About Fortymile Wild and Scenic River
The Fortymile Wild and Scenic River is an extensive network of creeks and rivers in east-central Alaska, 392 miles of which are designated as a Wild, Scenic, or Recreational section of the National Wild and Scenic River System. The river's numerous forks flow into the 'mainstem' Fortymile River, which joins the Yukon River in Canada.River float trips, camping, and sightseeing from the Taylor Highway are the primary attractions for visitors to the Fortymile. Boaters have many choices for recreational trips through deep, winding canyons lined by forests of birch, spruce and aspen. Remnants of past mining operations dot the riverbanks as mementos of the area's rich mining history. For an Alaska river, the Fortymile has an unusual number of access points, making it possible to enjoy float trips that range from one day to several weeks in length.Monitoring River LevelsVarious stream gauges throughout the Fortymile provide useful information for monitoring floating conditions. Current observations in the Fortymile River are available on the National Weather Service’s Hydrometeorological Automated Data System (HADS) website: Fortymile HADS websitehttps://water.weather.gov/ahps2/glance.php? wfo=pafg&gage=fmsa2&riverid=203400CampgroundsBLM maintains three public campgrounds in the Fortymile region: West Fork Campground (Taylor Highway milepost 48.8), Walker Fork Campground (Taylor Highway milepost 82) and Eagle Campground in the town of Eagle. These campgrounds include campsites with picnic tables, as well as outhouses and potable water. Dump stations are not available; campers are encouraged to dump in Tok or Dawson. Overnight camping is not allowed at BLM waysides along the Taylor Highway.Are you floating the Fortymile Wild and Scenic River into Canada?If you will be passing through Canadian waters, contact Canadian Immigration through their remote river crossings email (971NPCU03G@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca) before your trip. They will respond with the required information needed fo
How to Get There
Most visitors to the Fortymile Wild and Scenic River arrive via the 160-mile-long Taylor Highway, which branches off the Alaska Highway at Tetlin Junction near Tok, or via the Top of the Highway from Dawson City. From Tok, proceed east 2 miles on State Highway 2 to the Taylor Highway and then to a selected drop-off point, such as the South Fork Bridge Wayside or Fortymile Bridge. Air taxi shuttles to remote drop-off and take-out points can also be arranged in Tok or Fairbanks.Approximate driving times: 6 to 8 hours from Fairbanks; 8 to 10 hours from Anchorage; 2 to 3 hours from Dawson City, Yukon Territory.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Fortymile Wild and Scenic River
Heading to Fortymile Wild and Scenic River? 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 Fortymile Wild and Scenic River?
No central reservation system listed for Fortymile Wild and Scenic River. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/589) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Fortymile Wild and Scenic River?
Most visitors to the Fortymile Wild and Scenic River arrive via the 160-mile-long Taylor Highway, which branches off the Alaska Highway at Tetlin Junction near Tok, or via the Top of the Highway from Dawson City. From Tok, proceed east 2 miles on State Highway 2 to the Taylor Highway and then to a selected drop-off point, such as the South Fork Bridge Wayside or Fortymile Bridge. Air taxi shuttles…
How do I contact Fortymile Wild and Scenic River?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-474-2200 or email: EasternInterior@BLM.gov.
References & Official Resources
