The drive from Fairbanks to Anchorage is a fantastic journey through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The route takes you past glaciers, rugged mountains, and pristine lakes, making for a stunning view no matter which way you look. The drive can be a bit challenging, with narrow roads and steep drop-offs, but it’s well worth the effort for the incredible views. And, of course, there’s always the possibility of seeing wildlife along the way, making the journey even more exciting. We know you’re looking for different opportunities to paddle but combining paddling with a drive from Fairbanks to Anchorage is definitely worth the effort.
Easy Kayaking Spots between Anchorage and Fairbanks
Alaska has many calm waters, mostly in smaller lakes. The state park system has provided tons of beginner paddlers access to its lakes and rivers. We’ve listed a few for you to tackle!
Eklutna Lake
Eklutna Lake is a large, scenic lake located about 40 miles north of Anchorage. The lake is popular with residents and tourists as it offers great kayaking opportunities and beautiful views. The lake is calm with turquoise waters, making it an excellent place for beginners. There are several easy-to-access put-ins.
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Talkeetna Lakes Park- not sure if its the same as Tanana Lakes Recreation Area
The Talkeetna Lakes Park is a popular vacation destination because of its natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation. The park is home to three pristine alpine lakes, which offer great kayaking opportunities. The four lakes, named X, Y, Z, and Tigger, are fed by glacial runoff, making the waters clean and clear. Click for a map of the area. The scenery is simply stunning, and visitors can enjoy various activities in the park. Talkeetna Lakes Park is a great choice for kayaking because of its many features. The lakes are large and offer plenty of space to explore. There are also several small islands dotting the lakes, which make for great picnic spots. The park is also relatively flat, making it easy to paddle around. Overall, Talkeetna Lakes Park is an ideal destination for kayakers looking to explore the beautiful scenery and get away from it all.
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Byers Lake, Denali National Park
Byers Lake is a quiet area ideal for families. It is located in the shadows of Kesugi Ridge and sits 28 miles north of Talkeetna. A paddle on the lake provides some of the best views of Denali. For those wanting a stroll around the lake, it’s a 4.8-mile loop.
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Little Nelchina
The Little Nelchina is a narrow, shallow stream that empties out into Tazlina Lake. It is approximately 27 miles long and has class II-III whitewater rapids. The narrow passage means you may have to portage some areas.
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Difficult and Technical Kayaking in between Anchorage and Fairbanks
Alaskan waterways can be challenging. Aside from the cold waters, melting glaciers, log jams, and wind conditions can prove challenging even for the most experienced paddlers. Below are some of our recommendations for seasoned paddlers.
Tazlina River
The Tazlina River is a 30-mile river that empties out into Tazlina Lake. It is fed by the Tazlina Glacier in the Chugach Mountains, is home to various salmon, and is famous for fishing and boating. Paddling here should only be done by experienced paddlers as there can be logjams or portaging when waters drop.
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Little Susitna River
The Little Susitna River is a small river that has a class IV+ section with 7 miles of intense rapids. For those seeking calmer waters, head north past the George Parks Highway.
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Susitna River
The Susitna River is the 15th largest river spanning 313 miles through southcentral Alaska. Flowing out of the Talkeetna Mountains, it is home to the challenging Devil’s Canyon, class IV, and V+ rapids.
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Chulitna River
The Chulitna River is popular for multi-day trips with 75 miles of waterways. Like other rivers in the area, it is home to logjams meaning you’ll likely be portaging your kayak. For those wanting to catch their next meal, it is home to a healthy population of salmon.
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National / State Park Kayaking Spots between Anchorage and Fairbanks
The southcentral Alaska region is home to many national and state parks. The most popular benign Denali National Park. Below are a few of our other recommendations.
Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park spans over 6 million acres, making it one of the largest national parks in the United States. The park is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in North America, including Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America. Due to its location in Alaska, the Denali National Park experiences a wide range of weather conditions. Visitors should expect to experience all four seasons, with temperatures ranging from sub-zero temperatures in winter to well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. The best time to visit the Denali National Park is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are milder.
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Chena River State Recreation Area
Chena River State Recreation Area is nearly 400 square miles of alpine tundra, forests, rivers, and creeks. Those wanting to paddle can do so on Chena River, an easy class I-II river that’s also popular with anglers. While you’re in the area, check out the Chena Hot Springs.
Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources has detailed information for those planning a trip to Chena River State Recreation Area.
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Tanana Lakes Recreation Area
The Tanana Lakes Recreation Area is a place in Alaska where people can go to have fun. There are many things to do there, like fishing, swimming, and paddling. People also like to go hiking and camping in this area. It is famous for its beautiful scenery and its wildlife. Frequent animal sightings include eagles, moose, and bears.
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Denali State Park
The Denali State Park is a state park in Alaska famous for its size and location. The park is located in the Denali Borough and is the largest state park in Alaska, at over 325,000 million acres. The park is home to many types of wildlife, including grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and black bears. The park also offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including kayaking and rafting. Denali Southside River Guides is a go-to outfitter in the area.
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Recommended Kayaking Tours in Fairbanks and Anchorage
Chena River Canoe Adventure from Fairbanks
This tour is perfect for you if you’re looking at a gentle paddle along the Chena River. With abundant wildlife, you may be able to spot bald eagles, moose, elk, and foxes. Professional guides will help first-timers get accustomed to paddling.
Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Tour – Anchorage
If you’re coming from Anchorage and are tight on your travel schedule, this Glacier Blue Kayak and Grandview Tour is ideal for you. Paddling Spencer Glacier Lake takes you past icebergs, waterfalls, and glaciers. The ride itself takes you through the most scenic parts of the Alaska Railroad.
Need to Know for Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States. It is known for its vast wilderness, including forests, mountains, and glaciers. The people of Alaska are friendly and welcoming, and there is always something to do or see in the state. Visitors to Alaska can enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and much more. Many different animals call Alaska home, including bears, moose, and caribou. Alaska is the perfect destination if you are looking for a place to get away from it all and enjoy the great outdoors.
When to Visit Alaska
Some popular annual events in Anchorage are the Fourth of July fireworks show, the Fur Rendezvous winter festival, and the Alaska Folk Festival in spring. Some popular annual events in Fairbanks are the Midnight Sun Baseball Game, the Gold Rush Days parade and celebration, and the World Ice Art Championships in February.
Weather in Alaska
If you’re in the region, you will likely find yourself in Denali National Park has a wide range of weather conditions given the dramatic topography. It spans over 6 million acres, making it one of the largest national parks in the United States. The park is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in North America, including Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America.
Visitors should expect to experience all four seasons, with temperatures ranging from sub-zero temperatures in winter to well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. The best time to visit the region between Fairbanks and Anchorage is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are milder. Winter offers opportunities for snow activities such as skiing and snowboarding, while summer is the best time for hiking and biking. Water sports are great in-between spring and fall. Alaska is sure to offer an unforgettable experience regardless of when you visit.
