Chena River

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Chena River is a River and Campground at Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States

The Chena River winds right through the heart of Fairbanks, in the Interior of Alaska. It is the city’s river. A clear-water tributary of the mighty Tanana, it loops past downtown, parks and quiet residential neighbourhoods before joining the larger river southwest of town. In the long days of summer it comes alive with canoes and kayaks, anglers after grayling and salmon, and old-style sternwheeler cruises that carry visitors downstream to see how life is lived along its banks. Riverside paths and campgrounds line much of its course. Come winter it freezes hard, and the frozen surface becomes a route for skiers and, in a hard year, even a road. Fairbanks lies at around 65°N almost beneath the auroral oval, and beyond the reach of the city lights a dark, open bend of the Chena is a fine place to watch the northern lights mirrored in the ice.

Where to find Chena River?

64°50'37"N, 147°41'39"W

Aurora hunting in Fairbanks?

The aurora season here runs from August to April, with the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights in September, October, February and March. Chena River offers open skies and natural beauty - ideal conditions for spotting the aurora.

Other places to try near Chena River