Designating Alaskan rivers"Wild and Scenic" is a bit redundant. Like referring to New York City parks as "urban" greenspace— as if they had a choice in the matter. But the Wild and Scenic standard has more to do preservation than guide-book description, and in the case of Alaska, indisputable the largest tract of wilderness in the United States, categorizing these watersheds goes a long way in ensuring that they are there to be appreciated for many generations to come.

Since the law to protect "Wild and Scenic" rivers was enacted by Congress in 1968, the government has applied the protection liberally to Alaskan rivers— 42 are now part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. These rivers are noted for their free-running clear waters and limited access to their shorelines. They offer outstanding opportunities for solitude, a variety of recreational activities, and are managed to preserve these values now and for the future.

If you should be lucky enough to plan a trip on one of these rivers, there are a few pointers to keep in mind: carry a good map, make sure your equipment is in good condition, tie gear securely to the boat at all times, and leave a float plan with friends so they can contact authorities if you are overdue. Although it can be exciting process to arrange river trips through unfamiliar territory, there are plenty of outfitters in GORP's Alaska Travel section who offer excursions to these and other pristine rivers in the Land of the Midnight Sun. If you are at all uncertain about you're ability to lead a trip, we recommend signing on with a professional.

For the purposes of showcasing the spectacular rivers of this region, we've selected three watershed with distinct qualities to highlight what Alaska has to offer. The rivers we've chosen are the Gulkana, the Delta, and the Fortymile— each is described briefly below and linked to longer descriptions of what they have to offer and how to explore them. This is but a sampling of the diversity. For a look at other rivers in Alaska visit GORP's Alaska - Wild and Scenic Rivers section for a full listing.