There is a lot to see and do in Delta! With numerous activities, both guided and un-guided, you will surely find something to keep you busy. We’ve listed some ideas here.
Alaska Pipeline Viewpoint on Richardson Hwy is a pull-off area at Mile 243. Here you will see a close-up view of the pipeline, surrounded by majestic mountains.
Pipeline View (Photo Credit Sebastian Saarloos)
Bridge over Tanana River elevated 40 ft. above the Tanana River, this 1200-ft. bridge is the second longest on the route. (The longest crosses the Yukon River north of Fairbanks). Good view of the Alaska Range to the south. Large parking area at east end of bridge.
Black Rapids Glacier is a surge-type glacier which most recently surged in 1936-37 and is currently in its quiescent phase. While many glaciers in Alaska exhibit reoccurring surge behavior, this glacier is of special interest because it is a potential hazard to the trans-Alaska oil pipeline.
Delta Junction Visitor Center
The Delta Junction Visitor Center is run by the Delta Junction Farm Bureau. It is located at the “Triangle” (2360 Grizzly Lane) where Milepost 1422 of the Alaska Highway meets Milepost 266 of the Richardson Highway. The “End of the Alaska Highway” milepost marker, Alyeska pipeline pig, and mosquito sculptures are on the Visitor Center grounds. Learn about Delta’s history, the Alaska Highway, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and farming in Delta from the friendly staff at the Visitor Center.
The triangle-shaped Visitor Center is almost exclusively stocked with local merchandise and the only place to purchase official “End of the Alaska Highway” certificates. They are made from thick archival cardstock, and they cost $3.00 each. Call (907-616-1323) or email (deltajunctionfarmbureau@gmail.com). Advance notice is appreciated for large groups of travelers.
Donnelly Dome Driving south on the Richardson Highway about 23 miles from Delta. It’s a popular climbing adventure with residents and nonresidents. Even though it may look steep, even children climb the dome.
Sullivan Roadhouse – In the heart of Delta Junction sits a small log building, peacefully nestled among grass and wildflowers. It is the epitome of Alaskan idyllic. It’s a rather unassuming building. No neon signs no flags or banners just weathered logs and a warm and inviting feeling. One’s first glimpse of the Sullivan Roadhouse Historical Museum tells nothing of its remarkable past and the epic journey yes journey that it took to get to its new home. It should be obvious by now that this is not the typically boring story of a museum coming to life. Rather this is a saga of an historical building that survived intact against overwhelming odds. It is nothing short of a miracle, and this story really should be titled To Live or Die on a Bombing Range.
The Alaska Range as seen in the fall time
Fish an Alaska Lake or River
Birch Lake – Rainbow Trout, Landlocked (King and Silver) Salmon, Grayling, Arctic Char
Clearwater State Rec Site (Also known as Delta Clearwater River) – Arctic Grayling, Whitefish, Silver and Chum Salmon
Donna and Little Donna Lakes – Rainbow Trout
Fielding Lake – Arctic Grayling, Lake Trout, Burbot, Whitefish
George Lake – Northern Pike, Burbot. Accessible by boat or float plane in summer and snowmachine or Ski plane in winter. Located about 37 miles southeast of Delta Junction
Lisa Lake – Rainbow trout and landlocked Silver salmon. Easy 1 mile walk into the lake on a gravel trail.
Coal Mine Road Lakes – Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, Arctic Char, Lake Trout, Landlocked (King) salmon. Public Use, Kens Pond
Donnelly Training Area (Meadows Road Lakes)– Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Arctic Grayling, Lake Trout, Landlocked (King and Silver) Salmon
Lost Lake – Catchable size rainbow trout. Can only be fished from the dock or a canoe. No boat landing.
Shaw Creek – Arctic Grayling, limited public access to fish from shore.
Tanana River – Burbot, look for slow back eddies along roadside access points.
Quartz Lake – Landlocked (King and Silver) Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char. Each year more than 34,000 fish are harvested.
Paxson Lake (in the Upper Copper Upper Susitna drainage) – Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Chinook Salmon
Tangle Lakes – Lake Trout, Grayling, Whitefish, Burbot. Drive south from Delta about 80 miles, turn right and drive to Mile 20 on the Denali Highway.
Volkmar Lake – Northern Pike. Accessible only by float or ski plane as conditions warrant or snowmachine. Winter only access trails are located at Quartz Lake and the Alaska Highway. Inquire at the local ADF&G office for trail access and conditions.
Additional Stocked Lakes in the Tanana Valley (Fairbanks, Delta, Tok)
Thank you to Brandy Baker, Alaska Fish and Game, for helping with this page on our local lakes and links.