Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge — Complete Alaska Guide

Overview

The Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in the state of Alaska, USA. It covers an area of approximately 2,860,000 acres, making it one of the largest national wildlife refuges in the United States. The refuge is situated in the Yukon River Valley, about 75 miles northwest of the city of Fairbanks. What makes Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge special is its unique blend of boreal forests, tundra, and wetlands, which provide a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, and eagles.

The refuge was established in 1980, as part of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), with the goal of conserving and managing the area’s natural resources, including its wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems. Today, the refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which works to balance the needs of wildlife, habitat, and human use, while also providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and research.

Getting There

To get to the Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can fly into the city of Fairbanks, which is served by the Fairbanks International Airport (FAI). From Fairbanks, take the Steese Highway (AK-2) northwest for approximately 60 miles, then turn left onto the Elliot Highway (AK-2) and continue for another 15 miles. Turn right onto the Nowitna River Road, which will take you to the refuge’s headquarters and visitor center. The GPS coordinates for the refuge’s headquarters are: 66.4333° N, 153.3667° W.

Alternatively, visitors can also access the refuge by boat, via the Nowitna River, which flows through the refuge and offers scenic views and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. The nearest town to the refuge is Tanana, which is located about 30 miles downstream from the refuge’s headquarters.

Airport: Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)
Nearest town: Tanana
GPS coordinates: 66.4333° N, 153.3667° W
Driving directions: From Fairbanks, take Steese Highway (AK-2) northwest for 60 miles, then turn left onto Elliot Highway (AK-2) and continue for 15 miles, then turn right onto Nowitna River Road

Top Trails & Hikes

The Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge offers several hiking trails and routes, ranging from easy day hikes to more challenging multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the top trails and hikes in the refuge include:

Nowitna River Trail: A 20-mile trail that follows the Nowitna River and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing. The trail is considered moderate in difficulty and takes approximately 2-3 days to complete.
Big Creek Trail: A 10-mile trail that leads to a scenic creek and offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. The trail is considered easy to moderate in difficulty and takes approximately 1-2 days to complete.
Tanana River Trail: A 30-mile trail that follows the Tanana River and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing. The trail is considered challenging in difficulty and takes approximately 3-5 days to complete.

Visitors should be aware that the trails in the refuge can be rugged and remote, and may require experience with backcountry travel and camping. It’s also important to check with refuge staff for up-to-date information on trail conditions and any necessary permits or regulations.

Trail Difficulty Levels

The trails in the Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge are rated according to their difficulty level, as follows:

Easy: Trails that are relatively flat and well-maintained, with minimal obstacles and challenges.
Moderate: Trails that have some hills and obstacles, but are still relatively well-maintained and easy to follow.
Challenging: Trails that are steep, rugged, and remote, with significant obstacles and challenges.

Camping Options

The Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge offers several camping options, including developed campgrounds, backcountry camping, and cabin rentals. Some of the camping options in the refuge include:

Nowitna River Campground: A developed campground located near the refuge’s headquarters, with amenities such as picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
Big Creek Campground: A primitive campground located near the Big Creek Trail, with minimal amenities and a more remote and rustic experience.
Backcountry camping: Visitors can also camp in the backcountry, but must follow refuge regulations and obtain a permit in advance.
Cabin rentals: The refuge offers several cabins for rent, which are located near the refuge’s headquarters and offer amenities such as beds, tables, and cooking facilities.

Visitors should be aware that camping in the refuge can be rugged and remote, and may require experience with backcountry travel and camping. It’s also important to check with refuge staff for up-to-date information on camping regulations and any necessary permits or reservations.

Wildlife

The Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including:

Bears: Brown bears, black bears, and grizzly bears can all be found in the refuge, and visitors should take necessary precautions to avoid encounters.
Moose: Moose are common in the refuge, and can often be seen in the wetlands and forests.
Caribou: Caribou migrate through the refuge in the spring and fall, and can be seen in large herds.
Eagles: Bald eagles and golden eagles can both be found in the refuge, and can often be seen soaring overhead or perched in trees.

Some of the best viewing spots for wildlife in the refuge include:

Nowitna River: The river and its surrounding wetlands are home to a wide range of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles.
Big Creek: The creek and its surrounding forests are home to moose, caribou, and other wildlife.
Tanana River: The river and its surrounding wetlands are home to bears, moose, and eagles, as well as other wildlife such as beavers and otters.

Fishing & Water Activities

The Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge offers several rivers, lakes, and streams that are home to a variety of fish species, including:

Salmon: Chinook, sockeye, and coho salmon can all be found in the refuge’s rivers and streams.
Trout: Rainbow trout and grayling can be found in the refuge’s lakes and streams.
Grayling: Arctic grayling can be found in the refuge’s streams and rivers.

Visitors can engage in a variety of water activities in the refuge, including:

Fishing: Visitors can fish in the refuge’s rivers, lakes, and streams, but must follow refuge regulations and obtain any necessary permits.
Boating: Visitors can boat on the refuge’s rivers and lakes, but must follow refuge regulations and obtain any necessary permits.
Canoeing and kayaking: Visitors can paddle the refuge’s rivers and lakes, but must follow refuge regulations and obtain any necessary permits.

Visitors should be aware that fishing and boating in the refuge can be subject to regulations and restrictions, and should check with refuge staff for up-to-date information on permits and regulations.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge depends on the visitor’s interests and preferences. The refuge is open year-round, but the peak visitation season is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is warmest and the days are longest.

Here is a breakdown of the seasons:

Spring (April to May): The refuge is still quite cold and snowy during the spring, but it’s a great time to see wildlife such as bears, moose, and caribou.
Summer (June to August): The weather is warmest and the days are longest during the summer, making it the peak visitation season. It’s a great time to hike, fish, and engage in other outdoor activities.
Fall (September to October): The weather starts to cool down during the fall, but it’s still a great time to see wildlife such as bears, moose, and caribou. The fall foliage is also quite beautiful.
Winter (November to March): The refuge is quite cold and snowy during the winter, but it’s a great time to see wildlife such as moose, caribou, and eagles. Visitors can also engage in winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.

Permits & Fees

There are no entrance fees to visit the Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge, but visitors may need to obtain permits for certain activities such as:

Fishing: Visitors will need to obtain a fishing permit from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Hunting: Visitors will need to obtain a hunting permit from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Boating: Visitors will need to obtain a boating permit from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Camping: Visitors will need to obtain a camping permit from the refuge’s headquarters.

Visitors should check with refuge staff for up-to-date information on permits and regulations.

History & Culture

The Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge has a rich and diverse cultural and natural history. The area has been home to indigenous peoples for thousands of years, including the Athabascan and Yupik tribes. The refuge is also home to a variety of archaeological sites, including ancient villages and hunting camps.

Planning Your Trip

Planning a trip to the Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge requires some preparation and research. Here are a few tips to help you plan your trip:

How many days to spend: The amount of time you spend in the refuge will depend on your interests and preferences, but most visitors spend at least 3-5 days exploring the area.
What to bring: Visitors should bring warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and plenty of food and water. It’s also a good idea to bring a map, compass, and GPS device, as well as a first aid kit and emergency shelter.
Guided tours: Visitors can take a guided tour of the refuge with a knowledgeable guide, which can be a great way to learn about the area’s natural and cultural history.

Visitors should also be aware of the refuge’s rules and regulations, and take necessary precautions to stay safe and respect the environment. With some planning and preparation, a trip to the Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.