This dataset provides soil active layer thaw depth measurements collected along transects at three sites near Fairbanks, Alaska, USA. Measurements were made during the late summers of 2014-2018. The sites were located at Creamer's Field, the Permafrost Tunnel, and Farmer's Loop (two transects). Vegetation ecotypes along the transects are also reported. The US Army Corps of Engineers, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) owns and operates facilities at the Permafrost Tunnel and Farmer's Loop. The sites are suitable for manipulation experiments, installing permanent equipment, and establishing long-term measurements.