Beaver Creek is a Class I/II river that flows through the heart of the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Depending on varying conditions such rainfall and sweepers (fallen trees along the banks); river conditions can be more challenging. The first 127 miles are designated as a national “Wild and Scenic River”. In addition to the picturesque landscapes the area is great for wildlife viewing and fishing.

Getting There: Although we can provide transportation to Beaver Creek we are providing these directions if you wish to get there on your own. The Beaver Creek “Put-In” is located approximately 60 miles Northeast of Fairbanks. Starting from downtown Fairbanks take the Steese Highway north to mile 57.5 (92.5 KM) of the Steese Highway. Turn left onto U.S. Creek Road and proceed for approximately 7 miles to Nome Creek Road. Turn left on Nome Creek Road and continue 12 miles to its end, just past the Ophir Creek Camp ground. A small foot path will take you to Nome Creek. Nome Creek flows into Beaver Creek.

There are two basic trips that can be taken on Beaver Creek. The first trip terminates near the confluence of Beaver Creek and Victoria Creek. It is approximately 110 river miles to Victoria Creek, and takes about 5 to 6 days to paddle. Paddler’s pre arranged a rendezvous with an Air Taxi that will fly them back to Fairbanks. If you continue on Beaver Creek beyond Victoria Creek the next possible “Take-Out would be where the Dalton Highway crosses the Yukon River. This option would entail paddling a total of 281 river miles on Beaver Creek, then an additional 84 miles on the Yukon River to where the Dalton Highway crosses the Yukon River. The stretch of river below Victoria Creek is flat and much slower moving. Thus the Dalton Highway option could take up to three weeks to paddle.

Victoria Creek Take-Out: If you plan to take out at Victoria Creek (and thus fly back to Fairbanks) you should have a folding (or inflatable) canoe or kayak. It is highly recommend that groups not take both inflatable and folding boats. These two different types of craft travel at substantially different speeds. The inflatable craft is much slower. Near the confluence of Beaver Creek and Victoria Creek is a gravel bar that allows bush planes to land. We have found that Wrights Air Service (www.wrightair.net) is the most reliable and well priced Air Service that is familiar with the Victoria Creek “take-out”. When renting an Ally Folding Canoe from Alaska Outdoor Rentals the canoe is assembled in Fairbanks and then transported to Beaver Creek fully assembled. When flying out from Victoria Creek Wrights Air has been able to haul: two averaged sized people, their personal equipment and an Ally Folding canoe in one trip.

Dalton Highway Take-Out: If you are planning on taking out at the Dalton Highway Bridge (that crosses the Yukon River), be sure to take out “river right”, which is the North bank of the Yukon River. Just downstream of the bridge you will find a nice area to take out. Once you take out you will be connected to the road system. The bridge is close to 140 road miles from Fairbanks. Although we can arrange to have you picked up, it is much cheaper to arrange with the Van Service that transits that area (Northern Alaska Tour Company (www.northernalaska.com). Since your time of arrival at the bridge can vary it may be difficult to make arrangements for a specific day to be picked up. And many of the busses and vans are full. Thus it is advisable to contact the Alaska Tour Company to and try to make some type of arrangement with them.

Planning Your Trip: Get familiar with the area by purchasing some USGS maps. The United States Geologic Survey (USGS) maps that cover the area are; Alaska Livengood B-1, Livengood B-2, Livengood C-1, Livengood C-2, Livengood D-1; Circle C-6, Circle D-6. Another great resource is to lookup the Land Sat satellite data for the area.

Although we take care of your ground transportation and equipment we can also assist our clients in finding economical transport around town and housing for before and after your trip at no additional fee.

In additional to canoe rentals we also offer “Bear Boxes”(for food storage) and we are have a full retail store (Paddler’s Cove Outfitters) to get you the proper clothing that we feel works the best for paddling in Interior Alaska.

Beaver Creek is a remote river and you must plan accordingly. River conditions can vary depending on rainfall in the days prior to you departure on Beaver Creek. Day time temperatures can be in the ninety degree Fahrenheit range and can drop to 40 degrees even in mid summer. From around mid to end of June you will experience almost total day time. Sun block, mosquito repellent, and rain gear are essential.

Water temperatures are usually cold (even on warm days); therefore a PFD (life jacket) is mandatory. To insure you will wear your PFD at all times while on the river we provide high quality (comfortable) PFD’s at no extra charge.

Even though you are in a pristine wilderness drinking water should be boiled, filter or treated chemically for Giardia.

Beaver Creek provides an incredible opportunity for wildlife viewing such as; Dall sheep, moose, caribou and both grizzly and black bears, fox, wolves, and beavers. Keeping your campsite clean and store food away from tents and boats to avoid unwelcome visitors.

If you like fishing Beaver Creek is especially well known for its Arctic Grayling. You will be required to get a fishing license which can be obtained in Fairbanks at several local stores.

If you require any further information for planning your paddle excursion please contact us.