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Alaska River Map (PDF) | Major Rivers & Lakes in Alaska

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:05 ET

Alaska River Map showing major rivers in Alaska, River start and end point, county boundaries.

River Map of Alaska State

Rivers and Waterways in Alaska

Alaska’s river systems are vast and largely untouched, flowing through mountains, tundra, and dense wilderness across the largest state in the country. Many rivers drain north into the Arctic Ocean, while others flow west to the Bering Sea or south into the Pacific Ocean. Glacial melt feeds numerous rivers, especially in southern and interior regions. Alaska also has thousands of lakes, including some of the largest in the United States, along with reservoirs that support local communities, fishing, and transportation in remote areas.

Major Rivers in Alaska

RiverLength (Approx.)RegionFlows Into
Yukon River1,980 miCentralBering Sea
Kuskokwim River702 miSouthwestBering Sea
Copper River290 miSouthGulf of Alaska
Colville River350 miNorthArctic Ocean
Susitna River313 miSouthCook Inlet
Tanana River584 miInteriorYukon River
Porcupine River569 miNorthYukon River
Noatak River425 miNorthwestChukchi Sea
Kobuk River280 miNorthwestChukchi Sea
Stikine River379 miSoutheastPacific Ocean
Alsek River250 miSoutheastPacific Ocean
Unalakleet River160 miWestBering Sea
Goodnews River80 miSouthwestBering Sea
Nushagak River280 miSouthwestBristol Bay
Chena River100 miInteriorTanana River
Kenai River82 miSouthCook Inlet
Andreafsky River140 miWestYukon River
Koyukuk River425 miInteriorYukon River

Major Lakes in Alaska

LakeTypeRegion
Lake IliamnaNatural lakeSouthwest
Becharof LakeNatural lakeSouthwest
Teshekpuk LakeNatural lakeNorth
Naknek LakeNatural lakeSouthwest
Lake ClarkNatural lakeSouthwest
Tustumena LakeNatural lakeSouth
Eklutna LakeReservoirSouth
Skilak LakeNatural lakeSouth
Kenai LakeNatural lakeSouth
Big LakeNatural lakeSouth

Major River Basins in Alaska

Alaska’s river basins cover enormous and often remote areas, with water flowing toward three major outlets: the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Bering Sea. These basins are shaped by glaciers, mountains, and seasonal snowmelt, playing a key role in the state’s ecosystems and fisheries.

  • Yukon River Basin
  • Kuskokwim River Basin
  • Copper River Basin
  • Colville River Basin
  • Susitna River Basin
  • Noatak River Basin
  • Kobuk River Basin
  • Nushagak River Basin
  • Tanana River Basin

Alaska Rivers Facts

StateAlaska
Total Rivers & Streams12,000+ rivers
Major RiversYukon, Kuskokwim, Copper, Colville
Total Waterway Length365,000+ miles
Main DrainageArctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea
Longest RiverYukon River
Shortest RiverChena River
Major River Basins9 Primary Basins
Primary OutletBering Sea & Pacific Ocean
Key UsesFishing, transportation, subsistence, recreation
Longest River Within StateKuskokwim River
Number of River Basins20+ Basins
Major ReservoirsEklutna Lake
Primary Water SourceGlacial melt and surface water