Tanana Valley State Forest wilderness guide
State Forest · AK

Tanana Valley State Forest

Tanana Valley State Forest is a vast expanse of rich boreal forest in Alaska, offering abundant outdoor activities amid stunning natural beauty.

State Forest1.8 million3+ Trails

Designation

State Forest

Total Wilderness Area

1.8 million

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Tanana Valley State Forest

Tanana Valley State Forest is a vast expanse of rich boreal forest in Alaska, offering abundant outdoor activities amid stunning natural beauty.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Tanana Valley State Forest spans approximately 1.8 million acres in interior Alaska, making it the second-largest state forest in the country. Encompassing a diverse landscape of boreal forest, rivers, and low-lying hills, it offers an impressive setting for a variety of outdoor activities. This forest serves as a habitat for an array of wildlife, including moose, black bears, and numerous bird species. The area's history is intertwined with indigenous cultures, particularly the Tanana Athabaskans, who have relied on the forest resources for generations. Visitors are drawn to the forest for its excellent opportunities for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and fishing along the Chena and Tanana Rivers. While there are no established roads cutting through the forest, several highways skirt the region, providing access points. The seasonal beauty of the forest is stunning, with winter offering opportunities for snow sports and frozen landscapes that are perfect for exploration.

Field Guide · State Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Tanana Valley State Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Chena River State Recreation Area✦ Rich boreal forest habitat✦ Opportunities for snowmobiling and dog mushing✦ Scenic waterways like the Tanana and Chena Rivers
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Tanana Valley State Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Tanana Valley State Forest
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Tanana Valley State Forest
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Tanana Valley State Forest
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Tanana Valley State Forest
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Tanana Valley State Forest
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Tanana Valley State Forest
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Tanana Valley State Forest
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Tanana Valley State Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access; no general permits required

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Tanana Valley State Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Chena River State Recreation Area Campground

Located along the Chena River, offering easy access to boating and hiking trails.

Lower Chatanika River State Recreation Area

Provides access to the Chatanika River for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Tanana Valley State Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Chena Hot Springs, Alaska
⌖ 4.04 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

Chena Hot Springs, Alaska offers an adventurous escape with natural geothermal pools, incredible Northern Lights viewing, and diverse year-round outdoor activities like hiking, snowmobiling, and dog sledding in pristine wilderness.

Winter and Summer
Explore Town
North Pole, Alaska
⌖ 13.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

North Pole, Alaska

North Pole, Alaska is a winter adventurer’s dream with dog sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing amid Arctic landscapes. In summer, hiking and wildlife viewing offer quiet escapes with festive small-town charm all year.

December to April for winter activities; June to August for hiking and wildlife
Explore Town
Fox, Alaska
⌖ 21.75 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fox, Alaska

Fox, Alaska is a quiet wilderness gateway on the historic Alaska Highway offering year-round outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, paddling, and snowmobiling amid vast boreal forests and the Yukon River.

Late spring through early fall for hiking and paddling; winter for skiing and snowmobiling
Explore Town
Fairbanks, Alaska
⌖ 23.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is a gateway to Alaskan adventures, offering hiking, dog sledding, and Northern Lights viewing in the heart of nature. It’s a striking destination for year-round exploration and wilderness experiences.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Salcha, Alaska
⌖ 26.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Salcha, Alaska

Salcha, Alaska is a remote adventure hub famous for salmon fishing, river rafting, and expansive hiking trails along its wild rivers. With abundant wildlife and crisp wilderness, it’s a top destination for year-round Alaskan outdoor pursuits.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Tanana Valley State Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

A Quiet Escape: A Day at Chena Hot Springs Beyond Fairbanks
ADVEXPEDITION
North Pole, Alaska
Guided TourADV Bookable

A Quiet Escape: A Day at Chena Hot Springs Beyond Fairbanks

A guided, private transfer from Fairbanks gives you four hours at Chena Hot Springs — this guide explains the logistics, highlights, and how to make the most of the seven-hour outing.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Drill, Shelter, Sip: Ice Fishing at Chena Hotsprings
ADVEXPEDITION
Fairbanks, Alaska
FishingADV Bookable

Drill, Shelter, Sip: Ice Fishing at Chena Hotsprings

A focused guide to the guided ice-fishing outing at Chena Hotsprings — heated shelters, expert instruction, and drilling through three feet of ice make this a practical primer for anglers of any experience level.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip