By Staff
Waterhead™ Watersports
November 2, 2011

The Yukon River was a very significant waterway during the Gold Rush.  This was the way that most who intended to strike it rich traveled to Alaska.  The river is still playing a large part in everyday life for those who live there as well as for those who don’t.  The Yukon River is one of the largest areas for the commercial fishing of salmon that exists.  The reason for this is due to the Pacific Salmon run every year during spawning time.  These fish are very abundant, and they are more than easy to catch when they are running.  This is why for over a century now many who live in the area have chosen to profit from their fishing abilities during the salmon run as a way to keep enough income to support their families.

The Yukon River has a great number of activities available for those who are interested in getting out there and learning more about it in a first-hand way.  Any type of activity that can be offered on a major waterway can be found on the Yukon River.  There is everything from fishing to watersports and many other recreational activities.  This is a large river with a lot to offer those who come to visit.

During the months of June through September there are several companies that offer boating trips on the Yukon River.  Most of these companies offer rates for just one day as well as rates for multiple days, but there are a couple who only have rates for a day at a time.  There are many different sights to see while out on the boat.  There are a number of natural wonders as well as man-made features like the trading post and Gold Rush attractions like Dawson City.  Getting out on a boat and exploring the area will give you a whole new opinion of those who live in the area, and you just might find that you have a hard time leaving.

Canoeing on the Yukon River is another way to get in some relaxation time and get a feel for how the native people of the area got around the area in the past.  There are guided canoe tours available for those who would like one, but you can also take the canoe out on your own solo exploration.  With all of the different companies that offer canoeing, you are bound to find one that will fulfill what you are looking to get out of your trip.  A multiple day canoe trip includes all of the necessary accommodations like food and a place to sleep.

Rafting is another awesome activity that you could get involved in on your Yukon River adventures.  There are several companies that offer this activity, and most of them will accommodate any number of days that you would like to request.  There are different rivers and different courses that you can travel during your rafting adventures, and which is best for you to take will all depend on your rafting abilities.  The different companies are set up to accommodate rafters of all different ability levels.  There are tours that will take you lazily down areas of the river that are perfect for first timers, but there are also tours that will take those who are a little more adventurous through areas of white water.

Kayaking is something else that can be done in the Yukon River area.  When kayaking, there are a number of things that can be done and discovered that cannot be reached in any other way.  There are both guided and self-guided trips available.  If you are looking to get out and learn about different places in the area that are vastly important but can only be reached by kayak, then you may want to go on one of the guided multi day trips to explore the area.  You will be amazed at all of the hidden treasures that you can find.

Fishing is an activity that draws a large amount of people to the Yukon River area.  There are a number of different fishing styles, and they are all accommodated by one company or another around the area.  You can go out on a fishing trip and fish in any way that you find to be the most comfortable for you.  This is also a great time to learn a new style of fishing.  Since most of the companies offer multiple styles of fishing, they can help you along the way as you are taking the time to learn a new way to catch some fish.

When thinking of the fish of the area the first thing that comes to mind for most is the salmon of the area.  However, most do not know that there are four separate salmon runs each year on the Yukon River.  The first species of salmon to run the Yukon River is the Alaskan King Salmon.  After that is the Summer Silverbrite Salmon.  Then there are the Coho Salmon, and finally the Fall Silverbrite Salmon.  The Silverbrite Salmon are more commonly known as chum salmon or dog salmon by those who are more familiar with them.  Silverbrite was a name that was given to this species by a particular group rather than a commonly known name.

Another thing to keep in mind before you take a trip particularly to catch some salmon from the Yukon River is that there are particular seasons for each of the species.  While the salmon from this area does seem to be healthier than the salmon that is caught in most other places, you will not want to find out the hard way that you are fishing during the off season.  Rather than facing the penalties that could be associated with fishing during the wrong time of year, make sure that you know the seasons for the different types of salmon for the part of the Yukon River that you intend on visiting.

Hiking and backpacking are another way to get in some great adventures.  There are great day trips to take, and even more wonderful expeditions that cover much more ground for a few days.  It is a great way to get away from it all and experience true nature.  Hike through the wilderness with nothing more than your guide and the equipment that you can carry with you.  Just be sure that you have a pair of boots that will weather the trip and not hurt your feet while you are out.  With the amazing features of the land and all of the wildlife, you will find it hard to leave once you get out there.

If you are looking for what most would consider a more traditional way to explore the Yukon River area, there are dog sled tours available as well.  As with most anything else in the area, there are both one day and multiple day tours available.  Also, as with any other multiple day tour, the longer tours include food that is prepared by your tour guide as well as lodging accommodations for the time during which you will be sleeping before you head back out on the trail.  One of the biggest differences with dog sled tours and some of the other outings that are available is that some of the animals you will be seeing are the dogs that you will be taking with you.  It is an amazing way to learn about one of the ways that man’s best friend is helpful to humankind.

There is a great deal that one can learn while around the Yukon River without even trying.  It is an experience that can be highly educational while still being one of the most fun adventures that you have ever experienced.  Among the many natural wonders that you can see and experience while in the area, there are also the Northern Lights.  The more scientific name for this event is the Aurora Borealis.  This is a phenomenon that happens throughout the winter months in the North, and there is no way to know how truly magnificent they are until you have seen them for yourself.  No matter how many photos you see or stories you hear, you will have to experience them for yourself in order to truly know their brilliance.

There are a great many things that can be experienced on the Yukon River.  There are more than anyone could probably ever think of in one setting no matter how hard they tried.  The only way to know how truly breath taking and awe inspiring this area can be is to get out there and see it yourself.  There is no more amazing place to take a vacation and get some fresh air while getting to enjoy the most fabulous scenery you couldn’t have ever imagined was possible.  Explore the wilderness like those who came for the Gold Rush, and find out why anyone who has ever been on the Yukon River has fallen in love with everything about it.

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