Chena Lakes Recreation Area Bike Trails

The feel

This is a nearly flat 9.5 mile loop on the paved Laurance Road bike path and a gravel loop near Chena Lake, shared with cyclists. The paved bikeway begins at a park and ride lot at the project entrance and continues almost 5 miles along the dam to the visitor kiosk at the outlet works.

Mountain biking on more primitive trails is encouraged throughout the project. The area around it has a swimming beach, a playground and picnic areas, and wolves and black and grizzly bears are present.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 9.5 miles, with about 52 ft of gain, on the paved Laurance Road bike path and a gravel loop near Chena Lake. The paved bikeway runs almost 5 miles along the dam.

Time

About 4 hours.

Parking

A park and ride lot at the project entrance on Laurance Road.

Fees and passes

A fee is charged for the borough's bike path in Lake Park during the summer, and an area day-use fee is collected Memorial Day through Labor Day. Fish viewing from the dam is free. Fees are not charged in the winter.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome on a leash.

Kids

Lake Park has a playground and a swimming beach.

Hazards

Wolves, black bears and grizzly bears are present.

Bathrooms and water

Restrooms are among the facilities at the recreation area.

Season and access

Accessible all year. The recreation area is staffed and open Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Mingo says

Come in July, when chinook and chum salmon swim up the Chena River. The top of the outlet works is an excellent place to see them.

Before you go

• Call the Chena Project Office at (907) 488-5400 for salmon viewing hours.
• Carry the summer day-use fee, collected Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Expect to share the paved path and gravel loop with cyclists.
• Call the Chena Lake Office at (907) 488-1655 with questions about the park.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.