North Fork Koyukuk River
Alaska
This river flows from the south flank of the Arctic Divide through broad, glacially carved valleys in the rugged Endicott Mountains of Alaska's Central Brooks Range. It passes between the "Gates of the Arctic" at Boreal Mountain and Frigid Crags. The North Fork joins the Middle Fork and can be run all the way to Bettles Field.
Designated Reach
December 2, 1980. The segment within Gates of the Arctic National Park.
Outstandingly Remarkable Values
Culture
Despite being only cursorily surveyed, the valley contains a high density of archeological sites. At least 86 historic and prehistoric archeological sites are known from the North Fork within Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, and the vast majority are immediately adjacent to the riv...Show More
History
The early inspiration for the creation of a vast northern national park can be traced back to a U.S. Forest Service forester named Bob Marshall who arrived in Alaska in 1929 looking for what he called “blank spaces on maps.” The North Fork Koyukuk River is the country Robert Marshall celebrated i...Show More
Recreation
Excellent hiking opportunities and remarkable scenery have made this location a highly desirable wilderness backpacking area within the Brooks Range. Additionally, the limited number of users throughout the North Fork contributes to a wilderness-type experience. The North Fork also provides backp...Show More
Scenery
Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain form the Gates of the Arctic, the iconic passage to the Gates of the Arctic National Park, as described by Robert Marshall. Within the central Brooks Range, the Endicott Mountains’ rugged peaks transition into large glacial valleys. Mount Doonerak, the highest mou...Show More