BLM manages the upper 81 miles of this clear, smooth river, which roams gently through the Nulato Hills, across the arctic tundra, to the seaside village of Unalakleet in northwest Alaska. The name Unalakleet is an Inupiaq Eskimo word meaning "place where the east wind blows." Moose, bears, bald eagles, wolves, fox, and beavers can be spotted along the river. The Unalakleet is best known for its king and silver salmon fishing opportunities. The Unalakeet River was a major trade route in the 19th century because it connected coastal Eskimos with Yukon River people, and Russian merchants.