Where to See the Northern Lights in Fairbanks: A Local’s Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, chances are you’ve Googled where to see the northern lights in Fairbanks. As a local who has lived here since 2006, I can tell you—you’re in luck. Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world for aurora viewing. With clear skies, long winter nights, and just a short drive away from dark skies, you don’t always need an Aurora tour to experience the magic.

In this guide, I’ll share my favorite Fairbanks northern lights viewing spots within an hour of the city—perfect if you have a rental car and want to chase the aurora on your own.

Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Fairbanks

Murphy Dome

Murphy Dome is the classic spot for northern lights viewing in Fairbanks—the one locals mention first and return to again and again. Standing over 2,800 feet above sea level, it’s one of the highest accessible points in the area and rewards the drive with sweeping 360° views over the Alaska Interior. When the aurora is strong, you can see it dancing from horizon to horizon, free of city glow and surrounded only by the stillness of snow and spruce.

The road climbs steadily from town, trading neighborhoods for boreal forest and open tundra. On clear winter nights, you’ll often find photographers and bundled-up locals perched quietly on the ridges, watching ribbons of green ripple across the stars. Despite being a favorite among visitors, Murphy Dome still feels wild—especially if you step a few yards away from the road and let the silence settle in.

• Coordinates: 64.95391028744436, -148.36188478329407 

• Drive time: ~45 minutes

• Parking: Large gravel parking area here. 

• Cell service: Usually good but can be patchy.

• Bathrooms: None—practice Leave No Trace if you need to step off the road.

• Pro tip: Bring extra layers—the wind here can be brutal.

• Directions: Google Maps

Cleary Summit (Steese Highway)

Just a short drive north of town, Cleary Summit is one of the most accessible and reliable spots for northern lights viewing in Fairbanks. Sitting high above the city on the Steese Highway, it offers wide-open northern views—exactly where the aurora most often appears. On clear nights, locals and visitors alike line the pullout to watch green and purple curtains ripple across the sky.

The summit’s elevation gives you a crisp, unobstructed view of the horizon, but it also means colder air and wind—bundle up and bring extra layers. Because it’s so close to Fairbanks, Cleary Summit is a great choice for a spontaneous late-night aurora chase when you don’t want to venture too far from your lodge or hotel.

• Coordinates: 65.05776886982159, -147.43650383931197 

• Drive time: ~30 minutes

• Parking: Roadside turnout, limited space.

• Cell service: Generally reliable.

• Bathrooms: None.

• Directions: 2315 Fish Creek Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, United States | Google Maps

Wickersham Dome Parking Area/ Trailhead (Elliott Highway)

If you’re looking for true wilderness skies without driving all night, Wickersham Dome is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Fairbanks. Sitting at the edge of the White Mountains National Recreation Area, it offers wide, unobstructed views and some of the darkest skies you can reach by car from the city.

Locals love this spot for its sense of solitude—you’re surrounded by rolling hills and spruce forest, far from the city’s glow and noise. On clear winter nights, the aurora can sweep from horizon to horizon here, often reflected in the snowfields that stretch into the distance. It’s also one of the few viewing spots with an actual trailhead and maintained parking lot, which makes it feel both remote and accessible.

• Coordinates: 65.17802800182531, -148.07596463707657 

• Drive time: ~45 minutes

• Parking: Large plowed lot.

• Cell service: Minimal. Don’t count on it.

• Bathrooms: Pit toilet (bring TP).

• Pro tip:Hike up the non motorized winter trail to the first small summit for more expansive views of the Northern sky. 

• Directions: Google Maps 

Ester Dome

Ester Dome is one of the easiest and most rewarding places to see the northern lights near Fairbanks. Just a short drive west of town, this winding mountain road takes you high enough to escape the city glow while still keeping you close to your hotel or Airbnb. From the upper pullouts, you’ll have broad views over the Tanana Valley and a clear northern horizon—perfect for aurora watching.

On calm, cold nights, you might even hear the huskies howling from nearby kennels or catch the faint rustle of the forest below as the sky flickers green. Locals often head up here after dinner when the aurora forecast looks promising—it’s the perfect last-minute spot for spontaneous northern lights viewing in Fairbanks.

• Coordinates: 64.87827402904476, -148.05878372251507 

• Drive time: ~20 minutes

• Parking: Small roadside pullouts. Narrow roads—use caution.

• Cell service: Good.

• Bathrooms: None—pack a “bathroom kit.”

• Pro tip: If icy, turn around—there are other safe spots nearby.

• Directions: Google Maps 

Chena Lakes Recreational Area

If you’re looking for a beautiful and accessible spot to watch the northern lights near Fairbanks, Chena Lake Recreation Area is a local favorite. Situated near North Pole (yes, the real one), it offers open views over the frozen lake and far fewer city lights than Fairbanks itself. The wide, flat horizon makes it an excellent location for northern lights viewing in Fairbanks if you prefer to stay on maintained roads.

• Address: 3780 Laurance Rd, North Pole, AK 99705

• Coordinates: 64.7522° N, 147.2316° W

• Directions: Google Map

• Drive time: ~30 minutes from Fairbanks

• Parking: Multiple plowed lots inside the recreation area, with easy access to the lakeshore.

• Cell service: Generally good around the park entrance; weaker deeper in.

• Bathrooms: Heated restrooms at main parking areas during the day; may be closed at night or mid-winter. Always be prepared to follow Leave No Trace if facilities are locked—walk 200 feet from water, dig a small hole in the snow, and pack out toilet paper.

• Pro tip: Stand next to the frozen lake for a panoramic aurora view reflected in the snow/ice. Be very careful along the lake edge as ice conditions can change quickly. 

Want to Chase Further?

If you’d prefer a northern lights viewing Fairbanks experience without worrying about icy roads, consider booking a guided aurora tour. Many offer heated vans, cozy yurts, and expert guidance on photography.

Check out our list of Top Recommended Aurora Tours in Fairbanks to make your night effortless.

Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Lights Viewing in Fairbanks

Can I watch the northern lights right in Fairbanks? You may catch faint aurora displays in town, but for the best experience, head just outside the city to higher, darker locations like Murphy Dome or Wickersham Dome. These are some of the best places to view northern lights in Fairbanks because the skies are less affected by light pollution.

What time is best to view the northern lights in Fairbanks?The aurora is most active between 10 PM and 2 AM. For more details on seasonal patterns, see our guide: When Is the Best Time to See the Aurora in Fairbanks?.

Do I need to book a tour, or can I drive myself? You don’t need a tour if you have a rental car—many locals do their own northern lights viewing in Fairbanks by driving to dark spots. However, aurora tours are great if you prefer heated cabins, expert photography help, or don’t want to worry about driving on icy winter roads.

Are there bathrooms at northern lights viewing areas? Most viewing areas near Fairbanks don’t have facilities. Some trailheads (like Wickersham Dome) have pit toilets, but otherwise you’ll need to follow Leave No Trace practices. That means packing out toilet paper and being prepared for winter “snowbank stops.”

Is cell service reliable while chasing the northern lights? It depends on the location. Around Ester Dome and Cleary Summit, service is usually good. Beyond Chatanika or deeper along Chena Hot Springs Road, service can become patchy or disappear completely. Always download maps before you go.

Where should I go if I only have one night in Fairbanks? If you’re short on time, Murphy Dome and Ester Dome are two of the easiest and best places to see the northern lights in Fairbanks. Both are within about 20–45 minutes of downtown and give you sweeping views of the night sky.