Nancy Lake Recreation Area is a fairly flat, lake-studded area just 90 minutes from Anchorage that offers a remote setting of multiple lakes for paddlers to enjoy. This canoe trail covers over 8 miles, hitting over 14 lakes along the way. There are multiple portages required but well-marked paths show the way and boardwalks cover much of the wet terrain making for easier portages. The trip can be done as a long day trip or as an overnight trip by utilizing public-use cabins and campsites located along the trail.

The Swan Lake Canoe trail leads paddlers through very remote and rugged wilderness terrain and provides endless paddling trip options. The canoe trail can be accessed from two points off of Swan Lake Road. This paddling trip starts at the west entrance with a short portage down to Canoe Lake and follows a chain of lakes to Otter Lake. The canoe trail also takes off of Spruce Lake or continues on from Otter to other kettle lakes so be sure to reference a canoe trail map if exploring other lakes. The trail also continues to the east eventually leading back to the east entrance providing the option of a long one-way trip. The area is very scenic with lots of wildlife but is not heavily visited due to rugged conditions and lots of bugs. The trip requires lots of portages and experience in the backcountry and is not a good option for beginner paddlers with no experience.

The Swanson River Canoe trail leads paddlers through very remote and rugged wilderness terrain and provides endless paddling trip options. The canoe trail can be accessed from a short road that branches off of Swan Lake Road. This paddling trip starts at the entrance and follows a chain of lakes to Berry Lake. The canoe trail also branches off at multiple other lakes so be sure to reference a canoe trail map if exploring parts of the trails and other lakes. Paddlers can follow the trail all the way to Swanson River and then follow the river to Swanson River Landing providing the option of a long and difficult one-way trip. The area is very scenic with lots of wildlife but is not heavily visited due to rugged conditions and lots of bugs. The trip requires lots of portages and backcountry experience and is not a good option for a beginners paddlers setting out on their own.

Hidden Lake is located off of Skilak Lake Road in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and offers easy access to a scenic wilderness lake for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. A campground at the lake is one of the most popular on the Kenai Peninsula and provides toilets, drinking water, and a boat ramp. An island on the lake is a fun destination and can be used for overnight camping if desired.

This scenic lake located on the Kenai Peninsula just south of Kasilof offers a fun and scenic destination for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The lake is surrounded by lots of heavily wooded, undeveloped shoreline. A state recreation area situated on the northwest side of the lake provides a launch area, campgrounds, and day-use facilities.

Located east of Fairbanks near North Pole, Chena Lake Recreation Area offers a remote and scenic wilderness setting for many types of outdoor recreation including paddling and fishing on Chena Lake. No motorized boating is allowed on the lake keeping the waters calm and quiet. There are some small islands on the lake with the largest island having a picnic area and campsites. The recreation area also offers hiking and biking trails.

The Tangle Lakes is a chain of lakes that span over 16 miles long and form the headwaters of the Delta River. The string of lakes and connecting rivers offers some very scenic paddling in the remote and rugged wilderness of interior Alaska. Upper Tangle Lakes is located just south of the Denali Highway and is a good starting point for a paddlers setting out for a day trip or longer multi-day adventure. This paddle explores Tangle Lakes, Upper Tangle Lakes, and Muddy Lake, with two fairly short portages between. Ambitious paddlers willing to pull off some longer portages can continue all the way to Dickey Lake for a longer trip if desired.

Round Tangle Lake is the first in a chain of lakes accessed from the Tangle Lakes Campground off the Denali Highway. A boat launch on the lake offers easy access to miles of shoreline for paddling in a very rugged and scenic wilderness setting. Paddling around the lake is a good option for a short outing but paddlers looking to spend time in the backcountry on the water can paddle the chain of lakes for a multi-day trip.

Lower Bonnie Lake is located off of the Glen Highway Scenic Byway and provides a beautiful setting for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The lake is surrounded by wooded, undeveloped shoreline and offers excellent mountain scenery. Most of the lake shoreline is private property but there is public access located on the southeast side where there is parking and a boat launch.

Stretching along the Susitna Valley, this small river offers a scenic and relaxing multi-day paddle through a forested area abundant in wildlife. The river consists of class I-II rapids and has some shallow sections where the boat may have to be dragged over rocks. The river is also narrow with lots of twists and turns and does sees some motorboat traffic so be cautious and pay attention to other boaters. The river also connects to a portage trail that connects to the Nancy Lake Canoe Trail providing additional paddling options.

The Knik River is located just a short distance out of Anchorage and offers an easy half-day paddle down a wide river channel through scenic wilderness. The trip starts from the Knik River Bridge and covers over 8 miles of waterway to the take-out just after the Highway 1 bridge. The run consists of class I rapids and eddies. Wind can also result in some rough waters and there are some stronger tides near the outlet.

The Swan Lake Canoe trail leads paddlers through very remote and rugged wilderness terrain and provides endless paddling trip options. The canoe trail can be accessed from two points off of Swan Lake Road. This paddling trip starts at the east entrance right off the highway and Portage Lakes and follows a chain of lakes to Konchanee Lake. The canoe trail also continues off of Swan Lake to other lakes so be sure to reference a canoe trail map if exploring other lakes. The trail also continues to the west eventually leading back to the west entrance providing the option of a long one-way trip. The area is very scenic with lots of wildlife but is not heavily visited due to rugged conditions and lots of bugs. The trip requires lots of portages and experience in the backcountry and is not a good option for beginner paddlers with no experience.

Upper Summit Lake is located just off of the Seward Highway on the Kenai Peninsula and is a great spot for boating, fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. The lake is surrounded almost completely by undeveloped forest service property. A campground on the northeast side of the lake provides easy access to the lake as well as a nice place to camp during the summer.

The Upper Tanana offers an excellent multi-day paddling destination in Interior Alaska's very remote and rugged wilderness. The river is quite a distance from Fairbanks and shuttling vehicles is a challenge so paddlers who make the effort will enjoy plenty of solitude. The water is flat with lots of braided channels that make it interesting and challenging but still manageable for intermediate paddlers. This trip starts out on the Chisana River and follows it to the confluence with the Tanana. This section of the Tanana is very slow and travels through lush swamp and forest terrain. The river does break off into multiple channels at times but following the widest channel with the most water should make it simple to navigate. The take-out at the Alaska Highway bridge is fairly accessible but leaving cars parked there for long periods of time is not advised so arranging for a shuttle is the best way to go.

Nancy Lake Recreation Area is a fairly flat, lake-studded area located just 90 minutes from Anchorage that offers a remote setting and multiple lakes for paddlers to enjoy. Nancy Lake is a large lake that offers miles of wooded shoreline for exploration. The lake is surrounded by both undeveloped forest as well as some residential development. This paddling trip starts from a state recreation area launch located off of Parks Highway that offers good access to the northern section of the lake.

Tanaina Lake is one of many lakes in the Nancy Lake Recreation Area that offers a beautiful wilderness setting for paddling and wildlife viewing. The lake is reached by a very short portage down from the parking area and is one of the most accessible of lakes in the area for canoeing. The lake can be paddled on its own or done as part of a longer canoe trail which covers over 14 lakes in the region.

Reflections Lake is a small and scenic lake in Alaska that offers excellent birdwatching and wildflower viewing in the summer. The lake can be accessed by portaging boats a short distance from the parking lot. The lake is protected and only open for non-motorized boats keeping the water calm and peaceful.

Benka Lake is located 10 miles from Talkeetna and offers a scenic wilderness setting for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. There are a few houses that line the shores but overall the lake has a very remote feeling. The lake is accessed from a dirt road that dead ends at the lake where boaters can launch. The

This scenic lake located in Denali State Park at the base of Kesugi Ridge offers excellent opportunity for paddling and wildlife viewing in an alpine setting. The lake is only open for non-motorized boating keeping the waters calm and quiet. There are camping areas as well as fee cabins situated around the lake that can be used for overnight stays.

Jean Lake is scenic wilderness lake located off of Skilak Lake Road in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge that provides good paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunity. There is a very primitive campground and boat ramp on the lake that are accessed from a short but rough dirt road. The lake has a no-wake restriction keeping the waters quiet and calm.

Finger Lake is located just east of Cottonwood Lake in the suburbs of Wasilla and offers a scenic and peaceful setting for padding and fishing. The lake is almost completely surrounded by private residential property but a state recreation site on the northeast side of the lake offers easy public access as well as camping and picnic areas.

West Beaver Lake is located just a short distance to the north of Big Lake and offers a quiet and peaceful setting for fishing and paddling. The lake is mostly surrounded by private shoreline but a public access site on the west side of the lake offers a launch area with limited parking.

The X-Y Lakes are two lakes located in the Talkeetna Area that provide peaceful and scenic paddling and fishing opportunity. The lakes are fairly easy to access from a dirt road and a short dirt trail. The lakes can be connected by using a portage trail. The first lake is small so be sure to continue on and explore the larger lake to the south.

Rainbow Lake is located off of Swanson River Road in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and offers easy access to a scenic wilderness lake. A small campground on the lake provides toilets, drinking water, and a boat ramp. The lake is open to motorboats but there is a no-wake restriction keeping the waters calm and quiet. The area is great for solitude and wildlife viewing but be prepared for lots of bugs at times.

Located a short distance north of Nancy Lake State Recreation Area in Willow, Long Lake offers a scenic and relaxing spot for paddling and fishing. The long and narrow lake is surrounded mostly by privately owned property but a public launch on the east side of the lake provides public access.

Bottenintnin Lake is located less than 8 miles from Sterling in the Kenai Peninsula Borough and offers a very remote and rugged setting for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The lake is the first one accessible off of Skilak Lake Road but there are no campgrounds or improvements on the lake. There is a no-wake restriction on the lake for motorboats.

Engineer Lake is a scenic wilderness lake located off of Skilak Lake Road in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The lake provides excellent paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. A no-wake restriction on the lake helps to keep the waters calm and quiet. There is a small campground at the lake with a boat launch area and restrooms.

Cheney Lake is a small but scenic lake located in residential Anchorage that offers a nice setting for paddling and enjoying the outdoors. The lake is only 34 acres and shallow, and can only be used by non-motorized boats keeping the waters calm and peaceful.

This small lake located in suburban Anchorage offers approximately 10 acres of quiet and calm waters for paddling. The lake is known for being a good fishing lake within the city with very easy access. The lake is surrounded by houses to the south and wooded park area on the north.

Nancy Lake Recreation Area is a fairly flat, lake-studded area located just 90 minutes from Anchorage that offers a remote setting of multiple lakes for paddlers to enjoy. Bald Lake is located just off of Nancy Lake Parkway and requires a short portage for access. There is a public use cabin located at Bald Lake for overnight stay. Check with the state park regarding reservations and availability of cabins and campgrounds in the recreation area.

Located just off of the Alaska Highway in Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, Deadman Lake offers a campground and boat ramp for paddlers to easily access the scenic lake. The area is great for birdwatching and wildlife viewing and is only used by small boats keeping the waters peaceful and calm. Bears are common in the area so use caution.

Watson Lake is a scenic wilderness lake located just north off of the Sterling Highway in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The lake provides excellent paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing and a no-wake restriction on the lake helps to keep the waters calm and quiet. There is a small campground at the lake and a boat launch area.

Located just east of the historic Village of Talkeetna, Christiansen Lake offers a peaceful and scenic setting for paddling and fishing. The lake is a popular destination for swimming and fishing on weekends during the summer. The lake is surrounded almost completely by private property but public access on the northwest side of the lake provides a launching area. Local outfitters do provide canoe rentals for the lake if needed.

Fish Lake is located off of Swan Lake Road in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and offers easy paddling opportunity on a scenic wilderness lake. There is public access to the lake but it requires a short portage. The area is great for solitude and wildlife viewing but be prepared for lots of bugs at times. There is a primitive campground at the lake.

Kelly Lake is a scenic wilderness lake located off of the Sterling Highway in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The lake provides excellent paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing and a no-wake restriction on the lake helps to keep the waters calm and quiet. There is a small campground at the lake as well as a boat launch area. Petersen Lake is located just to the west and is another fun lake to paddle when visiting the area.

Kalmbach Lake is a small but scenic lake located in rural Wasilla that offers a nice setting for paddling and fishing. The lake is primarily surrounded by private residential properties but a short trail on the northeast side of the lake leads to the lake providing the public access.

South Rolly Lake is just one of many lakes located in the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area that offers excellent paddling opportunity. The lake is one of the most easily accessible with a small boat ramp and parking lot right at the lake. The lake is only open to electric motors and non-motorized boating keeping the setting calm and quiet. There is a campground at the lake as well as nearby hiking trails.

Auke Lake is located 10 miles northwest of Juneau and is situated among thick wooded terrain that offers a beautiful setting for paddling. The lake located just off of Auke Bay is also a great spot for birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and fishing. There is a public boat launch area on the southwest corner of the lake. Motorized and non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake so watch out for other watercraft when paddling the lake.

Located on the Kenai Peninsula in the outskirts of Nikiski, Douglas Lake provides a scenic and quiet setting for paddling and fishing. The lake is surrounded by wooded shoreline mixed with some development. The lake is accessed from a public site located on the northwest side where there is a parking area and a boat launch area.

Lower Ohmer Lake is located in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and offers a peaceful and remote wilderness setting for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Access to the lake is easy with a campground and launch area located just off the Skilak Lake Road. There is a no-wake restriction for motorboats keeping the waters quiet and calm.

Longmere Lake is situated in a suburban area of Soldotna and provides a peaceful and scenic setting for paddling and fishing. The lake is surrounded mostly by private residential properties but a public access site on the north side, right off of Sterling Highway, offers parking, restrooms, and a boat launch area.

Sand Lake is located in the heart of southwest Anchorage and is surrounded by mostly private residential property. A public access site on the northeast side of the lake does provide opportunity for launching non-motorized watercraft making it a good option for a scenic paddle in a mostly suburban area. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, birdwatching, and picnicing.

Located about 45 miles south of Fairbanks, Harding Lake is a well-established and popular destination for paddling, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. A state recreation area located on the northwest side of the lake provides boat launch facilities, a campground, and hiking trails. The lake is popular for motorboats and jet skis as well so be prepared to encounter other watercraft on the lake.

Rocky Lake is located just a short distance northeast of Big Lake and offers a scenic and peaceful setting for paddling and fishing. The lake is surrounded by wooded shoreline that is mostly private residential property but a recreation site located on the east side provides public boat access. The recreation site also offers a campground.

Dolly Varden Lake is located off of Swanson River Road in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and offers easy paddling access to a scenic wilderness lake. A campground on the lake provides toilets, drinking water, and a boat ramp. The lake is open to motorboats but there is a no-wake restriction keeping the waters calm and quiet. The area is great for solitude and wildlife viewing but be prepared for lots of bugs at times.

Jewel Lake is a small lake located in a suburban area of Anchorage that offers access to the public for swimming, fishing, picnicing, and paddling. The lake only allows non-motorized watercraft keeping waters calm and peaceful. There is a forested park on the north end of the lake and some other heavily wooded sections around the lake where you may even encounter some wildlife.

Beach Lake is located in the large community of Eagle River, just north of Anchorage, and is a scenic and peaceful lake that is open to the public for paddling. The lake is situated just inland of the Knik Arm and is surrounded by undeveloped, wooded terrain. There is also fishing available at the lake and lots of hiking trails nearby.

Yarger Lake is located in the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge and offers scenic paddling and lots of opportunity for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. A campground and boat launch on the lake provides easy access from the Alaska Highway. The lake is open to small boats and non-motorized boats and is remote and peaceful. There is lots of wildlife in the area including bears so be cautious and know your bear safety.

Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area is located between Wasilla and Palmer and offers excellent opportunity for outdoor recreation including paddling, fishing, and hiking. Matanuska Lake is the most accessible of the lakes in the area and requires just a short portage down from the parking lot to launch your boat. The lake is only open to non-motorized boats keeping the waters calm and quiet.

Mirror Lake is a small 60-acre lake in Chugiak that offers a scenic and peaceful setting for paddling and fishing. The lake has an average depth of around 6 feet and is surrounded by wooded terrain and residential development. The lake allows non-motorized boating and also offers a day-use area and nearby hiking and ski trails.

This popular lake located in Alaska's Interior provides a fun and scenic setting for paddling and fishing. The lake is surrounded by lots of wooded shoreline mixed with residential development. A state recreation area on the west side of the lake offers a boat launch, fishing dock, campsites, and a day-use area. The lake is popular for boating and jet skiing in the summer so watch out and pay attention to other watercraft when exploring the lake.

Goose Lake is a small but scenic urban lake located in the heart of Anchorage that offers a scenic and relaxing setting for paddling and birdwatching. The lake can be busy in the summer with lots of swimmers and paddle boats but is still a good option within the city. The lake is surrounded by a park and residential development. Paddling is off limits in the swimming area.

Island Lake is located just north of Nikiski and offers a scenic and quiet setting for paddling and fishing. The lake is surrounded by wooded shoreline with lots of private development mixed in. The only public access to the lake is located on the west side where there is a small cul-de-sac for parking and a sandy launch area.

Lucille Lake is located right in the heart of Wasilla and is a good option for a scenic and relaxing paddle in Alaska's 6th biggest city. The lake is located right off of Parks Highway west of Main Street. The lake is surrounded by lots of heavily wooded shoreline mixed with residential development. Most of the property surrounding the lake is privately owned but a public access on the northeast side of the lake offers a launching and parking area. There is also a campground on the south side of the lake that offers access as well.

Seventeenmile Lake is located just west of Sutton and provides a scenic and remote setting for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The majority of the shoreline is privately owned but there is a public access site located on the west side of the lake off of Wishbone PL. that includes a primitive launch and parking.

North Rolly Lake is just one of many lakes located in the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area that offers excellent paddling opportunity. The lake is fairly easy to access requiring just a short portage from the parking area down to the lake along the trail. The lake is only open to non-motorized boating keeping the setting calm and quiet. There is a campground close by at South Rolly Lake as well as some nice hiking trails.

This scenic wilderness lake is located off of the Sterling Highway in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and offers excellent paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunity. A small campground and parking area at the lake provides access. The lake has a no-wake restriction for motorboats so the water stays quiet and calm. Kelly Lake is located a very short distance to the east and is another possible paddling destination when visiting the area.

Sand Lake is located in the heart of southwest Anchorage and is surrounded primarily by private residential properties. A public access site on the northwest side of the lake does offer paddlers the opportunity to launch non-motorized watercraft onto the water. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, picnicing, and birdwatching.

Sport Lake is located in eastern Soldotna and offers a scenic and peaceful setting for paddling and fishing. The lake is surrounded by wooded shoreline mixed with some development. The small lake has public access on the west side where there is a launching area, picnic sites, and restrooms.

This short paddling trip follows a section of the Lower Susitna River between the Willow Creek SRA and the Deshka boat launch area. The wide river has many braids and channels and is used by lots of larger fishing boats so following the river closest to the left bank is advised. The trip can be combined with a float down Willow Creek for a longer day outing if desired. Deshka Landing is privately owned and charges a small fee to park and launch.

Lake Lorraine is located in Point MacKenzie, just a short distance inland from the Knik Arm, and provides a very remote setting for paddling and fishing. The lake is located off of Point MacKenzie Road and is accessed from a short portage trail on the southeast side of the lake.

Situated between Birch Lake and the Tanana River, Lost Lake is a remote and quiet lake that provides a nice setting for paddling and fishing. The lake is surrounded by mostly undeveloped wooded shoreline with the exception of a scout camp and few other private properties. The lake is accessed from a public site located on the east side consisting of only a launch area and parking lot.

Paddlboarding near Eklutna Tailrace Park on the Knik River.

Cottonwood Lake is located in the suburbs of Wasilla and offers a relaxing and scenic setting for paddling and fishing. The lake is almost completely surrounded by private property but a public access site on the north side of the lake does provide easy access.

Kincaid Park is located in southwest Anchorage near the coast and offers miles of recreational trails as well as a small lake for paddling. Little Campbell Lake is lined with lily pads and surrounded by thick forest resulting in a beautiful wilderness setting. The lake is only open to non-motorized boats keeping it calm and quiet.

Chilkhoot Lake offers fairly protected waters and a beautiful wilderness setting for kayaking when visiting the Haines area. The large lake is connected to Lutak Inlet by Chilkhoot River and is situated in a forest of dense Sitka Spruce trees. The area is great for wildlife viewing and some of the best salmon fishing in Southeast Alaska. The lake is accessible by road and offers a state recreation site with a boat launch, campground, and picnic sites.

This paddling trip starts from Upper Skilak Lake Campground and follows the shoreline of the large glacial lake east to the outlet of the Upper Kenai River. The trip follows scenic and rugged shoreline where lots of wildlife and birdlife can be seen. The water on the lake can get rough during bad weather and the water is very cold so be sure to stay close to shore. The lake is also used for motor boating so be aware of other users on the lake.

The Tangle Lakes is a chain of lakes over 16 miles of long that form the headwaters of the Delta River and offer some very scenic paddling in the remote and rugged wilderness of interior Alaska. This paddling trip starts from Round Tangle Lake and follows the chain north to the Upper Delta River. The run then follows the river for 20 miles to the take-out. There are multiple primitive campsites located along the river for multi-day trips. There is a portage required at around the 10 mile mark that is accomplished by following a portage trail to the right. The river also has multiple sections of braided channels to negotiate and multiple class II-III rapids.

Skilak Lake is a large glacial lake known for its clear green waters and spectacular scenery. The lake and surrounding terrain also offers some of the best wildlife viewing and birdwatching opportunity on the Kenai Peninsula. This out-and-back paddling trip starts from the lower campground and follows the shoreline east to the upper campground. The trip could also be done as a one-way paddling by shuttling cars between the two campgrounds. Bad weather can create some rough conditions on the lake and the water temperature is cold so be cautious and stay close to shore if paddling in less than ideal conditions.

This paddling trip explores three of the Tangle Lakes located north of the Denali Highway and is a good option for a long day paddle or overnight outing in the area. The trip starts from Round Tangle Lakes and follows the chain of lakes north to the end of Lower Tangle Lake before its outlet and start of Delta River. Ambitious paddlers looking to spend even more time in the backcountry can continue down the Delta River for an even longer adventure if desired.

The Upper Chena River is a scenic clear-water river that runs through the Chena River Recreation Area and offers multiple trip options of varying distances and difficulties. Its close proximity to Fairbanks and easy access make it a popular destination for paddlers. This run covers an upper portion between 3rd and 2nd bridges. This section of the river is where the East Fork run into the North Fork resulting in rough waters at the confluence, a higher flow, and a wider channel. Log jams and debris are also common along this stretch of river requiring careful navigation and possible portages. This segment should only be attempted by experienced paddlers.

The Tangle Lakes is a chain of lakes over 16 miles of long that form the headwaters of the Delta River and offers some very scenic paddling in the remote and rugged wilderness of interior Alaska. Upper Tangle Lakes is located just south of the Denali Highway and is a good option for paddlers just setting out for the day. Paddling all of the lakes and the river that connects them is a popular option for a longer multi-day trip if desired.

The Upper Chena River is a scenic clear-water river that runs through the Chena River Recreation Area and offers multiple trip options of varying distances and difficulties. Its close proximity to Fairbanks and easy access make it a popular option for paddlers. This run covers the portion between the 2nd bridge and Rosehip Campground. This section of the river is wider and a little calmer than some of the upper portions but small snags, sweepers, and small riffles are still present making it a good option for intermediate paddlers. A public use cabin is located along this stretch and some large gravel bars also provide nice camping if needed.

The Chena River is a scenic clear-water river that runs through the Chena River Recreation Area to Fairbanks and offers multiple trip options of varying distances and difficulties. Its close proximity to Fairbanks and easy access make it a popular option for paddlers. This run covers a long stretch of river between the Chena Lake Recreation Area launch and the access on Nordale Road and is a long day trip. The current is a little slower here than the upper river with fewer obstacles.

The Tanana is a long wide river that runs over 580 miles through Alaska's roadless interior, offering paddlers literally hundreds of miles of waterway to explore. The limited access to the river and remote setting requires multi-day paddle trips. The river is very wide and prone to wind that can result in rough waters and large waves so be sure to pull over and wait out bad weather. This stretch of river covers almost 100 miles between Nenana and an access at Manley Hot Spring. Paddlers can continue on the Tanana all the way to Galena but this requires an additional 400 miles with limited access so plan on spending at least a few weeks on the river to cover the distance.

Portage creek is within an hour's drive of Anchorage and provides a scenic wilderness paddle between Portage Lake and Turnagain Arm. The 7-mile section of glacial river offers some impressive and beautiful mountain scenery. The river is a class II run with lots of fast riffles, shallow gravel sandbars, sweepers, meandering channels, and very cold water. The run starts just on the other side of the bridge from the lake. Paddling the glacial lake is not advised as the weather can change very quickly resulting in windy weather and very rough water.

The Upper Chena River is a scenic clear-water river that runs through the Chena River Recreation Area and offers multiple trip options of varying distances and difficulties. Its close proximity to Fairbanks and easy access make it a popular option for paddlers. This run covers the stretch of river between Rosehip Campground and Grange Hall Road. This section of the river has a little slower current with fewer obstacles making it a better choice for beginner to intermediate paddlers. The river does have multiple channels so be sure to choose the widest one with the most water for the easiest paddling route.

This large scenic lake is located only 40 miles from Anchorage in Chugach State Park and offers an excellent setting for paddling. The lake is surrounded by heavy forest terrain and high mountain peaks. It is not hard to find solitude here and enjoy nature. Camping, picnicing, and hiking are other activities available at the lake.

Lake Louise is a large lake located near Glennallen in the Copper Valley that offers year-round recreation including paddling and fishing during the warmer months. A state recreation area located on the south side of the lake provides easy access for paddlers to launch boats. There are beaches located around the lake that can be used for camping on the large lake. The lake also connects via a small channel to Susitna Lake and Tyone Lake which provides the option of an even longer multi-day trip but this takes paddlers into very remote wilderness and should only be attempted by very experienced backcountry paddlers. The lake is large and waters can get rough quickly during windy conditions so avoid launching in bad weather and stay close to shore to be safe. There is a campground at the state recreation site as well as other lodging available at the lake.

The Upper Tanana offers an excellent multi-day paddling destination in Interior Alaska's very remote and rugged wilderness. The river is quite a distance from Fairbanks and shuttling vehicles is a challenge so paddlers who make the effort will enjoy plenty of solitude. The water is flat with lots of braided channels that make it interesting and challenging but still manageable for intermediate paddlers. When the river is divided into multiple channels, follow the widest one with the most water. Wind can cause some riffles and rough water. There are no other access sites along this stretch but adequate campsites make multi-day trips on the river possible. The bridge is a decent spot to put-in but leaving vehicles at this spot for multiple days is not recommended.

Mendenhall Glacier and Mendenhall Lake are located a short drive from Juneau and are one of the most scenic and popular attractions in Southeast Alaska. The river flowing out of Mendenhall Lake offers a scenic and thrilling whitewater run for paddlers. The cold, fast flowing water consists of class II-III rapids over rocks and around tight bends that require careful maneuvering and thorough scouting. The water is cold so skillful paddling is a must to avoid capsizing a boat in frigid glacial water.

The Chilkat River flows through the Chilkat Valley and offers an enjoyable float through scenic wilderness terrain on a wide swift river. The silty river travels through a preserve area that is known for a large bald eagle population as well as lots of other wildlife found along its shoreline. The run consists of class I water with some shallow sections and gravel bars. Avoid running the river during late spring when the eagle are nesting and also in the fall to avoid disrupting them.

The Upper Chena River is a scenic clear-water river that runs through the Chena River Recreation Area and offers multiple trip options of varying distances and difficulties. Its close proximity to Fairbanks and easy access make it a popular option for paddlers. This run covers the uppermost portion between the 4th and 3rd bridges. This section of the river is narrow, fast-flowing, and full of debris and strainers that may need to be portages. While other sections of the Chena can be run by beginners, this run is for experienced paddlers.

The Chena River is a scenic clearwater river that runs through rugged Alaskan wilderness, providing excellent paddling and wildlife viewing opportunity. The river can be run in multiple sections to customize trips of varying distances and difficulties. This trip covers the segment between Grange Hall Road and Chena Lake Recreation Area. The trip ends right after a dam that can usually be run when open but there is a small possibility that the dam gates could be down requiring a portage.

Big Lake is located approximately 60 miles north of Anchorage and offers 67 miles of shoreline for paddlers to enjoy. The lake is surrounded by lots of wooded terrain mixed with private residential development. The lake is popular for all types of water recreation in the summer and many winter sports in the winter. The Big Lake North Recreational Site offers good access to the northeast side of the lake and offers picnic areas, campgrounds, and a boat launch. The lake is popular for motor boating and jet skiing so paddlers will encounter lots of other users on the lake.

Paxson Lake is located right off of Richardson Highway and offers convenient paddling access in a remote and rugged wilderness area near Denali. The outlet of the lake also provides access to the Gakona River and Middle Fork of the Gakona River which are long but very scenic rivers that are also excellent paddling destinations for multi-day trips. The narrow lake is long with lots of are to explore but the trip can easily be shortened by paddling shorter segments of the shoreline.