What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Quartz Creek Trail
Located within walking distance of the Mount Prindle Campground, Quartz Creek Trail meanders through white spruce forests, valleys, and alpine tundra areas.
Length: 16 miles
Intensity: Hard
Angel Rocks Trail
Located in the nearby Chena River State Recreation Area, this trail offers gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape.
Length: 3.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Chena River Nature Trail
This trail meanders along the river and offers beautiful views no matter what season it is.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
Boreal Forest and Seasonal Wetland Trail
Located in the Creamers Field State Game Refuge, this trail is a great way to take in the scenery and spot native wildlife.
Length: 2.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
Ester Dome Inner Loop
This trail is beautiful at any time of year but is a favorite for hikers during the autumn months when the fall foliage is at its peak.
Length: 2.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
Some of the best fishing in the region is available at the Chena River State Recreation Area. Anglers who fish the Chena River can often catch Arctic grayling, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and, when they’re in season, both silver and king salmon. The Birch Lake Recreation also offers excellent grayling, salmon, trout, and char fishing.
Climbing
Climbing enthusiasts can choose from several different locations around Fairbanks, including the Grapefruit Rocks, which offers a number of challenging routes. Most climbs on these rocks are top-rope climbs, but the area also offers traditional and sport routes as well as some bouldering. The Angel Creek Rocks are another excellent option, offering fifteen total traditional and top-rope climbs.
Wildlife Viewing
Visitors to the Mount Prindle Campground can spot wildlife from the nearby Quartz Creek Trail or head to the Creamers Field State Game Refuge. There are also several nearby state recreation areas, such as the Chena River State Recreation Area, that offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Native species include moose, caribou, foxes, lynx, black bears, beavers, and wolves. You can also spot bird species that include eagles, geese, swans, and falcons.
Picnicking
One of the best places to picnic in the Fairbanks area is at Tanana Lakes Recreation Area. The area has covered picnic areas with tables, and there's easy access to a wide range of recreational activities all year long. Graehl Park is also a great picnic location and has a playground, picnic tables, and a free boat launch. It offers beautiful views of the Chena River.
Snowshoeing and Cross-country Skiing
Winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are common in the areas around Fairbanks. Visitors can choose almost any of the many trails in the area to use for exploring in the snow.