The last phase of an Army Corps of Engineers flood-control project prompted by the Chena River’s flooding of Fairbanks in 1967.
Two separate parks make up the area, offering nature paths, paved trails and swimming, plus canoe, sailboat and paddleboat rentals. Three campground loops provide access to about 80 sites. Note that the entrance to the recreation area is 2 miles off the Richardson Hwy. Follow the signs after you exit.
Salcha River State Recreation Site offers access to the Salcha and Tanana Rivers for fishing and boating ($10 boat launch). It has a basic camping area on a gravel bar, plus the reservable Salcha River Public-Use Cabin right by the boat dock. To reach the state recreation site, turn in at the Salcha Marine boat dealership.
Harding Lake State Recreation Area is 43 miles from Fairbanks and 1.5 miles northeast of the Alcan. The 90-site wooded campground features more amenities than most in the area, with a ranger office, picnic shelters, horseshoes, volleyball, swimming, canoeing, and fishing (char and pike) in the natural lake. Five group walk-in sites are on the water.
