Rika’s Roadhouse in Big Delta State Historical Park served travelers on the historic Valdez-to-Fairbanks Trail from 1913 to 1947. This travel route offers a tangible glimpse into the past of the Southeast Fairbanks Census Area. Rivers and lakes tell another side of the region: they shape experiences ranging from fishing and hiking to long trips on the water. Gold rush history and historic sites also offer their own perspectives on the area.
Rivers and Lakes Through the Seasons
At Clearwater State Recreation Site, a boat launch provides access to the Delta Clearwater River. The river also provides access to the Tanana and Goodpaster rivers and offers opportunities for river trips. Arctic grayling, whitefish and salmon are among the fish species anglers can pursue there; fishing regulations apply. A nature trail runs along the river. In spring and fall, snow cranes, swans, geese and other migratory birds can be spotted there—a seasonal contrast to the activities on the water.
At Quartz Lake, the seasons shape the experience: swimming and water skiing are popular summer activities. Winter brings ice fishing, snowmobiling, dog sledding and skijoring. Five hiking trails offer views of the Tanana River Valley, the Alaska Range, the Shaw Creek Flats, Quartz Lake, Lost Lake and Moose Pond. In this same area, water activities and trails combine to offer views of a variety of landscapes.
Fielding Lake State Recreation Site offers a different experience. The scenic campground is in the Alaska Range at an elevation of 2,973 feet, above the tree line. Arctic grayling, lake trout and burbot occur naturally in the lake; no fish are stocked. A public-use cabin is available by advance reservation. Reservation options may change, so check the terms before your trip.
Campgrounds and Views of the Delta River
The campgrounds vary in size and amenities. Big Delta State Historical Park has 23 RV sites, as well as a picnic area, restrooms, water and a dump station. Delta State Recreation Site offers 25 developed campsites, a picnic area, a covered picnic shelter, water and restrooms. Site counts and facilities may change; check them before your trip.
From Delta State Recreation Site, the Delta River lies directly across the highway, with the Alaska Range rising behind it. On clear days, you can also see Mount Hayes, whose summit is 13,832 feet high. A municipal airstrip next to the site makes it possible to camp with an airplane. These distinct landmarks set the site apart from a simple base for activities on a lake or river.
River Trips and Wilderness
The Fortymile Wild and Scenic River is an extensive network of creeks and rivers in east-central Alaska. Of its total length, 392 miles are designated as Wild, Scenic or Recreational sections of the National Wild and Scenic River System. River trips pass through deep, forest-lined canyons. Depending on your plans, trips can last from one day to several weeks; water conditions vary. The corridor provides habitat for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly or black bears, waterfowl, raptors including peregrine falcons, and other mammals and birds. Wildlife sightings may vary by season.
The remote Yukon-Charley Rivers Preserve on the Canadian border can be reached via two long gravel roads, the Yukon River or by plane. Weather can affect travel. Seven public-use cabins are available on a first-come, first-served basis; availability and conditions may change. On the Yukon River, rafting, canoeing or motorboating is a popular way to experience the storied river. The Charley River, by contrast, requires advanced skills and offers a wilderness experience. Along the Yukon River, a diverse array of unusually shaped rocks preserves a relatively undisturbed record of geological history spanning roughly the past 600 million years.
Gold Rush Sites and Historic Traces
Fifteen historic buildings and one additional historic structure in the Chicken Historic District tell the story of this remote village in the Fortymile Mining District. Access to individual buildings may be restricted. Chicken is also home to F.E. Company Dredge No. 4: the dredge is on the west bank of Chicken Creek, south of the Taylor Highway, next to the remains of the F.E. Company camp on the Nora Bench claim. It is considered an outstanding example of mechanized gold-mining equipment used in Alaska’s Interior in the mid-20th century. Chicken also offers recreational gold panning and guided tours of the dredges.
The Pedro Dredge is a National Historic Site in Chicken. It was originally used for gold mining in the Fairbanks area and moved to Chicken in 1959. Eagle has five restored Fort Egbert buildings, managed by the Bureau of Land Management together with the Eagle Historical Society and Museums. The Eagle Historic District was designated a National Historic Landmark on June 2, 1978. From Tok, the route to Fort Egbert at Tetlin Junction follows the Taylor Highway north from the Alaska Highway; Eagle is 163 miles away.
The Delta Historical Society Museum at Big Delta State Historical Park offers further historical insights. It features locally collected artifacts from 1900 to 1950, as well as historic photographs; specific exhibits may change. The Sullivan Roadhouse Historical Museum tells the story of the roadhouse, built in 1905, through artifacts and information about its original owners and life in Alaska. Check current access before visiting. For further travel planning, note that Delta Junction is the official end of the Alaska Highway and lies about 100 miles southeast of Fairbanks.
Discover more destinations: Tok, Delta Junction, Deltana, Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Bristol Bay, Fairbanks North Star Borough, Sitka and Wade Hampton Census Area.
For the broader travel overview: Alaska.
