The
Yukon Flats are a vast area of
wetlands, forest, bog, and low-lying ground centered on the confluence of the
Yukon River,
Porcupine River, and
Chandalar River in the central portion of the U.S. state of
Alaska. The Yukon Flats are bordered in the north by the
Brooks Range, in the south by the
White Mountains, and cover an area of approximately . The Yukon Flats are a critical waterfowl breeding ground due to the large area of wetland provided by the estimated 40,000 small lakes and streams in the area. In recognition of this fact, the area is protected under the
Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. The Yukon Flats straddle the
Arctic Circle and have an extremely variable climate. Temperatures of 95 F (35 °C) are not uncommon in summer, while winter temperatures have been known to drop to -70 F (-57 °C).