Yukon River Winter Road Connects Remote Alaska Villages

Veteran journalist Ned Rozell and photographer Forest Wagner brave the frozen Yukon River to travel between Manley Hot Springs and Tanana.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:13am

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A bold, geometric illustration in shades of blue and gray, depicting the sweeping, monumental scale of the frozen Yukon River landscape, with towering hills and a sense of grand, isolated beauty.The vast, silent expanse of the frozen Yukon River provides a vital winter transportation link for remote Alaskan communities, even as environmental changes disrupt traditional ways of life.Tanana Today

Beneath a bright winter moon, Ned Rozell and Forest Wagner pedal along a packed snow road on the frozen Yukon River, connecting the remote villages of Manley Hot Springs and Tanana. As they make their way through the vast, silent landscape, they reflect on the dramatic decline of salmon populations that has impacted the region's traditional way of life.

Why it matters

This winter road on the Yukon River provides a vital transportation link for rural Alaskan communities, allowing them to access supplies and services during the long, harsh winters. However, the story also highlights the environmental changes affecting the region, as declining salmon runs have disrupted the local economy and culture.

The details

Rozell and Wagner are attempting to ride from their home to Nome, with the stretch between Tanana and Ruby being the most daunting. They pedal along the packed snow trail, occasionally pulling over to allow snowmobilers to pass. The landscape is dotted with a few log cabins and the remnants of former fish camps, a stark reminder of the collapse of the once-abundant salmon runs.

  • Rozell and Wagner are making their journey in the winter of 2025-2026.
  • Rozell previously skied this stretch of the Yukon River 25 years ago with Andy Sterns.

The players

Ned Rozell

A science writer for the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Geophysical Institute, who is undertaking the winter journey along the Yukon River.

Forest Wagner

A photographer accompanying Rozell on the winter journey along the Yukon River.

Charlie Campbell

A resident of Tanana, who hosts Rozell and Wagner during their visit.

Ruth Althoff

A resident of Tanana, who hosts Rozell and Wagner during their visit.

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What they’re saying

“Travelers”

— Forest Wagner

The takeaway

This story highlights the resilience and adaptability of rural Alaskan communities, who rely on the Yukon River's winter road to maintain their connections and access essential resources. However, it also underscores the profound environmental changes affecting the region, as the decline of salmon populations has disrupted traditional ways of life.