Made famous by the Gold Rush and the works of Jack London and Robert Service Yukon River shares the position of second longest river in North America with the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The Mackenzie River is the record holder, 2,600 miles, is 300 miles longer than the others.

The name Yukon comes from a native word meaning, aptly, "big river" and the history and mystique of the river have led to the creation of annual events such as Search the Yukon River and the path of the Yukon River Marathon. During the winter when the river freezes, which offers some of the routes for both the Yukon Quest and Iditarod Dog Sled Races. The river was used for the same purpose during the Gold Rush, with dogteams transport mail and supplies in a familiar way to anyone who has read "Jack London's The Call of the Wild".

The Yukon River extends from a stream at the southern end of Atlin Lake to the Bering Mar. The current is fed by the Llewellyn Glacier not far from the Pacific coast. Throughout its length, the Yukon River is saved only four times, in Whitehorse, Carmacks, and the north end of Marsh Lake in the Yukon and northern Alaska Livengood. 195 cubic kilometers of water passing through the Yukon River delta each year, the area River drainage is 25% larger than Texas.

As to the question "how deep is the Yukon River?" There is no answer specific. Entire length of the river depth varies depending on location and season. Suffice it to say, as it approaches the Bering Sea, the file is larger and deep throughout its length paddlers are advised to beware of strong currents and eddies, and take precautions river in a canoe.

The river passes the capital of the Yukon in Whitehorse and the City of Fairbanks, Alaska, as well as the historic Dawson City, site of the Klondike Gold Rush. The Yukon River was Until recently, the main artery that runs through the territories of Yukon and interior Alaska. Sternwheelers offered their services along the river moving people and goods between Whitehorse and Dawson City. At one time you could get a boat from Dawson City to San Miguel in the Bering Sea.

Rapid-old Whitehorse, now tamed by a dam, and five historically fast fingers were the only obstacles to pass the length of the river and presents a formidable challenge for craft homemade seekers heading for the Klondike gold fields. Today, the dam of Whitehorse, Yukon and the Alaskan border are the main obstacles.

Most people of the Yukon River adventure covering only a section of the river, but for some, of Llewellyn Glacier Bering Sea is the only way to go. Or raft to paddle the length of the river, including portaging around the dam, it takes about three months and must be planned well in advance through a current map of the Yukon River and the river guide to date.

So if you are looking for a desert getaway, and a trip into history along the route taken by hunters last Great Gold Rush, then seriously consider an adventure of the Yukon River.

Ken Searcy has lived in the Yukon for 10 years and has traveled thoughout the Yukon and Alaska. Get everything you need to plan your wilderness adventure: books, maps, travel and river guides. Visit this link =>Yukon River

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