Chena River State Recreation Area

Beautiful place to hike or just take in the fresh air, scenery, and wildlife out around North Pole. Light to moderate crowd depending on the time you go, light when I was there last. Very enjoyable away from the hustle and bustle…

Chena River State Recreation Area is a scenic and recreational hub located near Fairbanks, Alaska. Here's an overview of what this area has to offer: River Activities: The Chena River flows through the recreation area, offering opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The river is known for its clear waters and scenic beauty, making it a popular destination for water-based activities. Trails and Hiking: There are several trails within the recreation area that cater to hikers of all skill levels. Trails wind through diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and along the Chena River, providing opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of Alaska. Camping: Chena River State Recreation Area offers campgrounds for both tents and RVs. Campsites are nestled in scenic locations, providing a peaceful setting for overnight stays amidst the wilderness. Campers can enjoy amenities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities.

The Ice Museum and Geothermal Green House were amazing. Dinner at the Chena Hot Springs Restaurant was delicious. We told the staff we had to be ready to leave by 7 pm and they got us taken care of on time. Great day and great experience.

Beautiful views. Very peaceful drive. Didn’t really see anyone on the road expect maybe a car or two. Spotted a few moose and some beavers along the drive. Don’t remember the pull off something “TORS” it was great. Nice river to just sit back and enjoy. We just drove it this first week of May and only a few pull offs are plowed. Maybe one had open bathrooms, so plan ahead and make sure you use a bathroom prior to the drive. Ver beautiful drive can’t express this enough

I visited Granite Tors trail, which is located in the Chena River recreation area. It was beautiful. The trails were pretty well maintained, there were a few spots where it gets a little overgrown, but not really that bad at all. There is a boggy area near the point to head back to the start that is a little difficult to traverse, but not so bad it is not enjoyable. It is also not that long of a distance on the boggy area, maybe a quarter mile max. Along the ridgeline it does get a little confusing on which way to go, because there is trail and then all of a sudden there is nothing but huge rocks and trees all around. If you look for the rock markers that are built up, you will see the way to staying on track. There are some cairns there that mark the way and a few small bright hiking signs, but they are hard to spot sometimes, the rock piles are the best navigation tools on the ridge in my opinion. If you want a challenge be sure to get on the Granite Tors trail, if you are a trail runner, you could potentially run most of it. If you are just up for a challenging hike try this, you won't be disappointed.