Chicken
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Distance Between Chicken and :
Dawson = 109 mi / 174 km
Tok = 78 mi / 125 km
Fairbanks = 284 mi / 455 km
Anchorage = 515 mi / 824 km
Population = 37
Elevation = 1,640 feet / 500 meters.
Chicken was originally called Ptarmigan, named for the plentiful species that is Alaska's state bird. The story goes that that the early miners who settled in the area were not able to spell ptarmigan and so they settled on Chicken. Today the area is still very active in mining and hydraulic operations.
At the "Gold Camp," you'll explore the history of this early mining community, tour the gold dredge, view an actual working gold mine, experience the thrill of panning your own gold and enjoy a cappuccino in the Outpost while you browse the many unique gifts. Stay the night in the campground or rent a cabin and the next day enjoy a kayak trip on the river or some fishing after breakfast in the café.
Lost Chicken Creek (2 miles from the town) was the site of the Lost Chicken Hill Mine established in 1895. Gold mining was active in this area several years before the Klondike Gold Rush. Once the rush began, many of the miners from this area streamed across to Dawson City.
Chicken was home to the late Anne Purdy. An account of her experience, "Tisha" is excellent reading and gives a good feel for the history and people of this area. The book is based on her experience as a young schoolteacher in Chicken during the early part of the last century. Her schoolhouse may be seen in the old town site of Chicken just off the main road. However, the original town site is on private land and you will need to ask locally.
Two miles south of Chicken is a bridge over the Mosquito Fork of the Fortymile River. This is great access point for the Fortymile National Wild and Scenic River system. Another access point for the same river is located at mile 75.3 (10 miles north of town) at the South Fork bridge.
In the town itself, just below the Chicken airstrip is the access point for the Fortymile River Canoe Trail. For more information on this incredibly
scenic untouched wilderness and what it has to offer, visit Bureau of Land Management The BLM Chicken field station is located 2 miles north of the community, as is the trailhead for the Mosquito Ford Dredge trail (3mi / 4.8 km).
Also, for information on excellent hikes, or float trips in the Fortymile River and Trail System visit the The Alaska Public Lands Information Center , the best site for answering ANY questions about state and federal lands in Alaska.
TOWN OF EAGLE AND FLOATING THE YUKON RIVER
30 miles north of Chicken, and 79 miles before Dawson City, the Highway branches off toward the town of Eagle on the Yukon River. Continuing 64 miles from the junction the road traverses through sometimes difficult but very scenic terrain. Transportation is limited on this road (Taylor Highway) and getting to Eagle may be easier from Tok, Fairbanks, or Dawson by Air. The drive from the Junction to Eagle is about 5
hours. There is a boat service along the Yukon between Eagle and Dawson City (see the Klondike Visitors Center). Eagle is home to about 250 people. In 1901 it became Interior Alaska's first incorporated community.
At 1980 miles the Yukon is the fourth longest river in North American and the fifth largest flow volume of ANY river on earth. Eagle lies 1200 miles from its end at the Bering Sea near Nome. A pleasant alternative is a float from Eagle to Circle City which takes about five days. Circle City is connected to Fairbanks via the Steese Highway. The Yukon, from Eagle to Circle is gentle flowing and travels through the Yukon Charley Rivers National Preserve (see National Parks) and some of the most scenic country in North America. For more information about float options on the Yukon, contact the Eagle Visitor Center PO Box 167, Eagle, AK. 99738.
Eagle Canoe Rentals (907) 547-2203. Will rent for a five day float downriver to Circle City. Getting back is possible via air or highway to Fairbanks. For more options, visit the Fairbanks Visitor's Center.