Harding Lake is a lake in the Fairbanks North Star Borough in Interior Alaska. It is named for President Warren G. Harding, who visited Alaska just before he died. Prior to that it was known as Salchaket Lake [3] Access to the lake is via the Richardson Highway[4][5]

Harding Lake
Salchaket Lake
View from boat launch, in a lagoon at the State Recreation Area
Location of Harding Lake in Alaska, US
Location of Harding Lake in Alaska, US
Harding Lake
Location of Harding Lake in Alaska, US
Location of Harding Lake in Alaska, US
Harding Lake
Coordinates64°25′21″N 146°51′16″W / 64.42250°N 146.85444°W / 64.42250; -146.85444
Primary inflows3 small, unnamed creeks[1]
Primary outflows1 unnamed creek[1]
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area887.2 ha (2,192.3 acres)[2]
Max. depth43.0 m (141.1 ft.)
Shore length111.9 km (7.4 mi.)
Surface elevation218 m (715 ft.)
Frozenlate autumn to late spring
SettlementsHarding-Birch Lakes, Salcha
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Fish species

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The lake contains a wide variety of native and stocked[2] fish, including Arctic char, burbot, Arctic grayling, and northern pike, as well as several salmon and trout species.[2][5] Anglers are advised to check current regulations with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before fishing.[4]

Recreation Area

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The lake is home to the Harding Lake State Recreation Area a 325 acres (132 ha) park[4] which features a large campground, boat launch, and facilities for sports and outdoor games.[5] This is one of the oldest units in the Alaska State Park system, having been founded in 1967,[4] before the formal state park network was even in place.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b ADF&G lake survey, August 1959
  2. ^ a b c Alaska Department of Fish and Game Lakes Database
  3. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Harding Lake
  4. ^ a b c d Harding Lake State recreation Area Alaska Department of Natural Resources
  5. ^ a b c The Milepost, 2018 edition page 446 ISBN 9781892154378
  6. ^ DeVaugh, Melissa, History of Alaska State Parks pages 1&2