Fortymile River

The Fortymile River is a Wild and Scenic River system in east-central Alaska near the Canadian border, designated on December 2, 1980. At 392 miles it is described as the longest system in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers network, and its mainstem joins the Yukon River in Canada.[1]

Designation

The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act designated the river on December 2, 1980. Of 392 miles in the system, 179 are classified wild, 203 scenic and 10 recreational, and the Bureau of Land Management describes it as the longest system in the national network.[1]

Gold rush history

Gold was discovered on Franklin’s Bar in 1886, starting Interior Alaska’s first gold rush, and miners extracted more than half a million ounces according to the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys. Mining continues in the region. The region had no established roads until the Taylor Highway was completed in 1953, the Army sent troops to the Eagle area in 1899, and the 1900 military telegraph system followed much of the Eagle to Valdez Trail. The former community of Steele Creek, on the overland trail between Chicken and Eagle, can be reached by hiking trail from mile 105 of the Taylor Highway or by river.[1]

Wildlife

The Fortymile caribou herd uses the river corridor extensively, though the areas it uses can shift from year to year. The river holds Arctic grayling, round whitefish and burbot.[1]

Recreation

Float trips range from a day to several weeks, with many access points. Primitive camping is available on gravel bars and river benches, and visitors also camp and sightsee from the Taylor Highway.[1]

FAQs

When was the Fortymile designated? December 2, 1980.

How long is the system? 392 miles.

What started the gold rush there? Gold found on Franklin’s Bar in 1886.

Sources

1. Bureau of Land Management: Fortymile Wild and Scenic River

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