A way to survive on Alaska’s west coast

Unalakleet River 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. 

Starting in the rolling Nulato Hills, Unalakleet River flows west across miles of active, scenic tundra until it reaches the coastal village of Unalakleet. Eighty-one miles of the river are designated as Wild (not technically Scenic), though the westernmost portion of the river is on Native land and is not managed by BLM Alaska. 

For thousands of years, Unalakleet National Wild River has connected coastal Iñupiaq and Yup’ik peoples with Athabascan groups in interior Alaska. A relatively short overland trail called Kaltag Portage connects Unalakleet River with the Yukon River, making it an efficient way to travel in an area mostly without roads. In the 19th century, Russian merchants used the river and its portage to move people and goods. Reindeer herders from Lapland settled along the river and prospectors followed shortly after, looking for gold on the Seward Peninsula. The prospectors eventually brought a mail route, a telegraph line, and cabins along the river that can still be seen today. 

The biggest draw of Unalakleet National Wild River is its fishery, which provides subsistence, commercial, and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. All five species of Pacific salmon—Chinook, Chum, Coho, Pink, and Sockeye—are found in the Unalakleet, contributing to salmon runs that exceed 100,000 fish. Annual salmon runs provide the bulk of the local community’s income. In addition to salmon, arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, arctic char, and whitefish are found in the river year-round. Other recreational opportunities include summer hunting of trophy-size brown bear and moose in the Nulato Hills or watching Iditarod mushers race 35 miles along Unalakleet River on their way to Nome. 

Unalakleet River supports the subsistence lifestyle of many villages in the area. In the fall, powerboats are the main mode of transportation for subsistence hunting of moose along the river. In the winter, trapping beaver, fox, lynx, marten, muskrat, and wolf provides cash for residents. When things start warming up in the spring, subsistence lifestyles are supported by hunting and gathering the eggs of local waterfowl. 

In the remote west coast of Alaska, Unalakleet National Wild River stands out as an invaluable resource for fishing, recreation, and subsistence. Plan a visit to see it for yourself at Unalakleet Wild and Scenic River | Bureau of Land Management.