Another of Fairbanks’ best kept trail running secrets is Pearl Creek Elementary School, located just off Auburn Drive in north Fairbanks’ Dogpatch neighborhood. Like many local trails, this network is favored for skiing in the winter and running in the summer. The trails are generally unmarked. The trail map is of the Nordic Ski Park, but there are also additional trails in the area. The woods around the school are fun to explore, and there are several connections to nearby areas like Beaver Sports and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. It’s also a good place to begin road runs. There is a nice paved bike lane along Auburn Drive leading to another long multi-use path along Farmers Loop Road.
Features:
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Essentials
- Several miles of trails
- Varies
- Pearl Creek Elementary School
- Farmers Loop/Sun Way Bus Stop
Current Weather & Forecast
Fairbanks, US
9:35 pm,
Jun 2, 2026
overcast clouds
16°C
L: 16°
H: 17°
Daily ForecastHourly Forecast
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16° / 17°°C
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8 mph
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15° / 29°°C
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4 mph
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18° / 30°°C
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18° / 26°°C
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14 mph
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12° / 15°°C
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4 mph
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16° / 18°°C
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27° / 27°°C
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8 mph
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Other Routes in Fairbanks, AK
The best option for running in central Fairbanks. There are east and west sections of the trail that can be combined using 1st Ave for a total of 8 miles out and back.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks campus has plenty of running options. There are public trails, runnable roads, multi-use paths, and even winter trail options.
Beaver Sports is one of the top running, cycling, and adventure sports shops in Fairbanks. There are more than 25 miles of trails behind the store that are perfect for wintertime running. Summer tends to be swampy. Pop into the store for trail recs!
A smooth gravel multi-use trail leading west out of Fairbanks along Sheep Creek Road. It meets with a larger trail system near Ester Dome for more options.
The Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge at the historic Creamer family farm in northern Fairbanks has miles of trails that connect to UAF and other destinations around the city.
Though it’s typically too wet for running in the warm months, Goldstream Public Use Area is a good choice for off-season running. Options include the Tanana Valley Railroad Trail and the Eldorado Creek Trail.
Birch Hill is a popular ski area in the wintertime, and a popular running/hiking destination in summer. Some of the favorite running trails include the 6.2 km Blackhawk loop.
Gravel access roads and all-seasons trails make the Tanana Lakes Recreation Area in the south of Fairbanks a popular running destination at any time of year.
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