Chatanika gold dredge (Fairbanks)

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The Chatanika gold dredge is a historic relic of gold dredge #3 owned and operated by F.E co between 1928 and 1958. The dredge is located at about 27.5 miles along the Steese highway east of Fairbanks in a five dozen acre pond it dug itself, directly across the road from the Chatanika Lodge. Today the dredge is technically off-limits to the public, but the rule is not enforced and access is relatively easy.

To get to the dredge, one simply parks at the Chatanika Lodge, walks across the road and up the tailing pines (giant piles of rocks). Once atop any of the hills, the dredge is clearly visible and it's a simple matter to walk to it. The only tricky parts are descending the tailings down to the dredge and then climbing the (nearly-broken) ladder onto the facility itself, though none of this is necessary if you just want to see the dredge.

If you decide to "board" the dredge, be careful and watch out for broken glass, rusted metal, slippery/tilted surfaces and rotting wood floors. It's also decorated with graffiti, much of it inappropriate for a family-friendly outing. As with any outing that involves the Alaskan wilderness, it's a good idea to bring a friend - and occasionally, to be armed or otherwise prepared for bears, moose or wolves.