NOVA Alaska Guides Matanuska River Whitewater Rafting

If you’re new to whitewater, new to Alaska, or both, Lion’s Head is a great introduction to it all. You’ll find fun, splashy rapids that are perfect for beginners, as well as the iconic big, open vistas unique to Alaskan rivers. NOVA Alaska Guides provides all necessary gear, including state-of-the-art dry-suits to wear over your clothing, to keep you dry and warm even if you decide to swim.

Lion’s Head has a 2-mile segment of class III and IV whitewater and 8 miles of intermittent class II and III rapids with easy floating along scenic vistas that takes 2.5 hours to run. Depending on the water level, you can opt to either paddle as a group working with your guide or hold on while the guide rows you downstream.

Take in the scenery for the first two miles, paddle like crazy during two miles of non-stop whitewater, then kick back again and look for Dall Sheep. These white, rock-loving creatures raise their young along the massive rock formation called Lion’s Head. And if they’re around, also keep an eye out for grizzly or black bears.

From June 1st to the end of July, Alaska experiences the “midnight sun", long hours of daylight prompting for evening raft trips. A local favorite for celebrating the summer solstice. This 7:00PM LionsHead check-in time allows rafting in the twilight and gets off the water late.

About NOVA Alaska Guides

Whether you want beginner class III/IV whitewater or an intense class V run, the experts at NOVA Alaska Guides can take you on a memorable journey. NOVA has been professionally guiding trips for almost 50 years! If you and your family are looking for such an experience, NOVA makes it easy to participate.

Founder Chuck Spaulding loves this area so much that he based his company and family here. From the earliest first descents of challenging whitewater runs to pioneering glacier trips, he’s constantly refining the guiding industry. And NOVA has the highest standards of safety, from river-rescue training for the guides to boat and gear options suited for changing river levels. So you can enjoy and dig into the whitewater!