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 that has been home to people for many generations.

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 harmony with the land for centuries, developing a rich culture and deep connection to their environment.

The valley is an important part of Alaska’s natural and cultural heritage, offering insights into the history and traditions of Indigenous peoples who have called this place home.

Climate

The Tanana Valley has very 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 the busiest 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 holds some of the oldest evidence of people living in Alaska. At places like Broken Mammoth, Swan Point, and Mead, scientists have found clues that show humans were there between about 13,000 and 12,000 years ago. These sites are very important because they help us learn about the first people who lived 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 found along the Tanana River.