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Far more than a few beavers

Jan 16, 2025

An aerial shot of the river, showing its winding path along the base of a mountain. The mountain it runs against is smooth, mostly vegetated with patches of lightly colored loose rock. To the left of the river is a mixed area with clumps of green trees and yellow-green fields. Toward the bottom of the picture, the river branches in two, forming an island. A large, light brown sand bar stretches along the island’s left bank. In the distance, steeper mountains with jagged white peaks sit under a dark blue sky — Beaver Creek as seen from above, with a backdrop of White Mountains’ characteristic limestone peaks. Bob Wick, BLM.

Alaska is home to innumerable examples of natural beauty. From hulking glaciers scattered around the state, to the towering mountains that surround our cities, Alaska’s landmarks are a sight to behold. One such landmark is the Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.

Beaver Creek is one of six Wild and Scenic Rivers managed by BLM Alaska. These rivers were designated by Congress due to their outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values. It is the BLM’s responsibility, in cooperation with other federal agencies, to preserve these rivers so they can be enjoyed by present and future generations.

Three white Dall sheep of varying sizes graze on a steep slope of dark, loose rock with sparse patches of grass around them. Two sheep are facing right of the camera and the smallest one is facing away from the camera. — Three Dall sheep using a steep slope to graze on the edge of Beaver Creek. Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Beaver Creek’s headwaters are in the White Mountains National Recreation Area north of Fairbanks, and the Wild segment of it ends just before the Yukon Flats south of Fort Yukon. In total, the river is 127 miles long, 111 miles of which are managed by the BLM.

Like other Wild and Scenic Rivers, Beaver Creek boasts a plethora of features that set it apart from other regional rivers. The river itself is a diverse fishery with Arctic grayling and northern pike, popular for recreational fishing. Chinook salmon—a watchlist species—use Beaver Creek for their spawning grounds. Caribou, moose, bears, and migratory waterfowl call Beaver Creek home, as well as a population of Dall sheep considered “atypical” in comparison to the surrounding region. Endangered peregrine falcons have also established nesting grounds in rock formations and trees along the river.

A wide river at the bottom and center of the image, gentle ripples on its surface and a shallow gravel bar just visible in the bottom left. On either side of the river, there is a bright green boreal forest mostly comprised of tall conifers and shorter, leafier trees. Above and reflected on the water, the sun is setting with yellow-orange clouds scattered across an otherwise bright blue sky. — Beaver Creek displaying the still waters that make it perfect for float boating. Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Perhaps the most notable feature of Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River is the float trip it offers to more adventurous visitors. Beaver Creek is inaccessible by road, but one of its tributaries, Nome Creek, is accessible through a campsite. Ambitious “float boaters” (canoers, kayakers, or rafters) can put in at Nome Creek and ride three miles until it joins Beaver Creek. From there, floaters stay on Beaver Creek for 111 miles until it’s joined by Victoria Creek. This stretch, which typically takes six to 10 days, is characterized by easy Class I rapids and a good current. Floaters can arrange an air taxi to pick them up on gravel bars, or they can choose to stay on Beaver Creek. This stretch of the river has deeper water and a slower current, good for fishing. It’s 176 miles from Victoria Creek to the Yukon River, and another 96 miles on the Yukon River until Dalton Highway Bridge, where floaters can get off the water and access a road. The trip totals over 360 miles and takes three to four and a half weeks.

Cabin on bluff overlooking a river — An aerial shot of Beaver Creek, showing part of the river and the Borealis-LeFevre cabin on its northern bank. Bob Wick, BLM.

White Mountains National Recreation Area offers thirteen public-use cabins, one of which is located only 150 feet from Beaver Creek. The Borealis-LeFevre cabin, originally built in 1969 and rebuilt around 2000, offers the perfect spot for float boaters and hikers to stop along Mile 32 of the river. In the winter, it’s also accessible by snowmachine.

Log cabin with woods in the background — Photo of Borealis LeFevre cabin, which sits uphill from Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River. BLM photo by Bob Wick.

The cabin is 12’ x 16’, sleeps 4 to 6 people comfortably, and has a storage loft. It’s equipped with basic furniture, a cook stove, lantern, wood stove, and outhouse. Dry timber is typically located near the cabin for firewood, but renters need to bring their own fuel for the lantern and cook stove. All BLM public-use cabins must be reserved in advance. Reserve yours today at recreation.gov and let the adventure of a lifetime begin!

Story by:

Jordan Oldenburg, ACE Member

Blog Topic:

Recreation

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