Gold Dredge 8 can only be visited as part of a guided excursion. Tours begin with a ride on a narrow-gauge train, where you’ll enjoy commentary about the Alaska gold rush while passing by goldfields and mining artifacts. The train makes a quick stop at the Trans Alaska Pipeline before arriving at Gold Dredge 8, where you’ll then meet the miners and watch a sluice box demonstration before trying your hand at gold panning.
Gold Dredge 8 is located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Fairbanks along the Old Steese Highway. Take Route 2 north out of Fairbanks and then take a left on Goldstream Road and then another left on the Old Steese Highway. Gold Dredge 8 is the first driveway on the right. Public transportation does not service Gold Dredge 8, so a rental car or the Fairbanks summer shuttle service are the best ways to get there.
Gold Dredge 8 tours are typically offered from mid-May through late-September and hours vary depending on the season. Gold Dredge 8 tours are popular and may sell out. Reservations are not required, but are strongly recommended.