Chatanika – The Journey

I started the day in Anchorage. That’s the view above. The photo doesn’t get the job done. Anchorage is gorgeous in the winter. And cold. But not as cold as Fairbanks.

The first stop on the way to Chatanika was Fairbanks. I flew from Anchorage, taking less than an hour. At only about 32,000 residents, Fairbanks is quite small. So it was a surprise to find a Moldovan restaurant. And next to Soba, Alaska’s Far Northern Knives, a knife shop with a quirky sense of humor and an owner with a new heart.

The road down from Cleary Summit into Chatanika. This is about 20 miles northeast of Fairbanks on Alaska Highway 6.

There isn’t much to see in winter in Chatanika. But it is one of the song-cities. So check that off. 65° 6′ N. There is a road off Rte 6, but it didn’t look too traveled and I didn’t want to chance it. Maybe in the summer.

Rte 6 up to Cleary Summit and back to Fox/Fairbanks

Back in Anchorage for a civilized drink at Palmeria Tropical Fusion.

And an important reminder about priorities…

December 21, 2025. Yule. I find myself in Anchorage, Alaska for a spell. I’ve never been to Alaska and by coming in the winter, I’ve been able to avoid the crowds. Chatanika, one of the song-cities on my list is a seven hour drive north of Anchorage, and 45 minutes north of Fairbanks. So close. Just a seven hour drive on a two lane highway through the wilderness and into -30F temperatures. Though if I can get to -40, I don’t need to worry about C or F because they are the same.

I sneered when my family strongly suggested I bring some ice cleats with me. I know what winter is. I landed in Anchorage right behind an ice storm. These are not optional, old man.

I’ve enjoyed the wide variety of seafood in here. But I am choosing to call out the corned beef hash at Kriner’s Diner. Superb. And the Ube Hefeweizen at 49th State Brewery. Not superb, but points for creativity. The Seward’s Folly Russian Imperial Stout was delicious but, at 11.2% ABV, not to be trifled with. And not as visually interesting as purple beer.