Mike Agbaba Trail

The feel

This is a flat gravel loop from the East Lake lot at Chena Lake, part of a 12 mile system of groomed, multiple-use trails along the lake and the surrounding park areas. It is a winter mushing trail, and it serves as a bike path in summer.

Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation runs the recreation area. Wolves are present and occasionally seen, as are black and grizzly bears.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 4.2 miles, with about 32 ft of gain, on flat gravel. The wider system has 3.8 mi, 5.1 mi, 6.5 mi, 9.5 mi and 12 mile loops.

Time

About 1.5 hours.

Parking

The loop starts from the East Lake lot at Chena Lake. The trail system's trailhead is at Lake Park near the children's playground equipment.

Fees and passes

An area day-use fee is collected Memorial Day through Labor Day. Fees are not charged in the winter.

Dogs

Dogs must be kept on a leash.

Kids

Rated easy, with a children's playground at the Lake Park trailhead.

Hazards

Wolves, black bears and grizzly bears are present.

Bathrooms and water

Restrooms are among the facilities at the recreation area.

Season and access

Open year round, 24 hours, though Lake Park, the swim beach and day use areas close nightly 10:00pm to 6:00am in summer.

Mingo says

Come once enough snow has fallen, because the trails are groomed as soon as it does. Summer works too, with the loop open to bikes.

Before you go

• Call the Chena Lake Office at (907) 488-1655 with questions about the park.
• Find the park at 3780 Laurance Road, North Pole; it is a no-alcohol park.
• Expect the area day-use fee from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

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