Tanana Lakes Recreation Area

The feel

This is a flat loop around the Tanana Lakes in a 750-acre borough recreation area south of Fairbanks. The path is a wide gravel surface, mostly shady, with glimpses of the lake along the way. It is easy walking, and a few dogs run off-leash.

The area has two sandy swimming beaches, an accessible playground, picnic sites and two sand volleyball courts, so it works well for families. Bathrooms are mostly on the west side.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 2.9 miles, with about 22 ft of gain, on flat gravel with lake glimpses.

Time

About 1 hour.

Fees and passes

Picnic pavilions cost $10/hour; book at fnsb.gov/parks or call (907) 459-1070.

Dogs

Allowed, and a few run off-leash. No dogs on beach sand.

Kids

Rated easy, with a lake beach and an accessible playground.

Hazards

Loose dogs and occasional mosquito swarms. Wear a personal flotation device on the water.

Bathrooms and water

Bathrooms mostly on the west side.

Season and access

Open year-round, 8:00am to 10:00pm daily in summer. The park gate is locked at 10:00pm.

Mingo says

The loop is good for snowshoeing as well as summer walks. Mosquitoes can swarm in summer, so bring bug spray.

Before you go

• Be out before the park gate locks at 10:00pm.
• Find it at 4400 S Cushman St Ext in Fairbanks.
• Call the park ranger at (907) 699-6370.
• Leave dogs off the beach sand, and skip camping, which is not allowed.

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