River crossing warning! The road ends at the Niukluk River but most of the community of Council lies on the other side. River crossings should be made only in a high-clearance 4WD vehicle under the direction of a local person who knows the route. The expense and embarrassment of getting stuck are not pleasant. Wading across the hip-deep waters is generally not possible. All buildings, boats, and property on both sides of the river are privately-owned. Please do not disturb or trespass.
Unlike other braided rivers along the road system, the Niukluk River flows along a single broad channel. A large colony of cliff swallow inhabits the cliff banks downstream while tree swallow nest in aspen cavities and nest boxes put up by Council residents. Osprey, which nest down- stream, may be spotted flying over the river. Bald eagle are also associated with the river and nest at the Fish River confluence. In the sparse forest around Council, red squirrels gather and cache green spruce cones for winter, marten are elusive spruce tree dwellers, porcupines feed on the inner bark of spruce, and least and short-tailed weasels use old buildings for nesting and denning. On rare occasions, grizzlies, moose, and wolves wander through town. Osprey, which nest down- stream, may be spotted flying over the river. Bald eagle are also associated with the river and nest at the Fish River confluence. In the sparse forest around Council, red squirrels gather and cache green spruce cones for winter, marten are elusive spruce tree dwellers, porcupines feed on the inner bark of spruce, and least and short-tailed weasels use old buildings for nesting and denning. On rare occasions, grizzlies, moose, and wolves wander through town.
