Paxson

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Distance Between Paxson and : Anchorage = 344 mi . 553 km Cantwell = 135 mi / 218 km Fairbanks = 179 mi / 287 km Valdez = 186 mi / 299 km Population = 33 Elevation = 2,650 feet / 808 meters

Service into Paxson is by reservation only.

Paxson is located on the Richardson Highway at the east end of the junction with the Denali Highway. Alaska Trails departs Paxson (from the Paxson Lodge) once every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday south to Glennallen and Valdez and once on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday north to Delta Junction and Fairbanks. We can take you to any trailhead, campground, milepost, or community along the way. 

Paxson is a very small community located at the Junction of the Richardson and Denali Highways. Located is an extremely picturesque area of the state, it is an excellent place to begin an exploration of the many lakes, trails and river systems in the area (see the Denali Highway description below). It is a virtual birders paradise, boasting more than 140 different species of birds including the arctic warbler and Smith's longspur. For more information on birding in the area, visit Tangle Lakes Birding Checklist
For those who would rather rough it other than in a campground, there are plenty of lodges, B&B's and restaurants in the area. There is the Tangle River Inn at mile 20 (from Paxson) on the Denali Highway. The inn offers a cafe, bar, fuel, and canoe rentals. Alternatively there is the Tangle River Lodge at mile 22 with lots of information on wildlife and canoe routs. Paxson also plays host to the Arctic Man Snowmachine Race during the second weekend in April. Thousands come from around the state to watch or participate in the grueling winter sporting event.

For information on what to do, see or places to stay in the Paxson area, you will want to begin at the Fairbanks Visitors Center

PAXSON AREA & THE DENALI HIGHWAY
Opened in 1957, this breathtaking highway runs west from Paxson 136 miles to Cantwell Jct. (located 28 miles south of Denali Park) on the Parks Highway. Before completion of the Parks Highway in 1972 this was the only route to access Denali National Park.

This "Highway" is all gravel and skirts the Alaska Range, passing by countless rivers, streams and lakes, most of which offer excellent fishing opportunities. There are many interesting geologic formation along the route including glacial moraines, kames (cone shaped hills of gravel and sand), kettle lakes (holes that are formed by blocks of melting ice), and eskers (gravel ridges that are formed by rivers flowing under glaciers).

There are very few facilities along this route and careful planning is a must. This route is closed from October to mid-May and you should not attempt to travel the route in the off season. The road can be an extremely dusty and bumpy road in dry weather, with washboard and pot holes developing during a rain.

There are many primitive, but pristine campgrounds along the road and for the more adventurous, this area is a destination in itself. The highway as well as many of the trails around it are ideal for hiking and mountain biking. Be sure to bring a topographic map if you plan to explore off the main road.

The Tangle Lakes National Register District is located between miles 17 and 37 (distance from Paxson) serves as a great base for mountain bikers, ATVers and hikers. You can pick up a free Trail Map and Guide to the Tangle Lakes from the The Bureau of Land Management. BLM Box 147 Glennallen, AK.  99588. (907) 822-3217
At mile 22 (from Paxson) is the Tangle Lakes Campground and a little further up is the Tangle River Campground. Both sites are free and provide excellent access to the 30 mile Delta River Canoe Route. This Canoe route does have a stretch of class III rapids and one portage. Take out is located at mile 212.5 on the Richardson Highway (just north of Paxson). The easier Upper Tangle Lakes Canoe Route is only 9 miles and begins at Tangle River and ends at Dickey Lake. More information on all these recreation activities may be obtained from the BLM. (see link above)

A trailhead at mile 35  leads up to the MacLaren Summit (4086 ft.).  From the top, you can see the MacLaren River flowing from the MacLaren Glacier with the Alaska Range and thousands of wildflowers as a backdrop. The Osar Lake Trail starts at mile 37 and is only 8 miles in length. This trail is ideal for mountain biking.

If you would like to find out more about hiking, sightseeing, camping opportunities, or mountain biking in the area then also visit the The Alaska Public Lands Information Center , They also have location in Fairbanks and Anchorage and Tok. They are a great source of information on outdoor recreational lands use throughout all areas of Alaska. Here, you will find information on all of Alaska's state and federal lands including parks, forests, wildlife refuges, river systems, and trails. Available are topographic maps, books, slide shows, and other aids to help you with your Alaskan adventure. Expert staff are knowledgeable resource, and can assist you in learning much more about getting off the beaten track in Alaska.