Kanuti
Fairbanks, AK 99701-6294
Plan Your Visit
The Athabascan name for Kanuti is "Kk'toonootne" which translates to "well traveled river by both man and animals." Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge is about the size of the state of Delaware and straddles the Arctic Circle, with approximately a third of the refuge above the Circle and two-thirds below it. The refuge is a prime example of Alaska's boreal ecosystem, the forests of which are dominated by black and white spruce.
There are no roads or communities within the refuge boundaries, and most of the habitats within it are essentially pristine, making Kanuti unique. Visitation is low due to the remote location, allowing for outstanding opportunities for those who do choose to visit to experience solitude. It's a place where visitors can find a remote wilderness experience with few, if any, visible signs of human manipulation or a permanent human presence.
Located in interior Alaska, northwest from Fairbanks, this remote refuge is only accessible by aircraft, snowmobile, boat, or by foot. Most visitors who visit Kanuti Refuge come through the community of Bettles, which lies 150 air miles northwest of Fairbanks. From Bettles, air charters are available for drop-offs at lakes, rivers and gravel bars. In winter months, the refuge can be reached from the Dalton Highway using non-motorized transportation such as skis or dog teams.
Activities
About
Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge is a 1.637 million-acre expanse about the size of Delaware that straddles the Arctic Circle and represents a prime example of Alaska’s boreal ecosystem. Established in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the refuge protects a large wetland basin critical for breeding waterfowl. Its mission focuses on conserving fish and wildlife populations in their natural diversity while supporting subsistence uses, scientific research, and water quality protection.
Kanuti holds the state record for the most dragonfly species, with 26 species documented to date.
