National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
Find a River
View the system wide mapAbout the System
Rivers in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System capture the essence of all waterways that surge, ramble, gush, wander and weave through our country. From the remote rivers of Alaska, Idaho, and Oregon to the rivers threading through the rural countryside of New Hampshire, Ohio, and Massachusetts, each preserves a part of American story and heritage.
Middle Fork Salmon River
Managing the System
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Rivers may be designated by Congress or, if certain requirements are met, the Secretary of the Interior. Each river is administered by either a federal or state agency.
Questions and Answers
From Access to Zoning, get answers to questions about wild and scenic rivers.
Management Plans
River management plans help communities work together to protect wild and scenic rivers.
Documents
Search for documents and other file resources.
News
May 9, 2025
Designed to demystify wild and scenic rivers for managers and planners, and stakeholders, the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council, in collaboration with the River Management...
February 27, 2025
The Jackie Diedrich Excellence in Leadership Award worked—and continues to work—to improve management of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. The award recognizes a key individual in any...
December 17, 2024
In 2024, the National Park Service (NPS) completed a federal lands update of the Nationwide Rivers Inventory (NRI) using readily available planning information from regional NPS staff and the...