Yukon River is a major North American waterway that flows from the northwest corner of Canada into Alaska and finally the Bering Sea. Known for historic Gold Rush routes, fishing, and wilderness, it passes through _Yukon and Alaska_ regions, serving as a vital transportation corridor and natural boundary.
Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Pacific Mountain System |
| Subregion | Northwestern Cordillera |
| Country | United StatesCanada |
| State | Alaska (U.S.)Yukon (CAN) |
| County | Yukon Territory (CAN)Bering Sea (ALaska) |
| District | Yukon Basin |
| Timezone | AmericaAnchorageAmericaVancouver |
| Latitude | 64.1006 |
| Longitude | -139.4344 |
| Maps |
Yukon River originates from small glacier-fed lakes in Yukon and flows approximately 3,185 km (1,979 mi) northwest to the Bering Sea, forming a substantial part of the U.S.-Canada border at points. It passes through key communities such as Whitehorse, Dawson City, and Fairbanks, serving as both a vital transportation route and historical pathway for Klondike Gold Rush prospectors. The river's basin supports diverse ecology including salmon runs Oncorhynchus spp, caribou Rangifer tarandus, and migratory birds, while its wide floodplains and braided channels offer large-scale wilderness and recreation opportunities. Use caution on seasonal crossings and approaching tributaries; the ice-free navigation window is typically late spring to early fall, and local conditions can vary significantly.
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