the Yukon Flats and joins the Yukon River. The first 127 miles of Beaver Creek, most of it within the White Mountains National Recreation Area, were designated a national wild river by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act in 1980. The last 16 miles of designated wild river lie within the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. The river's setting within the heart of the White Mountains presents outstanding scenic and geological opportunities within the region and identified as one of the values for which the river is managed. Beaver Creek has one of the highest diversity of fish species in the region, with Arctic grayling the predominant species. Other types of fish include northern pike, sheefish, burbot, and salmon. Dall sheep inhabit the bluffs and steep ridges along the river. Moose, caribou, and both grizzly and black bears live throughout the area. Among river adventurers, Beaver Creek has long been a popular destination recognized regionally, nationally, and internationally as a truly wilderness type of experience. The river's clear water, modest Class I rapids, and unparalleled scenery make for a relaxing trip. Floating Beaver Creek can take from seven days to three weeks to complete. For shorter trips, arrangements can be made with an air taxi for a gravel bar pick-up near Victoria Creek. Others continue for several more weeks onto the Yukon River and take out at the bridge on the Dalton Highway. This 360-mile trip has been called the longest road-to-road float in North America.