Caribou (viewing only) Fairbanks area February?

[mooster]

Taking family up to Fairbanks this weekend, hopefully to introduce them to the aurora display i've come to enjoy on my caribou and moose trips the last several years. We plan to rent a 4x4, hit haul road to see pipeline, the arctic circle sign, do some outdoor sports, but is there any where close to Fairbanks that one could expect to have a chance to see caribou close to a roadway?

 

[Larry Bartlett]

You might encounter caribou on the haul road in the rough vicinity of Finger Mountain near the Kanuti River flats. The Ray Mountains herd winters in the area and can sometimes be seen about crossing the road.

The Central Arctic herd winters south of Atigun Pass around Coldfoot and Wiseman and east to the Chandalar rivers. But small groups may be spotted near the road in Feb/march. Wouldn't expect to see any on the North side of the Pass until late March / early May as the CAH moves up and over. These are rough stats and caribou do WTF they want regardless of historical experiences.

 

[VernAK]

There's been a few visible from the Richardson Highway south of Delta Junction in the Donnelly Flats. Much of that herd perished last winter but still a few around.

Lotsa tourists driving through to Castner Glacier to visit the ice cave.

 

[mooster]

Thanks guys. Someone else suggested head towards Circle and glass eagle summit area.

 

[Larry Bartlett]

Most of the Steese Hwy bou (40-mile herd) stays deep in the White Mountains area to the north this time of year usually. Probably wouldn't waste valuable time there.

 

[mooster]

Most of the Steese Hwy bou (40-mile herd) stays deep in the White Mountains area to the north this time of year usually. Probably wouldn't waste valuable time there.

Thanks Larry