Alaska Wild & Scenic Rivers

A Wild and Scenic River in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. NPS Photo

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 (Public Law 90-542;16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

There are 13 Wild and Scenic Rivers managed by the National Park Service in Alaska, including the Alagnak Wild River, which originates within the rugged Aleutian Range of neighboring Katmai National Park and Preserve. Learn more about the NPS Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, or explore the map below to see all the Wild and Scenic Rivers in Alaska.

Rivers are shown in blue, orange, and green: The NPS Wild and Scenic Rivers program has various responsibilities for these rivers; find more information by selecting each river or reviewing the list below.

• Blue - designated national wild and scenic rivers where NPS has a role.
• Orange - Congressionally authorized wild and scenic study rivers where NPS has a role.
• Green - rivers in national park units with enabling legislation provisions similar to those on national wild and scenic rivers.

Rivers shown in tan: Other government agencies manage these rivers which are part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The agency name is shown in the pop-up window for each river.

A river flows in Bering Land Bridge National Preserve near the Serpentine Hot Springs. NPS Photo/ Dev Dharm Khalsa

NPS Managed Wild and Scenic Rivers in Alaska

Western Arctic

• Noatak River
• Alatna River
• Salmon River
• Koyukuk River (North Fork)
• John River
• Kobuk River
• Tinayguk River

Interior

• Charley River

Southwest

• Mulchatna River
• Tlikakila River
• Alagnak River
• Aniakchak River
• Chilikadrotna River