Trans-Alaska Pipeline Viewpoint
1671 Steese Highway, Alaska
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline traverses 800 miles (1,287 kilometers) through the Alaska wilderness from the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay to Valdez where it is shipped to refineries. Built between 1974 and 1977 and requiring over 28,000 people to build, the pipeline is considered one of the world’s most amazing engineering marvels and the viewpoint outside of Fairbanks is one of the best places to view it.
A popular spot to see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline is at the viewpoint 15 minutes north of Fairbanks. Here you’ll find informational displays about how the pipeline was built and see the tools used to maintain and keep the pipeline clean. Most sightseeing tours from Fairbanks include a visit to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and tour options are plentiful. Choose between Fairbanks city highlights, Arctic Circle, and Northern Lights viewing excursions.
- Get up close to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline at the viewpoint just outside of Fairbanks.
- Learn about this incredible engineering feat through informational displays.
- The Trans-Alaska Pipeline Viewpoint is free to visit.
- Don’t forget your camera; this is a great spot to photograph the pipeline.
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline Viewpoint is located at milepost 8.4 on the Steese Highway between Fairbanks and Fox near the Gold Dredge 8 Historic Site. No public transportation is available to the viewpoint so go by rental car or with a guided tour.
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline Viewpoint is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The viewpoint is a popular spot so visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon and evening to avoid the crowds during the busier summer months.
Another great spot to view the Trans-Alaska Pipeline is at the Yukon River Bridge, officially known as the E. L. Patton Bridge. The bridge spans the Yukon River 135 miles (217 kilometers) north of Fairbanks and carries both the Dalton Highway and the pipeline over the river. The bridge was built during the pipeline’s construction and a viewing platform provides great photo opportunities of the bridge and pipeline.
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