Flowing through the heart of Fairbanks, the Chena River (known in Athabascan as Ch'eno') shapes life in Interior Alaska year-round. In the summer, the river glows under the midnight sun, setting the stage for endless days outside. In winter, its frozen surface becomes a backdrop for aurora viewing, dog sled races, cross country skiing, and events like the Winter Solstice Festival and Yukon Quest Alaska Sled Dog Race.  

More than just a scenic waterway, the Chena River is at the center of Fairbanks’ story. It’s the reason Fairbanks exists, has long supported Alaska Native peoples, helped drive the gold rush, sustains local wildlife, and it’s one of the best ways to experience the area today.

No matter when you visit, be sure to add the Chena River to your plans.

 

Things to do 

There are tons of things to do on and along the Chena River! Winding its way through the Golden Heart of Alaska, the river brings tons of year-round fun to the area.

  • Camp and hike in the Chena River State Recreation Area 
  • Dine along the river 
  • Watch winter bike races and bikejoring 
  • Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard 
  • Go on a river tour. Try rafting, fishing, and more with a guide. 
  • Experience gold panning 
  • Fish the river and nearby waters for arctic grayling and more 
  • View local wildlife 
  • Picnic by the river 
  • Stroll the Chena Riverwalk 
  • Bike scenic paths by the river 
  • Explore downtown along the river 
  • See the northern lights  
  • Ride a snowmachine 
  • Cross country ski 
  • Watch dog sled races: the Yukon Quest, and some years, the Iditarod 
  • Ride a riverboat and learn about local history and culture 
  • Celebrate solstice at the Midnight Sun Festival  
  • Experience the Winter Solstice Festival 

 

The story of Fairbanks and the Chena River 

When it comes to gold rush history in Alaska, the Chena River is at the heart of the story. In 1902, Italian immigrant Felix Pedro found gold near Fairbanks at Pedro Creek. Soon after, riverboat captain E.T Barnette set up a large stock of trade goods along the Chena River, establishing what would eventually become downtown Fairbanks.  

By 1903, Fairbanks was incorporated as a city and by 1905, 10,000 people lived in the Fairbanks Mining District, mining 1,500 creeks in the hills surrounding Fairbanks. In 1967, significant rainfall caused the Chena River to flood roughly 95% of Fairbanks, resulting in the most devastating natural disaster in Fairbanks' history. As you explore downtown, keep an eye out for historic markers on borough-owned buildings that share the story of the 1967 flood, the resilience of the Fairbanks community, and even indicators of the flood’s high-water levels. Since then, the Chena River has transformed into a destination river, full of amazing year-round fun things to do.

Gold remains an important part of life in Alaska through legend, active mines and tourist attractions. Fairbanks even has gold-themed events, like Golden Days, where the community honors its rich gold rush history with parades, games, a rubber duckie race on the Chena River, and more.  

 

Alaska Native Peoples and the Chena  

Beyond the many amazing things to do in and around the Chena River, the river's history is expansive and deeply linked with Alaska Native peoples. For thousands of years, Alaska Native people have used the land around the Chena River, relying on the river for fish and seasonal trade routes. 

The Riverboat Discovery tour is a great way to get to know the river and its history a little better. A major highlight of the experience is a visit to the “Chena Village,” where Alaska Native guides teach visitors about Athabascan history, cabins, food, clothing, reindeer, and more.

A large group of people gather and listen to a presentation on Alaska Native Culture in the Chena Village along the Chena River.

 

River access points in the Fairbanks area 

Go with a guide or build your own adventure! Here are some of the best and easiest places to access the Chena River. Be sure to check out our local maps page for more details! 

 

Visit Fairbanks and see the Chena River 

The Chena River is a great thing to add to your Fairbanks itinerary, any time of year.  

Visit Fairbanks for the best year-round fun in all of Alaska. See the aurora, experience Midnight Sun Season, and have the adventure of a lifetime. 

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Sources: Chena — Tanana Valley Watershed Association, Chena River - Wikipedia, Local History | Fairbanks, Alaska, Chena River: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, The Early Gold Rush Historical Marker, Chief John Silas' Cabin Historical Marker, Chena Village, Pioneer Park Boat Launch/Parking/Plug-ins & Peger Road Path, Transportation & Public Facilities, Fish & Game boat launches, Fishing Opportunities, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, UAF Alaska Native Language Center: Native Place Names, Boat Ramp Finder, History of Fairbanks, Chena River Flood, 1967 Fairbanks Flood, Geophysical Institute: Cause of the 1967 Fairbanks Flood, USGS Floods of August 1967 in east-central Alaska