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Alaska Wild and Scenic Rivers

Wild and Scenic Rivers of Alaska
Photo: Milo Woodbridge Williams, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alaska_Natives._Two_moose_swim_through_a_lake_off_of_the_Noatak_River_in_Alaska._Alaska_Task_Force_2582-37_(08a6b892fc0f416b8d9c8bbd87e35d4d).jpg)

In one line

Thirteen NPS-managed rivers in the national system.

Alaska’s Wild and Scenic Rivers include 13 rivers managed by the National Park Service within the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, which Congress created in 1968 through Public Law 90-542.[1]

Wild and Scenic Rivers of Alaska
Wild and Scenic Rivers of Alaska. Photo: Milo Woodbridge Williams / Public domain.
NPS-managed rivers13
System created1968 (Public Law 90-542)
Western Arctic7 rivers
Interior1 river
Southwest5 rivers
AgencyNational Park Service

National system

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 under Public Law 90-542. In Alaska, the National Park Service manages 13 of the designated rivers.[1]

Rivers by region

The Western Arctic has seven: the Noatak, Alatna, Salmon, North Fork Koyukuk, John, Kobuk and Tinayguk. The Interior has one, the Charley. The Southwest has five: the Mulchatna, Tlikakila, Alagnak, Aniakchak and Chilikadrotna.[1]

FAQs

How many Alaska rivers does the NPS manage in the system? 13.

When was the national system created? 1968.

Is the Alagnak included? Yes, in the Southwest group.

Sources

  1. National Park Service: Alaska Wild and Scenic Rivers

Key facts

  • System created 1968
  • 7 in Western Arctic
Quick checkHow many Alaska rivers does the NPS manage in the system?Show answer

13

Sources

  1. National Park Service. Alaska Wild and Scenic Rivers. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-14)

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue