[3] It begins in the eastern part of the Brooks Range and flows southward to meet the larger river northeast of Fort Yukon.

[3] In the United States, the geographic location most remote from human trails, roads, or settlements is found here, at the headwaters of the Sheenjek River.

The Sheenjek is suitable for boating by wide variety of watercraft between June and late September.

[6] Dangers on the upper river include shallow, extremely braided channels, and aufeis.

Overhanging vegetation and submerged logs pose risks along the entire course, as do bears along the lower reaches in late summer and early fall.