About Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge
Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1980 to protect the wildlife and diverse habitats nestled on the delta between the mighty Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers of Alaska. Here, the tundra meets the Bering Sea. Without question, the refuge supports one of the largest aggregations of water birds in the world. A spectacle takes place every spring as millions of ducks, geese, and other water birds return to the refuge to nest. The refuge supports one of the most important shorebird nesting areas in the United States, both in density and species diversity.Hundreds of miles of rivers and streams provide spawning and rearing habitat for 44 species of fish, including five species of Pacific salmon. Drier upland habitats harbor populations of brown and black bears, caribou, moose, wolves, and muskox. Along the coast of the refuge, the Bering Sea hosts a variety of marine mammals, including whales, which pass through during migration.In the interior, the Andreafsky wilderness protects a large expanse of alpine and wetland tundra. An abundance of moose, fox, martens, wolverines, caribou, black and brown bears thrive. The Andreafsky River and the East Fork, a designated Wild and Scenic River, traverses 198 miles of this Wilderness area.This landscape is the ancestral home of the Yup’ik, Cup’ik, and Deg Xit'an people of Alaska. The region is rich in culture, and residents depend on wild lands, waters, and wildlife to support an active subsistence way of life. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta is among the most populated rural areas in Alaska, with over 50 Alaska Native communities.
How to Get There
You cannot drive to the refuge since no roads lead into Bethel, the location of the refuge headquarters. Various airlines provide regular commercial flights to and from Bethel. Upon arriving in the airport in Bethel, drive 2 miles along one of the few paved roads in town, the Chief Eddie Hoffman State Highway, to the refuge office and visitor center which is located across from the hospital. From Bethel, most non-local visitors travel into the refuge by small aircraft.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1678) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge?
You cannot drive to the refuge since no roads lead into Bethel, the location of the refuge headquarters. Various airlines provide regular commercial flights to and from Bethel. Upon arriving in the airport in Bethel, drive 2 miles along one of the few paved roads in town, the Chief Eddie Hoffman State Highway, to the refuge office and visitor center which is located across from the hospital. From …
How do I contact Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-543-3151 or email: yukondelta@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
