Crossing the Yukon River

At 3,190 km (1,980 mi)the Yukon is the longest river in Alaska. It was one of the principal means of transportation during the Klondike Gold Rush. It’s also the biggest river to cross along the Dalton Highway.

Crossing the Yukon River Bridge

The bridge has a length of 2,295 feet (700 m) and 30 feet (9.1 m). wide. It is the only bridge crossing the Yukon in Alaska

The bridge is for both vehicle traffic and the pipeline. The bridge was built as part of the Dalton Highway and pipeline construction in the 1970s.

Just on the northern side the only bridge crossing the Yukon River in Alaska, and right off the Dalton Highway, is a curious little place: The Yukon River Camp.

Yukon River Camp

YRC is a 135 miles north of Fairbanks and 120 miles south of Coldfoot. It’s also the only place along this entire stretch of the Dalton to get food, gas or basic lodging.

As such, many people stop here for at least food or fuel, or both. I stopped by twice for lunch.

My Visit to YRC

The menu is simple. hamburgers and fries. At least the two times I stopped there. The staff is friendly and willing to answer any questions or provide advice if needed. There is a little gift shop and some very basic and expensive supplies.

I met several people at the restaurant some going south, others north. Fellow travelers swapped Dalton Highway stories and road conditions.

It was a nice break to long day’s drive in either direction Fairbanks north or Wiseman south.