Northway is located in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, seven miles south of the Alaska Hwy within Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. There are hundreds of small lakes and two glacial rivers which combine nearby to form the Tanana River.
Historically, Northway has been an Athabascan Indian village. The airport is a busy port of entry.
The Native settlement of Northway Village is located 2 miles to the south of Northway.