Expect to hear only the cackling of
geese and other waterfowl at Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge.
This remote roadless refuge some 150 miles west of Fairbanks is one of
the least visited reserves in the national wildlife refuge
system. But its two million acres of river lowlands,
marshes, lakes and streams provide important nesting habitat for
waterfowl, including theN threatened trumpeter swan.
Ducks nesting on the refuge include mallards, pintails, green-winged
teal, northern shovelers, American wigeons and greater and lesser
scaup. But the refuge isn't only for the birds. With luck,
you may also see black and grizzly bears, moose, red fox, beaver and
wolves. More secretive lynx are also present, as are wolverines.
BEST
TIMES TO VISIT
Late May to early June.
August and September.
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WHAT TO SEE:
Seven miles of hundred foot bluffs known as "The Boneyards."
Here you may see fossils of Pleistocene mammals, including the giant
mammoth.
WHAT TO DO:
Kayak, canoe or float the Nowitna and Yukon Rivers. Fish
for northern pike,
Arctic grayling, burbot, sheefish and several species of
whitefish.
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WHERE TO STAY:
Camping is allowed at the refuge but don't expect designated campsites
or facilities. There is a public campground in the village of
Ruby, and the town of Galena, some 55 miles downriver, offers travelers
the option of bed and breakfasts.
DIRECTIONS:
You can fly from Fairbanks or Anchorage to Galena and charter a small
plane to the refuge from there. It's also possible to reach the
refuge by boating down the Yukon River from the Dalton Bridge Highway
or the Tanumu River bridge at Nenana.
CONTACT ADDRESS:
Nowitna
NWR
101 Front Street
P O Box 287
Galena, AK 99741
(907) 656-1231
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