Chena River State Recreation Area

Lying twenty-six miles east of Fairbanks, the Chena River State Recreation Area encompasses more than a quarter-million acres of rolling hills and river country of Interior Alaska. Chena River State Recreation Area is a park for all seasons. Are you interested in a day of hiking and rock-climbing at Granite Tors? Or would you prefer to harness up the dog team and escape into the snowy horizon, or perhaps ride a 4-wheeler along a forest trail? With 397 square miles of forests, rivers, and alpine tundra, the recreation area has something to offer everyone. The variety of activities draws more than 150,000 people to the Chena River State Recreation Area every year.

Location: The recreation area offers natural attractions and recreational opportunities of regional significance. Such features as the Granite Tors, Angel Rocks, Chena Dome, Chena River fishery, boating, trails and public use cabin system offer destination points for residents and travelers alike.

Recreation: The park follows the Chena River, a clear flowing, class I-II river ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or fishing for abundant arctic grayling. Chena Hot Springs Road parallels the river, providing boaters and anglers many entry and exit points from which to choose. Wildlife is abundant in the Chena River Recreation Area. Visitors frequently find moose munching in the beaver ponds and sloughs along Chena Hot Springs Road. Black and grizzly bears also inhabit the area, though they are seldom seen. Grizzly bears have been spotted by backcountry hikers in alpine areas and along the river. Black bears are found in areas with abundant vegetation. Dipping the hook for grayling can be an invigorating experience in the summer. In addition to the river, three small ponds have been stocked at mileposts 30, 45.5 and 47.9. The river is catch and release only, but fish caught in the gravel ponds may be kept.

Nearby: At the end of the Chena Hot Springs Road, mile 56, lies Chena Hot Springs Resort.