Kougarok River

The Kougarok River is a river on the Seward Peninsula that flows south and merges with the Kuzitrin River system. The Nome-Taylor Highway runs alongside it, providing access to this remote waterway through the landscape.

During the early 1900s, the river attracted gold miners who set up operations along its banks. These mining activities became part of the larger gold rush that shaped Alaska's development.

The river's name comes from the Inupiaq word "Kuuguraq", showing how indigenous peoples named the waterways around them. Today, this linguistic heritage remains visible in how the region identifies its natural features.

The Nome-Taylor Highway offers the best viewing access to the river from your vehicle. Visitors should prepare for the remote setting and bring suitable gear for the harsh conditions typical of this region.

The river forms where two creeks meet in elevated terrain and gradually descends until reaching near sea level. This change in elevation creates different landscapes and water conditions throughout its entire course.