Convenient float trips and ancient hunting grounds abound on Wild and Scenic River

What do you call a river with unique geological features, fish to catch, wildlife to observe, and a convenient route for float boating? A dream, known as Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River!

Birch Creek is one of six Wild and Scenic Rivers managed by BLM Alaska. These rivers were designated by Congress due to their outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values. It is the BLM’s responsibility, in cooperation with other federal agencies, to preserve these rivers so they can be enjoyed by present and future generations. 

Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River is 111 miles long and comprises part of the 342-mile Ikhèenjik River. Birch Creek starts in the Steese National Conservation Area and flows northeast into the Yukon Flats near central Alaska. 

Part of the reason for Birch Creek’s designation as a Wild and Scenic River is its historical significance. The area surrounding Birch Creek has been occupied and used by Gwich’in Athabascans for centuries, mostly as hunting and fishing grounds. The Gwich’in name of the village is known as Łiteet'aii.  In the mid-1800s, traders working out of Fort Yukon gave Birch Creek its name. Eventually, miners and trappers moved into the region as well, leaving small cabins along the river that remain today. 

Aside from its human inhabitants, Birch Creek is home to a wide array of wildlife. Several raptors nest along the river, including eagles, hawks, and the previously endangered peregrine falcon. Moose and waterfowl are abundant in the wetlands of upper Birch Creek. In terms of fish, Birch Creek has a significantly high level of diversity when compared to other interior rivers. Arctic grayling, northern pike, sheefish, and three types of salmon are among the 12 species of fish known to live there. 

Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River affords a number of recreation opportunities. In late winter and early spring, the river is often utilized for snowmachining, hunting, and trapping. In the summer, Birch Creek’s main attraction is a one-week float trip. Unlike most remote rivers in Alaska, Birch Creek is accessible by road on both ends. Most floaters put in at the Upper Birch Creek Wayside at Mile 94.5 of the Steese Highway and take out at the Lower Birch Creek Wayside at Mile 140.5 of the Steese Highway. The trip takes most people about 50 hours, or five to seven days, when travelling at a leisurely pace. Another interesting characteristic of Birch Creek is the varied float experience it offers. Most of the river has Class I rapids, but several points offer Class II, III, III+, and even Class IV whitewater rapids, depending on the season and the flow of the river. 

To help celebrate the 25th Anniversary of National Conservation Lands and to start planning your trip on the Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River, visit the Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River webpage.