Outdoor Activities

© State of Alaska/Michael DeYoung

© Dee Carpenter Photography

© Reinhard Neuhauser/Alaska Fishing & Raft Adventures

Riverboat Discovery

The woodlands surrounding Fairbanks are

wild, scenic and accessible. Nearby public lands offer unlimited opportunities to explore on your own or with a guide.

Hiking

Stroll through the boreal forest at nearby Birch Hill Recreation Area, Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge or Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary for an introduction to the flora and fauna that call the Interior home. For more challenging trails, head out of town to Chena River State Recreation Area or White Mountains National Recreation Area.

Birding

Fairbanks is a thoroughfare for hundreds of bird species. A walk around Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge or Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary will reveal sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, Townsend’s warblers and more. Spot northern wheatear, ptarmigan, northern goshawk, osprey and boreal owl. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Camping

Private and public campgrounds accommodate all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. The Chena River State Recreation Area and lakes along the Richardson Highway are a short drive from town and offer tent and RV campgrounds and roadaccessible public use cabins as well as outstanding scenery and good chances to view wildlife.

Fishing

Interior Alaska’s bountiful freshwater rivers, streams and lakes provide ample opportunities for fishing, summer or winter. Catch Arctic char and grayling, rainbow trout, king and silver salmon, northern pike and burbot. The Chena River, Tanana Lakes and Chena Lake are a few easily accessible places to wet your line.

Boating

Cruise on an authentic sternwheeler or rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard to enjoy the Chena River and lakes around town. Tanana Lakes and Chena Lake are two nearby options to paddle away under the midnight sun.