Birds are sensitive during the nesting season. Vegetation clearing, ground disturbance, heavy wake near shorelines and other site construction and recreational activities can destroy eggs or nestlings or cause nest abandonment. If you encounter an active nest, leave it be and give it space until young hatch and depart the area. Do not destroy eggs, chicks, or adults of wild bird species. Learn about the laws that govern migratory birds in Alaska including possible exceptions for subsistence gathering. More information on avoiding waterbird harassment and timing recommendations for construction activities to minimize impacts to nesting birds.
Visit Us
Discover the many opportunities that await you on the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge. Located in interior Alaska, northwest from Fairbanks, this remote refuge is only accessible by aircraft, snowmobile, boat, or by foot. There are no roads within the refuge. Visitors to Kanuti Refuge must be prepared to visit on nature's terms, relying on their own skills to navigate.
Most visitors who visit Kanuti Refuge come through the community of Bettles, which lies 150 air miles northwest of Fairbanks. From Bettles, air charters are available for drop-offs at lakes, rivers and gravel bars. Visitors can then access the refuge on foot or by boat. Keep in mind that this is a very wet area with no developed foot trails, and that many of the upland areas are not ideal for hiking.
In winter months, the Refuge can be reached from the Dalton Highway using non-motorized transportation such as skis or dog teams. Snow machine access is only authorized for traditional activities.
