Overview
The Fortymile Wild and Scenic River system drains a broad swath of east-central Alaska near the Canadian border, flowing roughly 170 miles before joining the Yukon River. It holds the distinction of being one of the longest free-flowing river systems in the western United States and was among the first rivers designated under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
The watershed is best known to historians as the site of the first significant gold rush in interior Alaska, predating the Klondike discoveries by nearly a decade. Crumbling dredge equipment, old cabins, and hand-stacked mining tailings dot the banks and tributary valleys, giving the corridor an open-air museum quality that few Alaska rivers can match.
The river is managed cooperatively by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and, where it crosses into Yukon Territory, by Canadian authorities. There is no single town called 'Fortymile River'; the nearest service communities are Chicken and Tok, Alaska. Travelers should plan accordingly, as services along the river itself are essentially nonexistent.
Biodiversity here is impressive for interior Alaska: moose, black and grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep on higher ridges, and large runs of Arctic grayling and salmon support both subsistence users and sport visitors. The river corridor is genuinely wild — self-sufficiency is not optional.
Before You Go
Planning Essentials
Permits and registration: No permit is currently required to float the Fortymile, but the BLM strongly encourages trip registration so searchers have your itinerary if something goes wrong. Contact the BLM Tok Field Office before your trip to register and to get current water-level and safety information (verify contact details and any new permit requirements on the official BLM Alaska website before your trip).
Maps and navigation: USGS 1:63,360 topographic maps are the standard. Download offline maps and GPS tracks before you leave; cell coverage is absent throughout most of the corridor. The BLM publishes a Fortymile River recreation guide — obtain it ahead of time.
Bear safety: Carry bear spray and practice using it. Food storage in bear-resistant canisters or hung properly is expected and prudent. Both black bears and grizzlies are present.
Medical and emergency preparedness:
- The nearest hospitals are in Fairbanks and Anchorage — a very long way from the river.
- A satellite communicator (SPOT, Garmin inReach, or similar) is strongly recommended.
- Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit and know how to use it.
- Water must be filtered or treated throughout the trip.
Visas: If your float extends into Yukon Territory, Canada, you will cross an international border. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official websites of US Customs and Border Protection and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for current entry requirements before travel.
Getting There
Access Points
The primary road access points along the Fortymile corridor are reached via the Taylor Highway (Alaska Route 5), which connects the Alaska Highway (near Tok) to Eagle, Alaska. Several put-in and take-out points lie along or near this highway.
By air: Most visitors fly into Fairbanks International Airport, which has scheduled commercial service from Anchorage, Seattle, and a handful of other US cities. From Fairbanks, it is roughly 200 miles by road to Chicken, a common staging point. Tok is also a practical base and is about 100 miles from Chicken along the Alaska Highway and Taylor Highway.
By road: The Taylor Highway is a gravel road open seasonally (typically May through October, though dates vary — verify current conditions with the Alaska Department of Transportation before travel). Road conditions can change rapidly; a high-clearance vehicle is advisable. The Alaska Highway from the Lower 48 via Canada is a multi-day drive.
By small aircraft: Charter floatplane service from Fairbanks or Tok can access remote put-in points not reachable by road. Operators change; verify current providers locally or through the Tok Visitor Center.
There is no public transit to or along the Taylor Highway.
Getting Around
Once on the river, travel is by non-motorized watercraft — canoe, kayak, or packraft are the most common choices. The river ranges from flatwater to Class IV rapids depending on the tributary or main-stem section chosen, so match your craft and skill level to the route carefully.
Shuttles between put-in and take-out points require a vehicle or arrangement with a local outfitter in Chicken or Tok. Because the Taylor Highway is the only road paralleling portions of the river, car shuttles are feasible for some routes but can involve very long drives on rough gravel roads.
Within the small community of Chicken, there is a seasonal lodge, a saloon, and a small store — do not assume any of these are open or stocked without confirming in advance. Tok has more reliable fuel, grocery, and lodging options and serves as the main service hub for the region.
Where to Stay
Accommodation within the river corridor is camping only — on gravel bars, open tundra, and forested benches. There are no established campgrounds with facilities along most of the river; Leave No Trace principles apply throughout. Select campsites well above the high-water mark and away from bear travel corridors.
In Chicken, seasonal lodging has been available at the local lodge — verify current availability and rates directly before relying on it. Tok offers motels, a campground, and RV parks that serve as a practical base before and after a river trip. Fairbanks, roughly three to four hours by road depending on conditions, has the full range of accommodation options for pre- and post-trip nights.
Things to See & Do
Paddling
Floating the Fortymile is the central activity. Popular multi-day routes range from the South Fork put-in near Chicken (suitable for intermediate paddlers) to more demanding stretches on the North Fork. The confluence area and lower river are generally calmer. Water levels fluctuate significantly with snowmelt and rain; always check current conditions with the BLM before launching.
Gold Rush History
The Fortymile district produced placer gold beginning in 1886. Walking the banks and tributary valleys, you will encounter hydraulic mining remnants, gold dredges, and pioneer-era cabin ruins. The community of Chicken preserves several historic structures and operates a small museum (verify hours seasonally). This is a tangible, undeveloped window into pre-Klondike Alaska history.
Fishing
Arctic grayling are abundant and willing throughout the system, making the Fortymile a favorite among fly anglers. Chum and king salmon also migrate through portions of the lower river. Alaska fishing regulations apply; obtain a current Alaska fishing license before arrival, as there is nowhere to buy one along the river corridor.
Wildlife Observation
Moose are commonly seen in willow-lined sloughs and side channels. Watch creek mouths and gravel bars for bears, especially when salmon are running. Scan ridges and rocky outcrops for Dall sheep. Raptors including bald eagles, golden eagles, and various hawks are regular sightings.
Hiking
There are no maintained trails within the river corridor. Cross-country travel on open tundra ridges and creek drainages is possible for experienced wilderness hikers with strong navigation skills. Conditions and terrain vary enormously.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants, cafes, or resupply points within the river corridor itself. All food for a float trip must be packed in from the start, calculated carefully for the full duration of your journey with a buffer for weather delays.
In Chicken, seasonal food and beverage service has historically been available at the lodge and saloon, but hours and availability change year to year — confirm before you count on it. Tok has restaurants, a grocery store, and fuel, making it a practical final provisioning stop before heading out on the Taylor Highway.
Bear-proof food storage is essential. Never leave food, scented items, or cooking gear unsecured at camp.
Practical Information
Communications
Cell service is absent throughout the river corridor and extremely limited in Chicken. Tok has better coverage. A satellite communicator is the only reliable means of two-way communication in the backcountry — this is not an exaggeration in this corridor.
Weather
Interior Alaska summer weather is variable. Expect temperatures ranging from below freezing at night to the high 20s Celsius (low 80s°F) on warm days. Rain gear is essential. Wildfires are a seasonal hazard in dry years and can generate heavy smoke; check Alaska wildfire information resources before and during your trip.
Insects
Mosquitoes and biting gnats are intense from late June through mid-July. A head net, long sleeves, and effective insect repellent are not optional comfort items — they are practical necessities.
Leave No Trace
Pack out all waste. Human waste disposal in the wilderness is expected to follow LNT standards; carry a WAG bag system on multi-day trips. The BLM Tok Field Office can advise on current best practices.
Emergency contacts
Alaska State Troopers is the primary law enforcement and search-and-rescue coordinator in this region. Verify current dispatch numbers before your trip through official Alaska state government sources. Always leave a detailed float plan with someone reliable who will contact authorities if you do not check in by your agreed date.
Safety
The Fortymile is a genuinely remote wilderness corridor. Medical evacuation can take many hours to arrange and execute, and weather frequently delays aircraft. Every visitor should honestly assess their skills and experience before committing to a float.
Water hazards: Several rapids, particularly on the North Fork and in the canyon sections of the main stem, are Class III–IV and require scouting. Strainers (submerged or partially submerged logs and debris) are present and can be life-threatening. Water temperatures are cold enough to cause incapacitation quickly if you swim unexpectedly — a dry suit or wetsuit is appropriate for the coldest conditions.
Wildfire: In dry summers, wildfires can move rapidly and generate disorienting smoke. Monitor Alaska Division of Forestry fire maps before and during your trip.
International border: The river crosses into Yukon Territory at one point on some routes. Crossing without proper documentation at an undesignated border crossing may create serious legal complications with both US and Canadian authorities. Understand your route thoroughly before launching.
Bears: Follow established bear safety protocols at all times. Never approach wildlife, and store food correctly every night without exception.
