Tanana Valley

The Tanana Valley is a lowland region in central Alaska in the United States, located on the north side of the Alaska Range. This area is where the Tanana River flows out from the mountains, creating a wide, open space.

The traditional inhabitants of the Tanana Valley are the Tanana Athabaskans, part of the larger group known as Alaskan Athabaskans. These communities have lived in this area for many generations, developing a rich culture and deep connection to the land.

The valley is an important part of Alaska’s natural and cultural heritage. It offers insights into the history and traditions of Indigenous peoples who have lived there.

Climate

The Tanana Valley has cold winters and warm summers. In winter, thick fog can cover the area, and strong winds called the "Tanana Valley Jet" blow from the southeast to the northwest. During summer, the land is often wet and marshy, with frozen ground called permafrost and small, rounded hills of frozen earth known as pingos.

Communities

The Tanana Valley is a busy place in Alaska north of the Alaska Range. The biggest city there is Fairbanks. Other places in the valley include College, Chena Hot Springs, Eielson AFB, Ester, Fort Wainwright, Fox, Manley Hot Springs, Nenana, North Pole, Tok, Two Rivers, Pleasant Valley, and Salcha.

Archaeology

The Tanana Valley has some of the oldest clues that people lived in Alaska. At places like Broken Mammoth, Swan Point, and Mead, scientists found signs that humans were there about 13,000 to 12,000 years ago. These places are important because they help us learn about the first people in Alaska.

The Broken Mammoth, Swan Point Archaeological Site, and Mead Archaeological Site are the earliest known places where people lived in Alaska. They are all along the Tanana River.