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Are you planning on visiting the wonderful Golden Heart City of Fairbanks, Alaska and are looking for kid friendly activities? If you are wanting to visit Alaska, chances are that you are an outdoorsy family because outdoor recreation abounds in this beautiful place. Hiking is one of the easiest and cheapest kid friendly outdoor opportunities here. Read on to learn about 5 easy, kid friendly hikes around Fairbanks, Alaska.
Maybe you are planning a visit to Fairbanks or maybe you are already a resident and are looking to get out and explore the trails. This guide will be a great starting point. If you are looking for a more remote experience that still offers an easy trail, Castner Glacier is the place to go. I have an entire Ultimate Guide for driving there from Fairbanks, as well as what gear to pack, and what it is like to actually hike to the cave itself.
The trails I am discussing in this article are based in or right around Fairbanks, Alaska and are easily accessible for anyone.
Other Great Recreational Opportunities in Fairbanks, Alaska:
- The Best Cross Country Ski Trails in Fairbanks, Alaska
- The Best of Winter in Fairbanks, Alaska: Planning Your Trip
- Discover Why Alaska Should Be Your Ultimate Summer Destination
- The Best Wildlife Viewing in Denali National Park
- Explore Fairbanks, Alaska
Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary
First up, nestled inside the city itself is the hidden gem, Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary. This nature reserve is preserved by the Wedgewood resort and boasts two beautiful scenic walking trails that connect around a small lake.
These trails are rated as some of the easiest to walk in both the Summer and Winter. The groomed trails are accessible even to the youngest of hikers, no snow shoes needed!
Wedgewood is an excellent place to watch wildlife, especially birds. Wildlife roams abundant through this rich boreal forest. From squirrels, beavers, and moose, there are plenty of chances to catch a glimpse and snap a picture of the wild life thriving here.
The .7 mile Taiga trail heads West of the lake through a forest of Birch trees and White Spruce and towards a large observation deck overlooking the lake.
The Wander Lake Trail wraps around the lake for a scenic 2 mile walk. There is a photography blind to capture pictures of the wildlife like the birds who frequent the lake.
Each season will capture the beauty of Alaska. From Aurora viewing in Winter to enjoying the midnight sun in the Summer. This place will offer one of the easiest hikes around Fairbanks, Alaska without having to leave the city.
Creamer’s Field: One of the Perfect Kid Hikes Around Fairbanks, Alaska
Connected to Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary is Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. The former dairy farm operation turned into a wildlife refuge for migrating birds in 1966 and provides 1800 acres of prime wildlife viewing among it’s various trails.
There are a variety of habitats at Creamer’s Field including wetlands, boreal forests, and large grassy fields. Located just off of College Road in Fairbanks, it provides easy access to many acres of beautiful landscape and wildlife.
Enjoy this easy hike on one of its various trails, including the Boreal Forest trail, Seasonal Wetland trail, and Farm Road trail. To gain a better view, you can climb one of the observation towers along the trail and get a bird’s eye view of the fields and forests.
Creamer’s Field has multiple outdoor recreation opportunities so it’s common to see cross country skiers along with dog sled and Skijoring teams. A wonderful place during both Winter and Summer, you don’t want to miss this easy and scenic route, one of the most accessible hikes around Fairbanks, Alaska.
Tanana Lakes: One of the Shorter Hikes Around Fairbanks, Alaska
On the edge of town, surrounded by approximately 750 acres of wilderness, is the Tanana Lakes Recreation area. This place is the perfect place to spend the day because it has multiple trails.
There are 3 notable short hikes in this area. Firstly, upon arriving at the park entrance, the Chickadee trail (0.19 miles) and Flicker trail (0.56 miles) are right up front. With quick and easy access, these are great starter trails.
You’ll walk alongside the front of Cushman Lake and enjoy the pleasant sight of birds and other wildlife. There is a mix of White Spruce and Birch along with wild shrubs and plants. Moss and Arctic Roses cover the Spruce forest floor. There are breaks through the trees with spectacular views of the lake.
Secondly, after the first two trails at the front you have Eagle Trail. The Eagle trail is on the back side of Cushman Lake and is 0.66 miles long. This is another short and easy hike to add to the list of kid friendly hikes around Fairbanks, Alaska.
Beaver Springs Slough Nature Trail
Adjacent to North Pole City Hall is the hidden gem, Beaver Springs Slough Nature Trail. This 0.8 mile trail stretches through the heart of the city. Along its path is Beaver Springs Creek which is abundant in beavers and muskrats. You’ll be surprised at the amount of wildlife to be found right in the center of the city.
The forest surrounding this nature trail is full of paper birch and white spruce trees. Like the other trails, there is lush forest undergrowth consisting of wild roses, fireweed, and other beautiful flowering plants in the Summer.
There are two ways to access this trail. One trail head is adjacent to City Hall. Additionally, the other is located at the 5th Avenue Park. The fact that there is a park at this trail is another beneficial factor to get the kids involved! This is one of my family’s favorites because they get to play at the park when we are done with the hike. There is no better motivation than a park for kids.
Chena River Nature Trail
This loop trail is located out of North Pole, Alaska at the Chena Lakes Recreation area. There are actually 3 different trails along this loop. Among them, the inner loop is the shortest and is 2.6 miles long. It is an easy trail that follows along the Chena River.
Along the trail are guide signs to let you know that you are on the right track. There are also wooden educational signs that teach about the flora and fauna that live there. Opportunities to see wildlife abound in this area. For example, we once even spotted a lynx while out on this trail!
In addition, the unique location of this trail allows you to view the succession of plants along the river. River Willows give way to the Poplar, Spruce, and Birch trees that make up the Boreal forest that the trail winds through.
This is a perfect trail and by far my family’s favorite of the easier trails. It is not too long or too short, but is just right.
Conclusion on Hikes Around Fairbanks, Alaska
To sum up, you just can’t visit this beautiful city without walking on at least one trail. Most of these that I have listed are short so they are doable during the Winter with proper gear. As a mama who loves to explore and adventure, I understand the usual barriers to hiking with kids. Unless you hike regularly, the trails will need to be short and sweet. There are also bonus points if there is a fun park at the end to play at like the one in the center of North Pole.
My passion for hiking is immense. Consequently, my kids have developed a love for it too. I thoroughly enjoy taking my kids on my adventures with me. I know that we are making memories and they will be cherished forever. It isn’t always easy, but there are ways to find adventure as a mama who loves the outdoors.
Whether you are just visiting or already live in Fairbanks, I hope this guide for easy starter trails will get you in the right direction for the experience of a lifetime. As Werner Herzog put it, “The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot.” Check out Fairbanks from a new perspective on your next visit.
