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National Preserve · Alaska

Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve

National Preserve in Alaska. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Preserve
StateAlaska
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkDenali (261 mi)
Closest airportFYU (123 mi)
Aerial view of the Yukon River during fall colors
The Yukon River is a vast body of water that has carved its path into the landscape over millions of years. Photo: NPS Photo / Josh Spice

Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve is a national preserve run by the National Park Service in Alaska.

In the park service’s words

Located in Interior Alaska, Yukon-Charley Rivers offers exploration in a largely untouched landscape. Whether you float the mighty Yukon River or paddle the Charley River's whitewater, your memories will last a lifetime. Geology, cultural history, gold rush remnants, wildlife, and vast scenery will be a part of your experience. But, the strongest element will be solitude. Your adventure awaits.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Float the Yukon River: A hyperlapse is a moving timelapse and, in this case, it is of the 100 mile stretch of Yukon River from Eagle, Alaska to Slaven's Roadhouse in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. Complete with notable location descriptions, this virtual tour of the Yukon River is for entertainment and basic orientation purposes.
  • Yukon River Public Use Cabins: Take yourself back in time with a stay in one of the seven public use cabins that are available on a first come, first served basis in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. Split some wood and head inside to light a blaze in the wood stove, under the light of an oil lamp. Enjoy the warmth as your gear dries out from

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. The preserve is open 24-hours a day

Getting there

Although there is no direct highway connection to Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, visitors are able to access the preserve by either air travel from Fairbanks, or water or air travel from two small towns on the road system(Eagle and Circle), near the preserve boundaries.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Fort Yukon Airport (FYU) Fort Yukon, AK No road route 123 Regional
Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) Fairbanks, AK No road route 149 Regional
Northway Airport (ORT) Northway, AK No road route 150 Regional
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) Anchorage, AK No road route 351 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center: Daily, 8:00AM - 5:00PM. The Alaska Public Lands Information Center is open year-round.
  • Eagle Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Wed 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun Closed. The Visitor Center is open Tuesday-Saturday between June and mid-September

Weather

The area that Yukon-Charley Rivers encompasses is generally classified as sub-arctic, with exceptionally cold winters, relatively warm summers, low annual precipitation, and generally high winds.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Denali, about 261 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve?

No entrance fee.

Where is Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve?

In Alaska. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Fort Yukon Airport, about 123 miles away.

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