Yukon River photos

The Yukon River is a major watercourse in Canada and Alaska. Over half of the river lies in Alaska, with most of the other portion in Canada’s Yukon Territory and its headwaters in British Columbia. The river is 3,700 km (2,300 mi) long and empties into the Bering Sea at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. By comparison, the total area is more than 25% larger than the state of Texas or the province of Alberta. Many of Alaska’s larger Interior rivers, like the Tanana and Nenana rivers, eventually flow into the Yukon. All the Yukon River photos on this site may be licensed as stock photos for commercial use or purchased as fine art prints for your home or office.

Villages and Subsistence Fishing

Several villages are located along the Yukon River in Alaska. Eagle is also accessible via roadway. In summer and winter, the river serves as a significant transportation route for the villages, and Alaska’s early history is intricately tied to the river system, particularly the Yukon. Subsistence fishing on the Yukon River is available to all Alaskans who meet specific qualifications and yield Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon.

Yukon Quest Dog Sled Race

The 1000-mile Yukon Quest dog sled race runs between Fairbanks, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. The race derives its name from the Yukon River and is considered one of the most extreme dog mushing races. It follows the river for much of the race, passing through rugged mountain passes as both mushers and dogs endure bitterly cold temperatures.