There's Something Incredible About These 9 Rivers In Alaska
×
Casea Peterson
Author
There are over 12,000 rivers, creeks, and streams in Alaska. A lot of those are thanks to the melting snow and melting ice from the glaciers. Some of the rivers are really awesome whether it’s because they are insanely long and popular for fishing, or because they have cool features about them.
It’s hard to believe that there are barely 15,000 miles of road throughout Alaska, but over 365,000 miles of waterways… I guess it makes sense that a majority of our towns and cities are only accessible by water.
Check out these 9 one-of-a-kind rivers and streams around your state and maybe plan a trip to adventure up and down one this weekend!
This is a look down at the Yukon from Dawson City. I know what you're thinking, Dawson City isn't in Alaska, it's in the Yukon! That's true, but the Yukon River is the FOURTH largest river in the U.S. and 1,400 miles of it runs through Alaska while only 580 run through Canada.
The Porcupine River is another LONG one, 555 miles in Alaska to be exact. The Porcupine River originates in the Ogilvie Mountains of Canada before entering Alaska. The river is such a big deal that there is a caribou herd in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge named after it. It's also a GREAT river for boaters and kayakers of decent skill level. Not to mention some of the oldest possible evidence of human habitation in North America can be found in some of its tributaries... cool!
Advertisement
The Koyukuk RIver is the third longest river in Alaska and BOY is it powerful. In 1994, the Koyukuk, Yup'ik for river, go figure, wiped out three whole villages forcing their people to relocate for good!
Advertisement
Lowell Creek is a short creek but man does it have a big name in Seward. The Lowell Creek Diversion Tunnel is a flood control project for the prevention of severe flooding that Lowell Creek would impose on the city of Seward multiple times a year. The creek actually has an awesome entrance into the ocean, so if you're ever in Seward, you've got to check out the big waterfall that Lowell Creek makes as it drains into the ocean.
Related Stories
This Bizarre Beach In Alaska Is Too Weird For Words
Everyone In Alaska Must Visit This Epic Natural Spring As Soon As Possible
These 9 Beachfront Restaurants In Alaska Are Out Of This World
As you can see by this picture of Placer River, it is accessible by train... but that's it. The cool thing about this river is how secluded it is due to the zero road access. People take the train and get off above the river, raft across the lake and then down the river before being picked up again by the train near the bottom. How fun is that?!
The Swanson River is actually a creek due to the fact that it only runs 40 miles. But in those 40 miles the Swanson River offers up some of the coolest canoe routes in Alaska. Not to mention the fishing can be pretty decent in its 40 mile span as well.
The Kuskokwim River is the 7th largest river in the U.S. and runs almost 540 miles. Because it's course is generally very flat, this popular fishing and traveling river is used as a frozen road during the winter months for easy transportation around Alaska's interior.
The Nenana River is perhaps one of my favorites out of Alaska. Every year the Nenana Ice Classic is hosted, an annual contest where people submit their guess as to when the tripod mounted on the frozen river will fall through due to the ice fully melting. A silly game really, but a tradition shared from generation to generation for years.
Advertisement
Another one of my favorite Alaska rivers is the Colville River. It runs 428 miles making it the 7th largest river in Alaska. The cool thing about the Colville River is the wildlife migrations it attracts like large herds of caribou as well as multiple species of nesting birds. In fact, Colville River is commonly referred to as "hawk heaven" and many dinosaur remains have been found in its shores and caverns as well! A really cool place to go explore if you ask me!
Which is your favorite river in Alaska? What makes it unique?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.