Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River
Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River runs through remote boreal forest of interior Alaska, with its headwaters in the White Mountains National Recreation Area 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.
Beaver Creek has long been a popular destination for river adventurers. The river's clear water, modest Class I rapids, and unparalleled scenery make for a relaxing trip. Once you put in at Nome Creek, there are no roads or services until you reach the Yukon River bridge on the Dalton Highway. Many floaters arrange for a Fairbanks air-taxi service to pick them up from a gravel bar. Check with the air-taxis for current information on suitable pickup locations. It usually takes six to ten days for an enjoyable float through the White Mountains National Recreation Area, if you continue down Beaver Creek and the Yukon River to the Dalton Highway bridge, you should plan for up to two additional weeks of travel. This 360-mile trip has been called the longest road-to-road float in North America.
Find out more about other wild and scenic rivers on the Alaska National Conservation Lands page or on the wild and scenic rivers program page.
Outstandingly Remarkable Values
- Scenic
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Scenic
The change in elevation and topography of this river and the surrounding environment result in a highly diverse scenic and visual attraction. The back-and-forth transition from broad valleys with rolling hills and mountains to narrow valleys with steep rugged mountains; the transition between heavily forested and vegetated areas to areas where talus slopes and rocky outcroppings predominate; and the notable white limestone offer an ever changing visual quality. The small numbers of cabins found along the river blend with the landscape and are mostly hidden from view adding some variety and points of interest to the area. The variety of vegetation types and the seasonal colors are an exemplary example for Interior Alaska. The scenic value of Beaver Creek is found to be outstandingly remarkable.
- Recreational
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Recreational
Beaver Creek is recognized regionally, nationally and internationally as truly wilderness type experience on an easy Class I river. The rivers setting within the heart of the White Mountains presents outstanding scenic and geological opportunities which are unique within the region. The presence of diverse wildlife and the possibility of seeing them in a natural setting enhance the experience. The recreational value of Beaver Creek is found to be outstandingly remarkable.
- Geologic
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Geologic
Beaver Creek’s limestone outcrops and associated karst features, as well as Serpentine Slide, represent geologic features that are rare and unusual in the geographic region. The geologic value of Beaver Creek is found to be outstandingly remarkable.
- Fish Populations and Habitat
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Fish Populations and Habitat
Beaver Creek contains a BLM Alaska watch list species (Chinook salmon) and fisheries diversity is one of highest in the region. Unique concentrations of Arctic grayling are highly important for recreational fishing. The near pristine aquatic habitat in Beaver Creek provides crucial spawning and rearing habitat for the survival and recovery of Chinook salmon. The populations of regionally significant fish species and the river’s pristine habitat combine to a finding that fisheries is an outstanding remarkable value for Beaver Creek.
- Wildlife Populations and Habitat
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Wildlife Populations and Habitat
The wildlife value of Beaver Creek can be considered an ORV of at least regional significance. It provides important and unique habitat for an atypical Dall sheep population. This wildlife population, in combination with others, provides a highly diverse assemblage of wildlife in a state of natural abundance.