These Notes are intended to be a references only. The information has been gleaned from various sources. More notes will be added from time to time.
Total Miles (Total river miles)
Point or Village (reference point on river)
Miles Btw (miles from last Point or Village to current point)
Travel days (travel days taken by other expeditions)
Est. Travel Time (Est time that we hope to cover same distance)
Total Miles Point or Village Miles Btw TravelDays Est. Travel Time
0 Whitehorse 0 0 ______________0______________
Latitude: 60, 43.451' N
Longitude: 135, 02.966' W
Hydroelectric plant at the tail end of Whitehorse Rapids Spillway
Takhini River
Enters at right angles from the west a few miles below town, then the valley widens and you enter
Lake Laberge,
Latitude: 60, 57.282' N
Longitude: 135, 07.769' W
31 mi long, 5 mi wide. Reputation for sudden squalls
Stay on Lake’s left side to shelter from storms
Avoid crossing open water. At its head was "The Cremation of Sam McGee"
Richtofen Island (3 mi long) has nice campsites
Lower Laberge
Is an abandoned Indian village.
Sternwheeler is half sunk into the beach there - Casca
After Lake Laberge:
Yukon narrows into a steep walled canyon.
Many switchback bends.. sharpest is "U.S. Bend"
No rapids, many submerged sweepers
Teslin River
Enters from right, beneath bluish mt with a cocked peak
Straight, narrow, north running
Last leg of the Stikine Trail
Old Mountie post across from confluence – Hootalinqua (on a wide bend, in a kind of cove)
A ledger is in the trapper's cabin dug in below the Mountie post
On an island, a sternwheeler is surrounded by alders - Norcom/Evelyn
Big Salmon River
Abandoned Indian village
202 Carmacks 202 8.0 5
Klondike Hiway crosses the river here
It's the only bridge after Whitehorse, so you can't miss it.
The only landing is on the left bank just after the bridge, about 0.5 miles from the center of town.
Tying up further downstream isn't permitted, and is just barely possible anyway.
There are a few tent spots at the landing, but you'll want to camp on a gravel bar a few miles upstream.
The town has an excellent store with camping and repair equipment.
Best of all they have bakery goods.
Downstairs is a reasonably priced laundromat and showers.
Nearby is a hotel and restaurant with generous portions.
My recommendations: Order the buffalo burger.
Buy bread.
Skip the timed laundromat shower for a one-day pass to the indoor pool where you can shower as long as you like.
Fiver Finger Rapids
Round a bend in a steep sandstone canyon
Sounds like wind in the trees
Looks like stone pilings from a bridge
TAKE THE FAR RIGHT CHANNEL
Rink Rapids
6 mi. after Five Finger Rapids
Stay to the far right and no rapids at all
Afterwards, YR broadens into a sluggish, island choked flat
Yukon Crossing
Not mapped
Overland Trail
258 Minto 56 1.5 1
282 Ft Selkirk 24 .5 .5
Pelly River enters from the east, pretty much abandoned
Selwyn R.
White R.
Enters from the W. & Doubles the size
390 Stewart Is. 108 3.0 2
At the mouth of the Stewart R.
"Split up Island"
A family has a small store here (?)
460 Dawson 70 2.0 1.5
Latitude: 64, 04.336' N
Longitude: 139, 24.661' W
A white landslide scar on hill above town can be seen from far offKlondike River - at the end of town, small green river over white stones.
430 miles (river charts claim 460) downstream of Whitehorse.
Location of the Alaskan highway ferry across the Yukon. The town survives on tourist dollars and mining the old tailings. The airport is a few miles out of town, but there are taxis and shuttle vans that depart from close to the river. You can camped at the youth hostel across the river ($5 or $8/night). They have a lodge, shared rooms $15/night), an outdoor cooking area, and a *very* European atmosphere. Highly recommended. The ferry across the river is free and very useful.
Crossing the river by kayak or canoe is losing battle against the current, and involves keeping a close eye on the ferry's progress. For this reason decide which side of the river you want to be on before you get to town.
Tintina Trench – Steep valley after Dawson (no rapids)
Fortymile R. – Island at the confluence
Abandoned village -Back in the cottonwoods, old Anglican Church & RCMP post & gen store
Dept of Fisheries - 6 mi before the international border, on an island
Int’l Boundary – clear strip thru forest
Latitude: 64, 40.975' N
Longetude: 140, 59.964' W
562 Eagle Pop: 168 102 4.0 2.5
Latitude: 64° 47' N
Longitude: 141° 12' W --About 8 miles over the U.S. border
Eagle is on the left bank of the Yukon River at the mouth of Mission Cr. Indian village first, then 3 mi downstream is Eagle City. Both Eagle and Circle have roads to civilization, a post office, a small store/cafe, and a dirt strip airfield. No regular transportation is available, but you might get a taxi ($$$$) from Fairbanks. The high prices ($5 ea. for washer, dryer, shower) make you feel sorry for the locals.
You'll surely be accosted by the U.S. Customs agent.
Accommodations: Eagle Trading Co. Grocery/Café/Lodging; Yukon Adventure B&B; Eagle BLM campground
History
The area has been the historical home to Han Kutchin Indians. Established as a log house trading station called "Belle Isle" around 1874, it operated intermittently as a supply and trading center for miners working the upper Yukon and its tributaries. By 1898, the population had grown to over 1,700. Eagle was the first incorporated city in the Interior, in January 1901, and was named after the nesting eagles on nearby Eagle Bluff. A U.S. Army camp was established in 1899, and Fort Egbert was completed in 1900. The Valdez-Eagle Telegraph line was completed in 1903. By 1910, Fairbanks and Nome gold prospects had lured away many, and the population had declined to 178. Fort Egbert was abandoned in 1911.
Culture
Most Eagle residents are non-Native. However, the adjacent Eagle Village is home to over 30 Natives.
Economy
Retail businesses, the school, mining and seasonal employment such as BLM fire-fighting provide the majority of employment.
Climate
July temperatures average 50 to 72. Average annual precipitation is 11.3 inches.
[Yukon/Charley Rivers National Wilderness Preserve (150 mi long)]
Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve contains 115 miles of the historic Yukon River and the entire 88-mile Charley River basin. The two rivers are quite different: the broad and swift Yukon flows with glacial silt while the smaller Charley flows crystal clear. The Charley is considered one of Alaska's finest recreational streams. The rivers merge between the early-day boomtowns of Eagle and Circle. Cliffs and bluffs along the two rivers provide nesting habitat for peregrine and gyrfalcons. Beyond the riverbanks grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and moose may be seen. The Charley River demands more advanced river skills. Approximate Size: 2.5 million acres.
Seventymile, Tatunduk, and Nation Rivers in quick succession
Kandik River
Charley River
713 Circle Pop: 85 151 5.0 4
Latitude: 65° 49' N
Longitude: 144° 03' W
A rim of bluffs encircle the river, with green tributaries intersecting
As the last bluff falls away, the canyon recedes into low spruce banks.
Watch for 3 islands, then keep to the left or you'll miss Circle.
Located on the south bank of the Yukon River at the edge of the Yukon Flats, 160 miles northeast of Fairbanks. 50 mi south of the Arctic Circle
Accommodations: Yukon Trading Post Campground; Yukon river tours
Visitor Attractions: Pioneer Cemetery (circa 1893); camping
History:
Circle was established in 1893 as a gold mining town supply point for goods shipped up the Yukon River and then overland to the mining camps. Early miners believed the town was located on the Arctic Circle, and named it Circle. Before the Klondike gold rush of 1898, circle was the largest mining town on the Yukon.
Culture:
The population of Circle is predominantly Athabascans who practice a subsistence lifestyle.
Economy:
Since Circle is connected by road to Fairbanks, tourists and recreational enthusiasts come through seasonally.
Climate:
Summer temperatures range from 65 to 72, Rainfall averages 6.5"
Yukon Flats
789 Fort Yukon Pop: 562 76 2.5 2
Latitude: 66° 37' N
Longitude: 145° 26' W
Located on the south bank of the River at the edge of the Yukon Flats
Indian village, Alaska commercial company only white couple.
The U.S. Air Force operates a White Alice Radar Station in Fort Yukon.The City Transit Bus system provides transport throughout the town.
Accommodations: Sourdough Hotel; Midnight Sun Lodge;
Schools
Visitor Attractions:
8 miles above Arctic Circle; largest Athabascan Village in the Interior;
Most northern point of Yukon River;
St. Stephens Episcopal Church Athabascan beaded alter cloth;
Replica of Hudson Bay Company Fort; 3-story log cabin
History:
Fort Yukon was founded in 1847 by Alexander Murray as a Canadian outpost in Russian Territory. It became an important trade center for the Gwichin Indians. A post office was established in the community in 1898.
Unlike many Alaska villages, winter tourism is becoming popular.
Fort Yukon experiences spectacular Northern Lights. Climate 6.58 inches of rain fall annually, summers run 65 to 80.
876 Beaver Pop 104 87 2.5 2
Latitude: 66° 21' N
Longitude: 147° 23' W
1 mi after a hairpin, on N bank on the north bank of the River, 60 miles southwest of Fort Yukon
History:
Gold discoveries in the Chandalar region in 1907 led to the founding of Beaver. It was established as the Yukon
River terminus for miners heading north to the gold fields.
Culture:
The population of Beaver is predominantly mixed Athabascan Indian and Eskimo.
Climate:
Rainfall averages 6.5 inches; Summer temperatures range from 65 to 90
976 Stevens Vil. Pop 115 100 3.0 2
Latitude: 66° 01' N
Longitude: 149° 06' W
Located on the north bank of the Yukon River, 17 miles upstream of the Dalton Highway bridge crossing
History:
Discovered by three Athabascan Indian brothers, the village was named for Old Steven when he was elected chief. During the gold rush, residents cut wood for mining operations and to fuel steamboats plying the Yukon River.
Culture:
The native population is predominantly Kutchin Indian who depend upon subsistence. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village.
Climate:
Rainfall averages 6.5 inches Summer temps range from 65 to 72,
1012 Dalton Hwy 36 1.0 1
Latitude: 65,52.920 N
Longitude: 149,41812 W
At the end of the Flats, channels converge into a rock cut gorge
Trans Alaska Pipeline crosses with a road bridge
Gas sta., café
1077 Rampart Pop 65 65 2.0 1
Latitude: 65° 30' N
Longitude: 150° 10' W
Shy people, won't talk.I
In a canyon on the south bank of the Yukon River, approximately 75 miles upstream from its junction with the Tanana River
History:
Rampart was established as a river supply point for gold placer mines in the hills and creek valleys south of the Yukon. An agricultural experiment station was established across the river from Rampart in 1900, to cross-breed grains and legumes.
Culture:
The population of Rampart is predominantly Koyukon
Climate:
The area averages 6.5 inches,summers from 65 to 80.
Tanana R. – enters fm SE
1152 Tanana Pop 293 75 1.5 1.5
Latitude: 65° 10' N
Longitude: 152° 04' W
About two miles west of the junction of the Tanana and Yukon Rivers
Tanana has a small boat harbor;
Tanana River enters from the southeast
2nd largest river
Yukon River widens into a deep pool across from confluence is an old athabascan summer trading rendezvous
History:
Tanana was a traditional trading settlement for nearby Koyukon and Tanana Athabascans long before European contact. Between 1887 and 1900 the St. James Mission built an elaborate school and hospital complex. It was an important source of services and social change along both rivers. In 1898, Fort Gibbon was founded at Tanana to maintain the telegraph line.
Culture:
The community's prime location is well suited to its role as a trading hub. Traditional ways of life persist - subsistence, potlatches, dances and foot races are part of the culture.
Climate:
Slight maritime influences during the summer months. Temperatures range from well below zero to the high 60s. Average precip is 13"
Accommodations: Tanana Lodge
Cultural Events: Nuchalawoyya (alternate years in June)
The Boneyard –high cutbank on the S bank of a split around an island (dangerous)
Nowitna R.
Melozitna R.
1282 Ruby Pop 204 130 4.5 3
Latitude: 64° 45' N
Longitude: 155° 30' W
On the south bank of the Yukon River, about 50 air miles east of Galena
Only village below Circle on the left bank of the R.
History:
Ruby historically served as a supply point for prospectors, and was named after the red stones found on the riverbank. Gold strikes in 1907 and 1911 attracted hundreds of prospectors to the area. Ruby's current residents are Koyukon Athabascans of the Nowitna-Koyukuk band, a nomadic group who followed game with the changing seasons.
Culture: Traditional Athabascan culture and subsistence practices.
Climate: Temperatures range to the low 70s. Average precip is 17 inches
Accommodations: Moose Camp B&B; School; City Office
1340 Galena Pop 529 58 2.0 1
Latitude: 64° 44' N
Longitude: 156° 56' W
On the north bank of the Yukon river
History:
Galena was established near an old fish camp site in 1918 as a supply point for the area's lead ore mines. In 1920, Koyukon Athabascans living upriver began moving to Galena to sell wood to steamboats and to haul freight for the mines.
Culture:
The population is mixed Athabascan and non-Native, and traditional festivals attract visitors from other river villages. The establishment of the Galena and Campion Air Force Bases in the 1950s have brought growth and change to Galena.
Climate: Temperatures range to the low 70's. Average precipitation is 12.7 inches
Accommodations: Happy Puppy B&B; Huntington's B&B; Wakahtna Lodge (summers)
1372 Koyukuk Pop 131 32 1.0 1
Latitude: 64° 53' N
Longitude: 157° 42' W
On the Yukon River near the mouth of the Koyukuk River, 30 miles west of Galena and 290 air miles west of Fairbanks.
History:
Most of Koyukuk's current population are descendants of families that lived in camps along the Koyukuk River. Friendships and trading between the Koyukon and Inupiaq Eskimos of the Kobuk area has occurred for generations in this area. Koyukuk Station was a military telegraph site. A Russian trading post was established in
1838, and missionary activity increased after 1870.
Culture: Residents are primarily Koyukon Athabascans with a subsistence lifestyle.
Climate: Temperatures to the low 70s. Average precipitation is 13 inches
1395 Nulato Pop 349 23 .5 .5
Latitude: 64° 43' N
Longitude: 158° 06' W
On the west bank of the Yukon River, 35 miles west of Galena
History:
Nulato was the trading site between Koyukon Athabascans and Inupiaq Eskimos from the Kobuk area. Western contact increased rapidly after the 1830s. Many natives moved to Nulato after a Roman Catholic mission and school were built there in 1887.
Culture:
Nulato residents are predominantly Koyukon Athabascans, with a trapping and subsistence lifestyle.
Climate: Temperatures range to the low 70s. Average precipitation is 15.6"
Accommodations: School; City Office; Bunkhouse; Fred's HouseCultural Events: Spring Carnival; Memorial Day; Fourth of July; 5th of August Races; potlatches; stick dance
1436 Kaltag Pop 232 41 1.0 1
Latitude: 64° 20' N
Longitude: 158° 43' W
On the west bank of the Yukon River, 75 miles west of Galena
History:
Kaltag was established in the early 1900s. The site was used as a cemetery for surrounding villages. It was named by the Russians for the Yukon Indian name Kaltaga. Three nearby villages moved to Kaltag in the 1900s. Steamboat traffic related to gold prospecting peaked in 1900.
Culture:
Kaltag's residents are Koyukon Athabascans. The Stick Dance Festival draws visitors to Kaltag from many neighboring villages. This one-week festival of potlatches is sponsored by relatives of the recently deceased, in appreciation of those who helped during their time of mourning.
Climate: Temperatures range to the low 70s.
Accommodations: City Fire Hall; City Clinic; Head Start Facility Visitor Attractions: Iditarod Trail; Kaiyuh Flats; Nulato Hills Cultural Events: Stickdance (held alternate years with Nulato); Blanket Toss (Jan. 1); Wash Tub Dance (Jan. 2); Spring Carnival (March); Lady Wildcats Annual Basketball Tournament (Feb.)
150 mi of deserted country after Kaltag
1576 Grayling Pop 203 140 3.0 3
Latitude: 62° 57' N
Longitude: 160° 03' W
On the west bank of the Yukon River east of the Nulato Hills, 18 air miles north of Anvik.
½ mi off the River
History:
In 1900 the Nunivak, a U.S. Revenue steamer, stopped for fuel in Grayling and reported 75 inhabitants. The village was later abandoned until 1962 when residents of Holikachuk move to the site.
Culture: Grayling is comprised of Holikachuk and Ingalik Indians
Events: Every other year Grayling is a checkpoint on the annual 1,049 mile Iditarod dog sled race.
Climate: Temperatures range to 87. 21 inches of total precipitation per year.
Accommodations: City Building; Shirley Clark's B&B; School
1596 Anvik Pop 91 20 .5 .5
Latitude: 62° 39' N
Longitude: 160° 12' W
On the Anvik River, west of the Yukon River, 34 miles north of Holy Cross.
History:
Anvik has historically been an Ingalik Indian village. The Russian Glazanov reported it having 100 people in 1834. Originally it was on other side of the river; residents gradually moved across the river with the establishment of an Episcopal mission and school in 1887.
Culture: Subsistence and home gardening are actively pursued by the Ingaliks.
Climate: Temperatures range to 87. 21 inches total precipitation per year.
Accommodations: Chase Enterprises Lodge; Anvik City Building; School
Visitor Attractions: Anvik Historical Society Museum
Cultural Events: Spring Carnival; Christmas Program; Halloween Carnival; Basketball/Volleyball Tournament
Museums: Historical Society Museum
River slows to 2 knots now
Bonasila River
1642 Holy Cross Pop 261 46 1.5 1
Latitude: 62° 12' N
Longitude: 159° 46' W
On the west bank of Ghost Creek Slough off the Yukon River
History:
A mission and school were established in the 1880s by Father Aloysius Robert, who came to Alaska across the Chilkoot Trail. Ingalik Indians then migrated to Holy Cross.
Culture:
Holy Cross-is an Ingalik Indian village. Subsistence and fishing-related activities are important to residents. The sale and importation of alcohol are banned in the village.
Climate: Temperatures range between -62 and 93. 19 inches of precip per year.
Accommodations: Holy Cross Lodge
1722 Russian Mis. Pop 284 80 2.0 1.5
Latitude: 61° 47' N
Longitude: 161° 19' W
On the west bank of the Yukon River in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, 25 miles southeast of Marshall. It lies 376 miles west of Anchorage.
History:
The first Russian American Company fur trading post on the Yukon River was established here in 1837. The settlement was recorded as an Eskimo village called "Ikogniut," meaning "people of the point," in 1842 by the Russian explorer Zagoskin. The first Russian Orthodox mission in Interior Alaska was established here in 1857 by the Russian-Aleut priest Jacob Netzuetov. The mission was renamed from Pokrovskaya Mission to Russian Mission in 1900.
Culture:
Russian Mission is an Eskimo village. Subsistence is the focus of the culture. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned.
Climate:
A significant maritime influence. Temperatures to 86. Annual precipitation is 16 inches. Heavy north winds often limit air access in the fall and winter.
Roundabout Mt. – Southernmost pt of the Yukon R.
Abandoned village… Ohagiamut
1784 Marshall Pop304 62 2.0 1
Latitude: 61° 53' N
Longitude: 162° 05' W
On the east bank of Poltes Slough, north of Arbor Island on the east bank of the Yukon River in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
Sits on a high ledge
History:
Fortuna Ledge began as a placer mining camp. Its location on a channel of the Yukon River was convenient for riverboat landings. Later the village was named for Thomas Riley Marshall, Vice President of the United States under Woodrow Wilson from 1913-21.
Culture:
Marshall is a traditional Eskimo village. Subsistence and fishing-related activities support most residents. Members of the Village of Ohogamiut also live in Marshall. Sale, importation, and possession of alcohol are banned in the village.
Climate: Maritime with temperatures to 86. Average annual rainfall 16 inches.
After Marshall, there are 3 BAD spots, where the wind blows one way, and the R. runs the other way.
1 – immediately after Marshall, in the lee of a long island
2 – Dogtooth Bend, a several mi loop around a cuspid of tundra
3 – Just before Pilot Station
River forms a T, bending sharply to the SW, where Chuilnak R enters.
Cross directly in front of the village to avoid big waves
1830 Pilot Sta. Pop 536 46 1.5 1
Latitude: 61° 56' N
Longitude: 162° 52' W
On the northwest bank of the Yukon River, 11 miles east of St. Mary’s and 26 miles west of Marshall on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
Blue roofed houses
History:
The village was first called "Ankachak," and later was moved three miles upriver to a site called "Potiliuk."
Culture:
Pilot Station is an Eskimo village dependent upon a fishing and subsistence lifestyle. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned
Climate: The climate is maritime, averaging 16 inches of precip per year. Temps can range to 83.
1850 St. Mary's Pop 501 20 1.0 1
Latitude: 62° 03' N
Longitude: 163° 10' W
On the north bank of the Andreafsky River, 3.5 miles northeast of Pitka's Point in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
History:
In 1948 the mission school in Akulurak moved to higher ground, which began the village of St. Mary's.
Culture:
St. Mary's is an Eskimo community that maintains a fishing and subsistence lifestyle. The sale of alcohol is prohibited in the community, although importation or possession are allowed.
Climate:
The climate is continental with a significant maritime influence. Temperatures range to 83. Annual precipitation measures 16 inches
1868 Mountain Village Pop 724 l18 .5 .5
Latitude: 62° 05' N
Longitude: 163° 43' W
On the north bank of the Yukon River, approximately 20 miles west of St. Mary's. It is at the foot of the first mountain encountered by those traveling up the Yukon.
History:
Mountain Village was a summer fish camp until the opening of a general store in 1908. This prompted residents of Liberty Landing and Johnny's Place to immigrate.
Culture:
It is an Eskimo community with traditional subsistence practices. Commercial fishing and fish processing provide income. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village.
Climate: Maritime influences. Temperature range to 80. Precip averages 16".
Accommodations: City Nightly Rental Unit; Azachorak Corp.; School
1943 Emmonak Pop 784 75 2.5 2
Latitude: 62° 47' N
Longitude: 164° 32' W
At the mouth of the Yukon River, 10 miles from the Bering Sea, on the north bank of Kwiguk Pass. It lies 120 air miles northwest of Bethel and 490 air miles from Anchorage, in the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge.
History:
Villagers call themselves "Kuigpagmuit," or "people from the Yukon River." The original settlement was 1.4 miles south of its present location - residents were forced to move because of flooding.
Culture:
Emmonak is a Yup'ik Eskimo village involved in commercial fishing, processing and subsistence activities. Residents of Chuloonawick, a nearby fish camp, also live in Emmonak. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village.
Climate:
A maritime climate predominates in Emmonak. Temperatures range to 79. Precipitation is 19 inches per year, The growing season is 100 days.
Airline Services: Grant Aviation; Hageland; Larry's; Camai Air; Arctic
Transportation Services; Warbelow's; Northern Air Cargo
Accommodations: City Hotel; Larry's B&B; Howie & Audrey's B&B; City Rental Units
Visitor Attractions: Kayaking the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge;
1955 Bering Sea 12 .5 .5
Latitude: 62, 48.181' N
Longitude: 164, 51.569 W
THE END
Total 66 44.5
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