- elevation 4,023 ft (1,226 m) Mouth Yukon River | - elevation 686 ft (209 m) Country United States of America | |
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- location Yukon–Charley Rivers National Preserve, Southeast Fairbanks Census Area - location 55 miles (89 km) northwest of Eagle, Yukon–Koyukuk Census Area | ||
The Charley River is an 88-mile (142 km) tributary of the Yukon River in the U.S. state of Alaska. Flowing generally northeast from the Mertie Mountains in the northeastern part of the state, the river lies entirely within Yukon–Charley Rivers National Preserve. The Charley River enters the larger river downstream and 55 miles (89 km) southwest of Eagle.
Contents
Map of Charley River, Alaska, USA
In 1980, the Charley River and all of its main tributaries became part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. A total of 208 miles (335 km) was declared "wild" along the entire main stem as well as Copper, Bonanza, Hosford, Derwent, Flat-Orthmer, Crescent, and Moraine creeks.
The Charley River watershed is forested chiefly with black spruce and white spruce. This general locus within the Yukon River catchment is the approximate westernmost limit of the black spruce, Picea mariana. The river forms part of the boundary between the Southeast Fairbanks and Yukon–Koyukuk census areas.
Boating
The Charley River is generally floated by raft or inflatable canoe or kayak. The upper river is rated Class III (difficult) on the International Scale of River Difficulty, rising to Class IV (very difficult) in high water. The lower 76 miles (122 km) are rated Class II (medium) to III. Dangers include swift current, overhanging or submerged vegetation, rocks, rapids, and weather-related fluctuations in water levels.