Frequently Asked Questions

Traveling to the Tolovana Roadhouse

The Tolovana Roadhouse is located in Alaska’s interior region. It sits on the bank of the Tanana River at the confluence with the Tolovana River just south of the Minto Flats Wildlife Refuge. It is approximately 65 miles downriver from Nenana, and can be reached by overland trail in the winter from Nenana by following the historic Fairbanks Sled Road trail. The Roadhouse can also be accessed from the Fairbanks area via the Dunbar Trail which intersects the Fairbanks Sled Road south of Old Minto, or from Manley Hot Springs.


GPS: 64°51′13″N 149°49′29″W

The Roadhouse is only accessible in the summer months after the ice goes out (usually by May 15th) until freeze-up in early/mid October. The trail is generally in by mid-December, and will remain open until break-up in the spring – this timing is more variable and entirely dependent on trail conditions, but generally the first week of April.

No! The Roadhouse is only accessible by boat in the summer, or by trail or bush plane in the winter.

In the summer, the Tolovana Roadhouse can be accessed by boat from Nenana (65 miles) or Manley (50 miles). If you are traveling by canoe or kayak, a float from Nenana to Manley is usually done in four to five days. In the winter, the overland trail is generally in by mid-December and is appropriate for snowmachine or dogsled, or for more ambitious athletes using a fatbike or skis. The Roadhouse is approximately 55 miles from Nenana and 30 miles from Manley Hot Springs by trail. The trail is relatively flat and primarily traverses marshes, lakes and portages. Travel to the Roadhouse along the Tanana River in winter is not recommended.

In 1904, the US military ran a telegraph line from Nenana to the Fort Gibbon near modern day village of Tanana. Prior to that time, travel through the interior was primarily by river. In clearing a path for the telegraph line through the marshes of the Minto Flats, the army created a winter trail that was then used to reach communities in the interior from the Fairbanks area for the next several decades. During that time, dogsled and horse-drawn wagon were the most common mode of winter travel, and the “roads” were often just well-used trails between communities. As airplane travel became more common and the state’s population increased, the trail was eventually abandoned in favor of air travel and all-season roads that could accommodate motor vehicles.

Despite sharing a river’s name, these two landmarks are very far apart. The Tolovana Roadhouse lies at the end of the Tolovana River, while the Tolovana Hot Springs are near its headwaters. The hot springs are forty miles away as the raven flies, over eighty miles by (very winding) river, and there is no direct trail between the two.
Although access to the Roadhouse is limited to independent travelers at this time, arrangements can be made through local charter companies for winter transportation to the roadhouse via ski-plane.

Staying at the Tolovana Roadhouse

The Roadhouse has hostel-style bunk room beds that can be reserved individually, and two private spaces for families or groups. See the booking page for detailed information on these options. To reserve lodging at the Tolovana Roadhouse, use the Booking Contact Form or send an email with your group’s information and requested dates to info@tolovanaroadhouse.com including information on group size, beds/spaces requested, and preferred dates. We will respond to your query within 24 hours, and look forward to helping you plan your trip! Specific information regarding trails and general access will be provided on booking.

Book Now
Exploring the area around the roadhouse by trail is a great way to spend time enjoying the beauty and solitude of the area. Fishing opportunities abound in all seasons. A sauna is available for relaxation after the day’s adventures. A cozy common-room offers the opportunity to relax and swap stories with other travelers. A small-but-growing library holds books to enjoy by the fire. On clear nights, breathtaking views of the stars and northern lights are world-class.
Visitors to the Roadhouse can expect plenty of firewood and propane to keep the woodstoves roaring and the food hot. The kitchen has all the pots and pans, dishes and utensils you will need to cook up a hearty meal after a day on the trail. The kitchen has an array of spices available, as well. Coffee-brewing options include a percolator, pour-over and french-press (please bring your own grounds to suit!). There is a small stock of food staples available for unexpected stay-overs due to weather or equipment problems, but as with any wilderness trip, we encourage everyone to be prepared for this contingency.

At this time, travelers to the Roadhouse must provide their own transportation – including enough fuel for their return trip – as well as all food and bedding. Beds and cots are available (see reservations) but linen service is not provided. While the building is wired for off-grid electricity, power is not available at this time. A few battery-powered and propane lanterns are available for use. Propane lights in the common room are not in service. You will need to provide your own headlamps and battery banks to recharge devices as needed. If you do not want to depend on snow melt or river water, please be prepared by bringing your own potable water.

Although the Roadhouse may have been opened up by caretakers or other travelers prior to your arrival, there are no permanent staff on site. You should always be prepared to arrive to a cold cabin and be ready to start a fire. All spaces in the roadhouse are headed by woodstove. Ample firewood is available in the woodshed behind the building. Please do not use split firewood for outdoor fires – kindly obtain bonfire fuel from the burn area ¼ mile down the trail towards Nenana

Some carriers receive a weak signal at the Roadhouse, but these can be intermittent and often only outside the building. Data service can be weak or non-existent. Much of the trail has no service at all. Do not depend on being able to use your cell phone, and be prepared with alternative methods of communication if needed.

What is your payment and refund policy? What about adverse weather conditions?

Reservations
100% of the total fee is due at the time of booking.

Cancellation Refund Policy
95% (5% booking fee) if canceled up to 30 days prior to reservation.
50% if canceled 28-14 days prior.
No refund if canceled less than 14 days from reservation.

Weather & Trail Related Cancelations

Weather related cancellation situations include ice storm/winter weather events in which the Parks Highway is closed OR the official temperature in Nenana (airport) is at or below -40F @ 8am day-of travel.
25% refund, 75% credited towards future reservation, good for two years. Credit transferable to another party.

Note: While we strive to provide accurate trail reports prior to your trip, we cannot guarantee trail conditions during the regular season. You are responsible for assessing your own abilities and comfort level with the variable conditions you may encounter when traveling in the backcountry.

100% refund for trail related cancelations in shoulder-seasons (November/December and March/April) when the trail is not passable due to temperature and ice conditions.

How can I help save the Tolovana Roadhouse?

The Roadhouse is in danger of being destroyed by erosion from the Tanana River. Proceeds from lodging fees go towards the ongoing effort to save the building. This building is not only an important historical treasure, but serves as a landmark, an emergency shelter and a gathering place for the trail community. If you are able, please consider donating to this project and sign up for the newsletter to stay up to date on additional opportunities to help.

Learn More