Step into the Alaskan boreal and meet a small herd of reindeer on a guided 45-minute nature walk. Learn about antler cycles, feeding, and herd behavior while enjoying an accessible forest stroll roughly an hour from Fairbanks.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A frost-bright morning on the trail: you step from a heated van into a hush of larch and spruce, the ground spring-soft or packed crisp with frost depending on the season. Reindeer lift their heads from the moss and tread with calm curiosity as the forest seems to watch. For about 45 minutes, guests move at a steady, conversational pace through boreal taiga — thirty minutes on trail followed by time around the pen handing out treats and learning about herd routines.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
45–60 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be able to walk up to half a mile at a mild grade.
Wildlife
History
Small-scale reindeer herding in Alaska blends Indigenous practices with early 20th-century reindeer introductions from Eurasia used to supplement northern livelihoods.
Conservation
Keep interactions low-impact: follow guide rules about feeding and touching. Disturbance, non-approved feeding, and littering stress animals and damage fragile tundra and boreal understory.
Reserve your spot on the Walking with Reindeer Experience today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Temperatures can swing quickly; base layers plus an insulated mid-layer and waterproof shell keep you comfortable across seasons.
Wear waterproof boots
Trails are uneven and can be muddy or icy depending on season — ankle support and traction matter.
Bring insect protection in summer
Mosquitoes can be intense during long daylight months; a head net and DEET or permethrin-treated clothing help.
Plan for a 1-hour drive from Fairbanks
Allow extra time to reach the remote basecamp; self-drive guests are advised to use 4WD vehicles when conditions require.
Insulated jacket
Keeps you warm during cold weather and when winds rise in the boreal forest.
winter
Waterproof, grippy hiking boots
Protects against mud, wet moss, and uneven terrain on the forest walk.
spring
Head net or insect repellent
Mosquitoes and black flies are common in summer; netting makes the walk more pleasant.
summer
Compact camera/binoculars
Helpful for capturing close reindeer behavior and scanning the treeline for wildlife.
fall