THE YUKON RIVER FROM EAGLE TO CIRCLE
If you leave your dinghy or kayak in the town of Eagle – the gateway to the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve – you will immediately feel the power of the fast-flowing water. It is the natural 'engine' that makes a trip across the wide river so pleasant. Without much effort, you glide across the water's surface, through a wide landscape with rolling hills and mountains, valleys and cliffs. Peregrine falcons nestle high against the cliff walls, their silhouette against the blue sky becomes a familiar sight.
On the banks are historical sites and relics that recall the time of the Klondike-Alaska Goldrush. You also pass archaeological sites, which testify that the first people lived here 14,000 years ago. Now this is a landscape without people. More than 250 kilometres later you will return to the inhabited world, near the town of Circle.
THE ADVENTUROUS CHARLEY RIVER
A rubber raft ride across the Charley River has more challenges, and some experience is required. The river is much narrower, the decay is greater, so there are – depending on the water level – rapids, and treacherous rocks that are just below or just above the water level. Where the river widens you can relax, and fully enjoy the varied landscape with gorges, wetlands and wide plains.