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Circle,
located on the south bank of the Yukon River at the edge of the Yukon
Flats, 160 miles northeast of Fairbanks, was established in 1893 as a
supply point for goods shipped up the Yukon River and then overland to
the gold mining camps. Early miners believed the town was located on the
Arctic Circle, and so, named it Circle. Before the Klondike gold
rush, Circle was the largest mining town on the Yukon, with a population
of 700.The town was virtually emptied after gold discoveries in the
Klondike (1897) and Nome (1899). The population of Circle is
predominantly Athabascan, but there are several non-Native families, as
well. Almost all residents are involved in subsistence, with salmon,
freshwater fish, moose and bear making up the major sources of meat.
Trapping and making of handicrafts contribute to family incomes. Circle
is connected by road to Fairbanks, barges deliver goods by the Yukon
River during summer, and a state-owned 3,000' lighted airstrip is
available Residents use ATVs, snowmobiles and dog sleds for
recreation and subsistence activities. Winters are long and harsh, with
temperatures ranging from -71 to zero degrees, and summers are warm and
short, with temperatures ranging between 65 and 72. Rainfall
averages 6.5 inches, snowfall is 43.4 inches. The Yukon River is
ice-free from mid-June through mid-October.
PER AGENTS KAREN AND CATHY: The resort and hot springs
here were closed during the 2003 season and MAY be re-opening for the
2004 season. Call us to check before planning your itinerary.
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Homer Travel & Tours
