Chena River State Recreation Area
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK, 99709
Comprised of the rolling hills, forests, and alpine tundra surrounding the Chena River outside of Fairbanks, the Chena River State Recreation Area offers a host of outdoor adventures in any season. Home to abundant wildlife, it draws visitors hoping to spy bears, moose, and wolves, while the river attracts paddlers and anglers hoping to hook a grayling in one of the stocked ponds.
The basics
Day trips to the Chena River State Recreation Area often head out from Fairbanks and include a variety of outdoor activities depending on the season. During the summer months, options include hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, fishing, and paddling. In the winter, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and northern lights viewing are popular in the park. Tours may also include a visit to the Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Things to know before you go
To protect the Arctic grayling fish, fishing is catch and release only.
The 15-mile (24-kilometer) Granite Tors Trail is one of the area’s most popular trails.
The Chena River Recreation Area has several campgrounds available on a first-come, first-served basis, and public-use cabins are available by reservation online.
How to get there
The Chena River State Recreation Area is a 30-minute drive east of Fairbanks via the Chena Hot Springs Road. From mile marker 26 to 51, Chena Hot Springs Road travels right through the middle of the recreation area and parallels the Chena River. The road provides access to trailheads, boat launches, and campgrounds.
When to get there
Open year-round, the Chena River State Recreation Area has a lot to offer in any season. Hiking, backpacking, and canoeing are best during the summer months; berry picking, fishing, and wildlife viewing are popular in the fall. Visit in the winter for ice fishing, skiing, and dog sledding opportunities. Access to trails and fishing areas vary by season.
The Chena Hot Springs Resort
Continue to the end of Chena Hot Springs Road and you’ll find the Chena Hot Springs Resort. This year-round destination features natural hot-spring pools and an ice museum, and is a fantastic spot for viewing the northern lights. Chena Hot Springs Resort tours leave from Fairbanks and often include stops in the Chena River State Recreation Area.
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