into the great OUTDOORS

Surrounded by wild and scenic woodlands, Fairbanks is boundless when it comes to outdoor fun. Public lands are easily accessible and offer unlimited options for hiking, skiing, birding, boating and more.

Interior Alaska’s bountiful freshwater rivers, streams and lakes provide ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts, both summer and winter. You might hook Arctic char or grayling, rainbow trout, king or silver salmon, perhaps even northern pike or burbot. If you crave sleeping under the stars or just a place to park your RV, private and public campgrounds can accommodate your needs.

Explore these nearby areas on your own or connect with a guide to show you the ropes.

The Chena River that flows through town is easily accessible at several points and is great for fishing, boating, floating and more. Take a cruise on an authentic sternwheeler or rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. The many parks and campgrounds along the river are perfect for picnics.

Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, a former dairy farm, is just a few minutes from downtown and is a great place for a leisurely stroll through fields and boreal forest while learning about the birds and other flora and fauna of Interior Alaska.

Birch Hill Recreation Area in the nearby hills is a premier destination for cross country skiing, with groomed trails and warm-up areas in winter. In summer, the area is great for hiking, biking and disc golf.

Tanana Lakes Recreation Area in south Fairbanks is a fun place for a swim and has a sandy area for a day at the “beach.” The lake is stocked for fishing and boat rentals are available. In winter, part of the lake is cleared for ice skating.

Chena River State Recreation Area begins at mile 27 (43.5 km) of Chena Hot Springs Road and continues to the end with popular areas for hiking, snowmobiling, camping, fishing and aurora viewing. Granite Tors and Angel Rocks are more challenging hiking trails in the area. Tent and RV campgrounds as well as roadaccessible public use cabins are available.

Chena Lake Recreation Area near the City of North Pole is another scenic option for a beach day and swimming as well as renting a boat and wetting your line. When frozen, the lake is ideal for ice fishing and aurora viewing.

Harding Lake, Birch Lake and Quartz Lake are state recreation areas within easy reach along the Richardson Highway south of Fairbanks. All offer camping, fishing, boating and great chances to spot wildlife.