About Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge
Yukon Flats is the third largest wildlife refuge in the United States, encompassing approximately 11.1 million acres of land (8.63 million acres in federal ownership). Extending 220 miles east-west along the Arctic Circle, the refuge lies between the Brooks Mountain Range to the north and the jagged limestone peaks of the White Mountains to the south. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline corridor runs along the refuge’s western boundary while the eastern boundary extends to within 30 miles of the Canadian border. The Yukon River flows through refuge lands, sculpting the vast floodplain of lakes, ponds, and streams that dominate the landscape.Tens of thousands of lakes and ponds spot the Yukon Flats Refuge, mostly concentrated in the floodplains along the Yukon River and some of its tributaries. The surrounding uplands, where there are fewer lakes, serve as important drainage systems from the bordering mountains, hills, and highlands. The abundance of water in lakes, ponds, and streams provides important habitat for waterfowl from all four North American flyways. The refuge hosts as many as two million ducks annually and supports the highest breeding densities in Alaska. Alaska's only endemic fish, the Bering Cisco, spawns in the flats as well.
How to Get There
The refuge office is located in room 264 of the Federal Building at 101 12th Avenue in Fairbanks, Alaska. There is no visitor center, nor are there any public facilities, on the refuge itself. The refuge is located about 100 miles north of Fairbanks. Access is primarily by aircraft and boat. There are regularly scheduled commercial flights between Fairbanks and the seven villages in or near the refuge. Visitors may also drive the Steese Highway (a gravel road) from Fairbanks to the Yukon River, at Circle, and travel down the river via watercraft into the refuge. Charter service to remote lakes and gravel bars along rivers is also available from Fairbanks and Fort Yukon. Visitors may also drive up the Dalton Highway to the Yukon River Bridge and travel upriver about 5 miles to reach the refuge.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Yukon Flats 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 Flats National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1679) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge office is located in room 264 of the Federal Building at 101 12th Avenue in Fairbanks, Alaska. There is no visitor center, nor are there any public facilities, on the refuge itself. The refuge is located about 100 miles north of Fairbanks. Access is primarily by aircraft and boat. There are regularly scheduled commercial flights between Fairbanks and the seven villages in or near the re…
How do I contact Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-456-0440 or email: yukonflats@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
