Bright green auroras glowing across a dark Alaska night sky during a Northern Lights display.

TRIP iDEAS

Fairbanks is one of the top destinations in the world for Aurora Borealis viewing due to its position under the "Auroral Oval," where solar activity is most concentrated.

* When to see the Northern Lights * What are the Best Places * How to Plan*

Green and Yellow Swirling Northern Lights
Light colored Northern Lights
Northern Lights above the dark trees
Northern Lights above the Trans Alaska Pipeline viewpoint along the Steese Highway near Fairbanks Alaska

The Trans-Alaska Pipeline viewpoint

The Trans-Alaska Pipeline Viewpoint. It's located at milepost 8.5 on the Steese Highway near Fairbanks. It's a publicly accessible area where visitors can see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and is a good viewing spot for the Northern Lights.
Aurora Borealis viewing at Cleary Summit high elevation pullout along the Steese Highway near Fairbanks Alaska

Cleary Summit

A high-elevation pullout along the Steese Highway, popular among locals for its panoramic vistas. It's a roadside spot, so no hiking needed, but can get crowded. It is about 20-25 miles out the Steese Highway.
Chena Lakes near North Pole Alaska offers a peaceful aurora viewing location near Fairbanks

Chena Lakes Recreational

A lakeside park with picnic areas and open spaces, just outside North Pole (a Fairbanks suburb). 17 miles east, about 25-30 minute drive via Richardson Highway.
Northern Lights viewing from Murphy Dome with remote hilltop clearing and dark skies west of Fairbanks Alaska

Murphy Dome

A remote, hilly area with dirt roads leading to open clearings. It's favored by photographers for its seclusion. Approximately 20 miles west, 30-40 minute drive.
Northern Lights viewed from Ester Dome overlooking Fairbanks with vibrant auroras above the Alaska night sky

ESTER DOME

Watching the Northern Lights from Ester Dome offers a breathtaking view of vibrant auroras dancing across the night sky. Ester Dome is approximately 9.5 miles northwest of downtown Fairbanks, making it a short 15-20 minute drive via Sheep Creek Road and Ester Dome Road.
Northern Lights viewing near Skiland along the Steese Highway north of Fairbanks with elevated dark sky vantage point

SKILAND

The Skiland area gives elevation and dark skies. It is located approximately 20 miles north of downtown Fairbanks via the Steese Highway, about a 30-minute drive.
Aurora Borealis viewing near Chatanika along the Steese Highway north of Skiland for Denali Backroads Northern Lights viewing

CHATANIKA

Chatanika is approximately 15 miles farther past Skiland along the Steese Highway, making it about a 20-25 minute additional drive.

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