Chena Riverwalk, Fairbanks - Image 1
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Chena Riverwalk Fairbanks

4.5
·11 reviews·Fairbanks, United States

Fairbanks' Chena River offers stunning natural beauty year-round, from frozen winter landscapes to summer fishing and kayaking.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant temps, wildlife active

CrowdMedium
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Chena Riverwalk, Fairbanks - Image 1

Chena Riverwalk Fairbanks

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant temps, wildlife active

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Fairbanks' Chena River offers stunning natural beauty year-round, from frozen winter landscapes to summer fishing and kayaking.

4.5
(11 reviews)

"Soaking in Chena Hot Springs at -24°F is an experience you won't forget!"

Vertical photo
TIP

❄️ Winter Gear is Key

Extreme cold (-48°F recorded!) requires serious layers. Scraped walkways make walking easier.

♨️ Hot Springs Bliss

Embrace the shock of cold air to warm spring water. Eyelashes freeze!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chena Hot Springs Resort

Chena Hot Springs Resort

Near Fairbanks

Soak in naturally heated waters, even in sub-zero temperatures. A truly unique Alaskan experience!

Chena River Walkways

Chena River Walkways

Fairbanks

Enjoy scenic strolls along the river, especially beautiful in summer with flowers and wildlife.

Winter Wonderland Views

Winter Wonderland Views

Chena River area

Experience the magic of a frozen river, snow-covered landscapes, and potentially the Northern Lights.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Cold (or Warmth!)

Fairbanks weather is extreme! In winter, expect sub-zero temps, making the Chena River freeze over. Summer offers milder conditions for river activities. Dress in layers and be prepared for rapid temperature shifts, especially if visiting Chena Hot Springs.

Plan Your River Experience

The Chena River offers diverse activities year-round. Winter is for frozen river walks and potential Northern Lights viewing near Chena Hot Springs. Summer is ideal for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife spotting along the riverbanks. Book tours in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant temps, wildlife active
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter evenings
Why
Aurora potential, hot springs
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It’s fantastic 😌 #chenahotsprings #chenahotspringsresort #chenahotspringsalaska #fairbanksalaska #explorefairbanks #alaskatravel #alaskatraveladventures #belowzerotemps #naturalhotsprings
@walkgoodkayla
377.5K likes • 2.9M views

❄️ Winter Gear is Key

Extreme cold (-48°F recorded!) requires serious layers. Scraped walkways make walking easier. TikTokReddit

♨️ Hot Springs Bliss

Embrace the shock of cold air to warm spring water. Eyelashes freeze! TikTok+2

#ChenaHotSpring #Fairbanks ##Alaska #Winter #Snow
@1alaskanfloridaman
111.4K likes • 863.7K views
Family float down the Chena, weather was chilly but the bite was hot #alaska #alaskafishing #grayling #arcticgrayling #chena #flyfishing
tysonporter98
94 likes • 0 views

🎣 Summer Fishing Fun

Try your luck fishing for Arctic Grayling on the Chena River. Instagram+1

🛶 Kayak & Canoe Adventures

Explore the river at your own pace during warmer months. Instagram+1

Even during high, murky water the Chena produces
tysonporter98
55 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

❄️ Winter Gear is Key

Extreme cold (-48°F recorded!) requires serious layers. Scraped walkways make walking easier. TikTokReddit

♨️ Hot Springs Bliss

Embrace the shock of cold air to warm spring water. Eyelashes freeze! TikTok+2

🎣 Summer Fishing Fun

Try your luck fishing for Arctic Grayling on the Chena River. Instagram+1

🛶 Kayak & Canoe Adventures

Explore the river at your own pace during warmer months. Instagram+1

🌅 Sunset Tours Available

Chena Hot Springs offers sunset tours, a memorable experience. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(11 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the unique experience of Chena Hot Springs, especially the contrast between extreme cold and warm waters, with many calling it a bucket-list item. The Chena Riverwalk is appreciated for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, particularly in summer. Some find the winter cold challenging, but the overall consensus is positive for both attractions.

"We went in snow weather -48 degrees. River was mostly frozen. The walks were scraped and easy to walk. Had it been warmer, we would have stayed longer."

Vincent Lashinski

"Enjoyable stroll along the river."

William C Shepherd Jr

"I liked it, nice walk in the evenings in the summer, the smell of the flowers and the wildlife on the river, boats on their rides other walkers and bike riders."

Samson Titus

What People Like

Unique hot springs experience
Beautiful river scenery
Northern Lights potential

What People Dislike

Extreme winter cold
Hot springs entry fee

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Chena Riverwalk is easily accessible within Fairbanks. Many hotels are within walking distance or a short drive. For Chena Hot Springs Resort, it's about an hour's drive east of Fairbanks. Rental cars are common, and some tours may offer transportation. TikTok

Driving in winter requires caution due to extreme cold and potential snow. Ensure your vehicle is prepared (e.g., plugged in to prevent freezing) and check road conditions. TikTok

Fairbanks has a public bus system, but it may not directly serve all points along the Chena Riverwalk or reach Chena Hot Springs. Check local transit schedules for routes and availability.

Yes, several tour operators in Fairbanks offer guided trips to Chena Hot Springs, often including transportation and sometimes activities. TikTok

The drive is approximately 60 miles and takes about an hour. The scenery is beautiful, especially in winter with snow-covered landscapes. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Chena Riverwalk in Fairbanks is a public area and free to access for walking, biking, and enjoying the scenery. Reddit

Entry to Chena Hot Springs Resort for soaking typically has a fee. For example, a sunset tour entry was around $60/adult and $30/child. TikTok

Yes, the resort offers various packages and activities, so admission costs can vary depending on what you plan to do, such as just soaking or participating in tours. TikTok

Absolutely! Chena Hot Springs Resort is a popular day trip destination from Fairbanks, allowing visitors to enjoy the hot springs and other amenities without booking accommodation. TikTok

The hot springs are generally open year-round. It's best to check the official Chena Hot Springs Resort website for the most current operating hours, especially for specific facilities or tours.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

In summer, you can enjoy leisurely walks, biking, fishing for Arctic Grayling, kayaking, and spotting local wildlife along the riverbanks. Instagram+2

It's an incredible contrast! You'll be in very warm water (around 104-110°F) while the outside temperature is extremely cold (e.g., -22°F to -48°F). Your eyelashes will freeze! TikTok+3

Yes, Chena Hot Springs Resort is an excellent location for viewing the Aurora Borealis due to its remote setting and clear skies, especially during winter. TikTok+1

Yes, the resort offers various activities like dog sledding, aurora viewing tours, ATV tours, horseback riding, and more, depending on the season. TikTok+1

The main walkways are generally well-maintained and can be suitable for strollers. Winter conditions might make accessibility more challenging, but scraped paths help. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Chena Hot Springs Resort has dining facilities, including a restaurant, offering meals for guests and day visitors. It's advisable to check their current offerings.

The Chena Riverwalk is a public park area, so picnicking is generally allowed. However, be mindful of waste disposal and local regulations.

Fairbanks offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants, located a short distance from the riverwalk. You'll find various cuisines to choose from.

While specific menus can change, resorts often have options to accommodate dietary needs. It's recommended to inquire directly with the resort's dining staff.

Dining at resort facilities can be priced at a premium. Visitors may find more budget-friendly options in Fairbanks itself if they are visiting as a day trip.

📸 📸 Photography

In summer, capture the lush greenery, flowing water, and wildlife. In winter, the frozen river, snow-covered trees, and the unique experience of frozen eyelashes at the hot springs are stunning subjects. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Chena Hot Springs is a prime location for aurora photography. Bring a tripod and learn long-exposure techniques for the best results. TikTok

For extreme cold, use a camera with good battery life and consider hand warmers for your camera. Protect your lenses from rapid temperature changes to avoid condensation. TikTok

Look for bridges, clearings along the banks, and areas where the river widens for scenic shots. The reflections on the water can be beautiful. Instagram

Be extremely cautious with electronics near the hot springs due to steam and extreme temperatures. Waterproof cameras or phone cases are highly recommended. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Chena Riverwalk offers a beautiful and safe environment for families. In summer, kids can enjoy walking, biking, and perhaps even trying their hand at fishing with supervision. Instagram The open spaces are great for them to explore. For a truly unique family adventure, consider a trip to Chena Hot Springs Resort. While the extreme cold can be a factor, the novelty of soaking in hot water while surrounded by snow is something children will likely never forget. TikTok Ensure children are appropriately dressed for the cold if visiting in winter. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

The Chena Riverwalk itself is a free public space, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity for enjoying Fairbanks' natural scenery. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river instead of dining out. Reddit For Chena Hot Springs, while entry fees apply, it's a significant experience that can be a highlight of a trip without necessarily requiring expensive overnight stays. Look for package deals or consider visiting during off-peak times if possible. TikTok

💑 Couples

For a romantic escape, consider a winter visit to Chena Hot Springs. Soaking in the warm waters under the vast Alaskan sky, potentially with the Northern Lights dancing above, is an incredibly intimate experience. TikTok+1 In summer, a peaceful kayak trip down the Chena River or a sunset stroll along the riverwalk can offer a serene and beautiful setting for couples to connect. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Experiencing Chena Hot Springs: A Winter Marvel

Visiting Chena Hot Springs Resort in winter is an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. The primary draw is soaking in the natural geothermal waters while the outside temperature plummets to extreme lows, often below -20°F and sometimes as low as -48°F. This creates a surreal experience where steam rises dramatically from the pools, and visitors often find their eyelashes freezing. TikTok+2 The resort offers various pools, including an outdoor one that provides direct views of the Alaskan wilderness. It's a stark contrast that many find exhilarating and a must-do for any Fairbanks winter trip. TikTok

Beyond the hot springs themselves, Chena Hot Springs Resort is a hub for winter activities. Visitors can experience dog sledding, snowshoeing, and, of course, the chance to witness the magical Northern Lights. The resort actively promotes aurora viewing, making it a prime destination for those seeking this natural phenomenon. TikTok+1 While the cold is intense, the warmth of the springs and the unique beauty of the frozen landscape make it a worthwhile endeavor. Remember to dress in multiple layers and be prepared for the extreme conditions to fully enjoy this iconic Alaskan attraction. TikTok

Summer Delights Along the Chena Riverwalk

When the snow melts, the Chena Riverwalk in Fairbanks transforms into a vibrant recreational area. The walkways are perfect for leisurely strolls, jogging, or cycling, offering pleasant views of the flowing river and surrounding greenery. Summer is also prime time for fishing enthusiasts, with Arctic Grayling being a popular catch for anglers along the riverbanks. Instagram+1 The warmer weather invites activities like kayaking and canoeing, allowing visitors to explore the river at their own pace and enjoy the tranquility of the Alaskan summer. Instagram+1

The riverwalk is a great spot for families and individuals to connect with nature. Keep an eye out for local wildlife that frequents the river area, adding to the scenic experience. The smell of flowers and the gentle sounds of the river create a relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring Fairbanks. Reddit Whether you're looking for active pursuits or a peaceful escape, the Chena Riverwalk offers a refreshing taste of Fairbanks' natural beauty during the summer months. Instagram