Koyukuk Refuge lies within the extensive floodplain of the Koyukuk River of interior Alaska, about 270 miles west of Fairbanks and contains a unique geological feature: the Nogahabara Sand Dunes. The refuge's rich wetlands combine with lowland boreal forests of spruce, birch and aspen to support a diversity of wildlife, from healthy numbers of moose populations to large waterfowl populations from four continental flyways.

Latest News

A brown bear standing and touching a piece of light green vegetation with water in the background
Recreation
Why I Took These Shots #4
This is one in a series of articles in which U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff members reflect on favorite photos they have taken at national wildlife refuges. It features communications coordinator LISA HUPP and national wildlife refuges in Alaska.
two side by side bugs that look like bees.
Wildlife Wonders
Alaska’s Wanna-bees
There are nearly 900 species of flower flies in North America, with roughly 200 species in Alaska (they’re also known as syrphid or “hover” flies). Adult flower flies feed on pollen and nectar. As they move from plant to plant, they serve as unintentional pollinators — pollen grains hitch a ride on...
fish hold in a weir
Science and Technology
Anatomy of a Fish Weir
Weirs help us to establish baselines for the health of salmon runs and then detect changes over time. They also help fisheries managers evaluate and adjust their management actions, reconstruct past salmon abundances, and forecast future salmon returns.
mountains and a lake with snow atop
Wildlife Wonders
Fall Leaves and Winter Queens
A crispness has snuck into the air. Vibrant colors are creeping into the vegetation. Some of us have seen the first snow of the year. Flowers have gone to seed, bringing abundant berries to harvest. Let us thank the pollinators… but where are they now? And, how can you help them?
A smiling girl looks up from the grassy area where she is planting milkweed.
Recreation
Try Nature. It's Good for You
A large body of research shows that getting outdoors — on national wildlife refuges, for example — can improve your peace of mind and physical well-being.
A small pond surrounded by leafy green vegetation, a few standing dead trees and verdant forest
Wildlife Management
Trapping
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service carefully manages trapping activities on national wildlife refuges to ensure that safe, effective practices are used, to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations, and to protect refuge infrastructure. Trapping may be used as a wildlife management tool...
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Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Homeland of the Koyukon Athabascans, Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1980 with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) was enacted. Located about 270 miles west of Fairbanks, access to the refuge is limited to air and river travel. The refuge contains 14 rivers and more than 15,000 lakes. Found within the boreal forest of the refuge, a unique geological feature is found- the Nogahabara Sand Dunes. The roughly circular active dune field spans about 6 miles in diameter, and was formed thousands of years ago when wind-blown glacial sand was deposited at the base of the Nulato Hills. Various wildlife call the refuge home including moose, brown bear, black bear, lynx, coyotes, red foxes, wolves, wolverines, beavers, and thousands of migratory waterfowl. 

      What We Do

      We work to conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity including, but not limited to waterfowl, raptors and other migratory birds, furbearers, moose, caribou (including participation in coordinated ecological studies and management of the Western Arctic caribou herd), furbearers, and salmon. We also work to fulfill the international treaty obligations of the United States with respect to fish and wildlife and their habitats. The refuge works to provide the opportunity for continued subsistence uses by local residents. Lastly, we work on water quality and necessary water quantity within the refuge.

      Get Involved

      So much of our work depends on volunteers, Friends, and partnerships.

      Projects and Research