Class II-III Middle Fork Fortymile River, AK

The Middle Fork below Joseph Creek is a clear, rushing river, flowing through a river bottom up to 1 mile across. Numerous substantial tributaries enter this section of river and extensive sand and gravel bars are often a feature around their mouths. The water quaIity is excellent and this section represents a truely wild river.

Numerous class II rapids challenge the boater and outstanding scenic views, particularly to the south, are a feature of this section. The Middle Fork drains a large area and water levels are sufficient at all but the most extreme low levels to float canoes or rafts. The average gradient is 10 feet per mile.

Wildlife is relatively abundant, with caribou, moose, and the occasional grizzly bear or wolf. ( Bureau of Land Management)

 

The Fortymile River is a clear water stream whose six main forks and their tributaries flow out of the Yukon-Tanana Uplands east of the Mertie Mountains and north of the Tanana State Forest. It is a major tributary of the Yukon River.

The site of Alaska's first major gold rush in 1886, the history of the area is written in the cabins and mine workings along the stream. Gold prospectors gave the Fortymile River its name. It joins the Yukon River about 40 miles below Fort Reliance, an old Canadian trading post.

Road-accessible boat launch sites and bush strips in the upper reaches allow trips varying from one day to two weeks. The main Fortymile offers a great way to see the differing landscapes of the interior of Alaska in a two-day float, from incised canyons to the wide-open Yukon Valley.

Threading through this rugged landscape, the twisting, picturesque Taylor Highway leads motorists into the heart of the Fortymile and over American Summit to the historic town of Eagle on the Yukon River.

Alpine tundra, tussocks, and boreal forest are among the many different types of plant communities found along the Fortymile River. Various hillsides and valley floors are home to white spruce, birch, willow, and aspen. Blueberry and cranberry bushes provide vivid fall colors, as well as tasty berries enjoyed by wildlife and people alike.

rivers.gov/Fortymile