Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Site
Alaska’s Interior Gold Country Campground — 24 Sites on the Chatanika River, Grayling & Salmon Fishing, Canoe Trail Launch, Steese Highway Mile 39 Near Fairbanks
Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Site is a state recreation site at Mile 39 of the Steese Highway, approximately one hour northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska. The site features 24 developed campsites with fire rings, drinking water, vault latrines, grayling and salmon fishing on the Chatanika River, a launch point for the Chatanika River Canoe Trail, and access to the historic gold country of Interior Alaska.
Upper Chatanika River SRS is a riverside campground in the heart of Interior Alaska’s gold country. The site serves as a popular launch point for the Chatanika River Canoe Trail — paddlers start here and float downstream to the Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area for an all-day wilderness float. The Chatanika River is renowned for Arctic grayling and also hosts runs of king, silver, and chum salmon from late July through October. Twenty-four developed campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, drinking water, and vault latrines provide a comfortable base. A road leads to a gravel bar along the river for direct water access. The site sits at Mile 39 of the Steese Highway — one of Alaska’s most scenic drives through boreal forest, tundra ridgelines, and historic gold mining areas.
Things to Do
Fishing
- Arctic grayling — excellent year-round
- Whitefish
- King salmon (late Jul–Aug)
- Silver salmon (Aug–Sep)
- Chum salmon (Jul–Oct)
- Alaska fishing license required
Paddling
- Chatanika River Canoe Trail launch point
- Float to Lower Chatanika SRA
- Canoe, kayak, raft
- All-day wilderness float
Camping
- 24 developed campsites
- Tents and RVs
- Fire rings, picnic tables
- Drinking water, vault latrines
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Steese Highway Mile 39, ~1 hr NE of Fairbanks, AK |
| Campsites | 24 developed (tents + RVs) |
| Water | Drinking water available |
| Restrooms | Vault latrines |
| Fishing | Grayling, whitefish, king/silver/chum salmon |
| Paddling | Canoe Trail launch — float to Lower Chatanika SRA |
| River Access | Gravel bar via road |
| Season | May–September/October |
| Fees | Self-pay station |
| Coordinates | 65.192° N, 147.257° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Midnight sun (20+ hrs daylight); peak grayling; salmon runs begin late July; wildflowers; warm | Mosquitoes INTENSE; popular weekends; self-pay |
| Fall (Sep) | Northern lights; fall tundra colors; silver/chum salmon; reduced bugs; crisp air | Cold nights (below freezing); shorter days; facilities may close late Sep |
| Spring (May) | Ice-out; grayling active; bears emerging; migrating birds; quiet | Cold; river may be high; ice possible; limited facilities |
| Winter | Closed | Road may be unplowed; extreme cold; no facilities |
Visitor Tips
- Canoe trail: The site is the primary launch for the Chatanika River Canoe Trail — float downstream to the Lower Chatanika SRA for a full-day wilderness paddle.
- Grayling fishing: The Chatanika River offers some of Interior Alaska’s best Arctic grayling fishing — use dry flies or small spinners.
- Mosquitoes: Summer mosquitoes are legendary — bring a head net, DEET, and a well-sealed tent.
- Midnight sun: In June/July, you’ll have 20+ hours of daylight — fish, paddle, or hike until midnight.
- Steese Highway: The drive to the site on the Steese Highway is spectacular — boreal forest, gold mining history, and mountain vistas.
- Bear country: Store food properly and make noise on trails. Bear spray recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at Upper Chatanika River in Alaska?
Yes — Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Site offers 24 developed campsites at Mile 39 of the Steese Highway, approximately one hour northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, drinking water, and vault latrines, accommodating both tents and RVs. The site operates seasonally from May through September or October. It serves as the primary launch point for the Chatanika River Canoe Trail. Fishing is excellent for Arctic grayling, with king, silver, and chum salmon runs from late July through October. Fees are collected at a self-pay station.
Last updated: May 2026
