The easiest access to the Noyes Slough from points around downtown is from the Chena River, just downstream from the Wendell Street Bridge. If you were downtown (around the Cushman Street Bridge) you would proceed up the Chena River about ½ mile.

The Noyes Slough is a local winter commuter route between downtown and the University. The banks are steep so exiting the slough can be difficult.

The slough passes under the Illinois Street Bridge shortly followed by the Access Ramps of the Johansen Expressway. About 1 ¼ miles beyond the Johansen Access Ramps the slough passes under the Danby Street Bridge.

The Danby Street Bridge is at the intersection of Danby Street and College Road. This is a good place to exit the slough. Cross College Road and your on Bicycle Route 1 and only ¼ mile from Creamers Migratory Bird Refuge, which is open year round.

Sometimes riding the slough can be slow. If you want to get back downtown or proceed to the College part of town at a quicker pace definitely use College Road.

If you do proceed further down the slough you'll pass under an old wooden bridge located 100 yards downstream of the Johansen Expressway. Looking down stream exit up a steep bank to the right. This will place you close to the intersection of University and Giest Road. Cross University Avenue and head 2 blocks down Giest Road and you'll be at the Mall in which the Alaska Coffee Roasting Company is located. No kidding their coffee has actually been given the highest rating of any coffee independently tested. There's usually a line and for good reason; it's worth waiting for.

Note: The Chena River ( starting from about ½ mile down river from the Cushman Street Bridge) is usually open throughout the winter, since warm water from the power plant is continually pumped into the river. Even where the Noyes Slough re-enters the Chena River it not unusual to see open water in the middle of the winter. Therefore it is not advisable to proceed to were the slough converges back into the Chena River.