The 3.5 million acre Koyukuk Refuge lies in a basin surrounded by rolling, low mountains and is bisected by the Koyukuk River. This tributary of the Yukon River, which flows down from the Brooks Range, is the third largest river in Alaska. The refuge’s rich wetlands combine with lowland forests to support a diversity of wildlife, including a large population of migrating waterfowl and numerous moose. The Three Day Slough area supports about five moose per square mile. The Western Arctic Caribou Herd, numbering more than 425,000 animals, migrates through Koyukuk and the 300 strong Galena Mountain Caribou Herd lives within the refuge year round.
Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge is home to a wide variety of birds, mammals and fish of the boreal forest. Thousands of waterfowl, primarily wigeon, pintail, scaup, white-fronted geese and Canada geese are joined by both trumpeter and tundra swan on the Koyukuk’s lush breeding grounds each spring. Refuge streams and lakes sustain large fish populations including seasonal king, silver and chum salmon, as well as year round northern pike.
Activities and Attractions
River travel is the best way to see the Koyukuk Refuge and includes motorized boats, canoes, kayaks and rafts. Air charters are another mode of access and are available from Fairbanks and some local villages. The Nogabahara Sand Dunes are also located within the Koyukuk Refuge. These dunes were formed thousands of years ago when sand exposed by receding glaciers was blown up against the Nulato Hills. The active dunes encompass a roughly circular area approximately six miles in diameter. An archaeological site called Batza Tena lies in the northeastern portion of the refuge. This area was the major source of obsidian used by Natives in northern Alaska in prehistoric times.
Accessibility
The Koyukuk Refuge is located about 270 miles west of Fairbanks, and access is limited to air and river travel in this road less part of Alaska. There are no public use cabins within the refuge. There are a number of privately owned lands and cabins, visitors are asked not to trespass. Check in with the refuge office to plan your trip and get important information on restrictions.
Fees
There are no visitor fees.
Weather and Climate
Summer: extra strength bug repellent, hat, long-sleeved shirts, pants, warm clothing, rain gear. Temperatures: average day: 65°F, average night: 40°F. Early and late summer day: 40°F, night: 10°F.
Fall: cold weather clothing, rain gear, extra clothing -- wool sweater, long underwear and heavy socks. Temperatures: average day: 40°F, average night: 20°F. Low temperatures: 25°F, night: 10°F.
Winter: Extreme cold weather gear, extra complete set of clothing, snowshoes, axe, and rope. Temperatures seasonally variable: average day: -10°F to -20°F, average night: 0°F to -35°F. Extreme temperatures below -55°F are possible from November through February.
Facilities
Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge, (907) 656-1231, 101 Front Street, Galena
History
Congress established the Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge in 1980 when it enacted the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA).
http://www.r7.fws.gov/nwr/koyukuk/index.htm