Alaska Rafting Tours
Floating down the river, you hear the rush of water approaching. Suddenly you see them: the unmistakable caps of whitewater. Before you know it you're in the middle of the rapids, holding on tight as water splashes all around. You spin and speed down the raging tides, white-knuckled yet smiling from ear to ear. Or perhaps you'd prefer to skip the rollercoaster ride and relax on a gentle float through a silent stretch of pristine Alaska wilderness, as nature goes about its business.Whether you choose a whitewater adventure or a scenic float trip, visitors will enjoy their time on the water, regardless of age or ability. These trips are some of the best ways to connect with nature in Alaska. You're outdoors, away from motors and exhaust, working closely in concert with the water. Because of our massive glacier runoff and rainwater drainage, Alaskan rivers serve up more adventure than most anything you'd find in the Lower 48—from the Kenai Peninsula's Sixmile River to Denali's Nenana River.
There are so many amazing adventures to be had in Alaska. So why should you go Alaska whitewater rafting or calm water rafting?
It's Remote
Alaska rafting puts you right in the middle of nature, giving you up-close views of Alaska's wildlife.and its unique topography. Glaciers have carved U-shaped valleys and channels that move swiftly through the landscape. It also gives you an up-close look at wildlife.
It's Easy
Even a first-timer can experience advanced Alaska whitewater runs. Because of the high level of professionalism and experience in Alaska's river guides, you needn't have gone rafting before to enjoy it.
It's Cheap
Dollar for dollar, rafting is one of Alaska's best values. A basic 2-3 hour Alaska whitewater rafting trip or scenic float could cost between $50-85, versus $175 or more for a 1.5-hour flightseeing trip, or $450 or more for a full-day bear-viewing safari.
It's Historic
Rafting was used by those trying to make it upriver to the goldfields at the turn of the century. Sure, today's rafts are made of advanced vinyls and not the hand-hewn log rafts of yesteryear. But people moved through the country by water looking for gold, to go hunting, or to migrate to new, richer areas. And it's easy to imagine yourself as a pioneer while traveling this way.
How-To Tips
When planning a rafting trip, make sure you pick the right style for you. There are two basic types:
- Whitewater rafting: Sometimes akin to a rollercoaster ride: Calm water followed by raging tides. You'll be white-knuckled but smiling from ear to ear. (Don't worry—even first-timers can handle it, and your guides are experienced.)
- Scenic Floats: Sounds mellow, and it is. Relax on a gentle float through a silent stretch of pristine Alaska wilderness, as nature goes about its business. The emphasis is on wildlife viewing.
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Rafting Tours
Cooper Landing View All
Scenic floats & whitewater trips in Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Alaska Wildland Adventures pioneered floating the mellow, turquoise Kenai River and has operated continuously since 1977. Join them for a serene 2‑hour float, or take on a 7‑hour adventure, complete with fun Class II+ rapids and a cruise through a glacial lake. AWA’s Kenai River Scenic Float Trip offers a nice introduction to the river, taking you along a stretch of the scenic Upper Kenai closed to motorized boats. Watch for wildlife as your ...more
Alaska River Adventures Kenai River rafting trips are some of its most popular and accessible excursions – and are a great value too. Full day trips showcase 19 miles of Alaska wild from Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake, giving plenty of time for spotting wildlife, historic spots and gorgeous views from all angles. When you have just a few hours, a scenic and serene 14-mile float of the Upper Kenai River provides a variety of sights, from historic ...more
Alaska Rivers Company offers a 2 – 3 hour scenic float through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, perfect for all ages with stunning views and wildlife sightings. For a more adventurous experience, take a 6.5‑hour journey through the Kenai Canyon, navigating Class II rapids and exploring the remote Alaskan wilderness. Whether you seek a relaxing float or an exciting rafting adventure, Alaska Rivers Company offers the perfect trip with experienced ...more
Palmer / Wasilla View All
Paddle down a remote river situated between those 3 glaciers
The sport of packrafting is a great way to enjoy rafting and explore the gorgeous Alaskan wilderness. Do it with Alaska Helicopter Tours out of Palmer and you’ll also experience a scenic helicopter ride and have your choice of half- or full-day trips.
Juneau View All
Relaxing waters with glacier views on the Mendenhall River
The focus of the 3.5‑hour Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip is great views of the namesake glacier, which is 1.5 miles wide, 150 feet high, and the most famous part of the massive Juneau Icefield that even John Muir once raved about. Glide along the iceberg-studded lake and scope out the glacier, getting up-close views of hanging glaciers and towering peaks. Keep an eye out for birds nesting in the rocky cliffs, as well as otters, seals, black ...more
Experience the ultimate Alaskan adventure with Above & Beyond Alaska’s Fly-In Glacier Hike & Packraft tour! Explore glaciers in a 5‑hour journey, including flightseeing, hiking, and packrafting. Maximum 6 people per tour.
Girdwood & Kenai Peninsula View All
Explore the Kenai or Sixmile Rivers, only 40 minutes to 2 hours from Anchorage
Six Mile Creek is one of the most famous — and most challenging — whitewater runs in the entire state of Alaska. Your heart will be pounding and your muscles burning as you paddle through rapids called “Big Rock Drop,” “Suckhole,” and “Let’s Make a Deal.”
The original hallmark trip that got the Alaska Railroad to bring the Glacier Discovery to Spencer Glacier in 2002. This is one of the most scenic glacier river trips in Alaska and a perfect float for all ages. Your trip begins with a scenic ride on Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train, which runs from Anchorage, Girdwood, and other pick-up points along the railbelt. Enjoy a beautiful ride down Turnagain Arm and the Placer River Valley and ...more
Join Flow AK on a backcountry adventure with expert guides as you navigate the narrow canyons and challenging rapids of Six Mile Creek. With small groups and personalized attention, you’re sure to make new friends and unforgettable memories. Just a short drive from Anchorage, this excursion is not to be missed!
Discover Alaska’s scenic gem, Portage Valley — just an hour from Anchorage with Glacier City Rafting & Hiking. Offering small-group tours guided by knowledgeable locals, and explore glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife.
Experience the wilderness of the Chugach National Forest from several different perspectives. Combine a helicopter ride, alpine hike, glacial lake tour, and train ride all in 9 – 10 hours! It’s one big and bold Alaska tour de force with Chugach Adventures.
Glacier View View All
Amazing Matanuska Glacier views just under two hours from Anchorage
If you’re new to whitewater rafting or experienced in shooting through rapids, Lion’s Head makes for an exciting whitewater rafting trip. You’ll spend 2.5 hours speeding down class II, III, and IV whitewater, either paddling yourself or hanging on as your guide steers the raft downstream. All the while, you’ll be passing through gorgeous wilderness — wide-open vistas with massive rock formations — where you’ll have the opportunity to look for ...more
McCarthy-Kennicott View All
Single to multi-day tours in beautiful Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Sprawling Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has huge mountains, North America’s largest concentration of glaciers, and thousands of rivers — but just two roads. That’s why taking to the local rivers is such an excellent way to explore the park: this operator out of McCarthy offers multi-day adventures that embrace the rugged wonders of the park, while keeping you comfortable enough so that you relax and enjoy it.
Raft the gorgeous glacier-fed rivers and iceberg-filled lakes of the Alaskan backcountry out of McCarthy, an historic town in the heart of America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias. Going with St. Elias Alpine Guides — the park’s longest-operating rafting company — is a great way to experience the wilderness on everything from half-day outings to 15-day expeditions. No experience is required, and all food and gear are provided!
Experience the thrill of trying out a new sport: packrafting. Led by expert guides, you’ll leave from the town of Kennicott out to the Alaskan backcountry, then strap a raft to your back (it’s under 9 pounds) and set off on an interpretive walk down to a lake. Then unpack the raft and put in the water. You’ll learn how to use and maneuver these unique boats in Class I‑II water, and even have the possibility of taking on some Class III rapids. ...more
Taking to the rivers is such an excellent way to explore Wrangell St. Elias National park, and this operator out of McCarthy offers day trips that let you embrace the wonders of the park in a comfortable, hands-on, way. Both day trips are four hours. One allows you to paddle around a glacial lake, relax, and take in the scenery. The other takes it up a notch by floating downriver through class 2 and 3 rapids after a brief paddle around the lake. ...more
Haines View All
Mild waters through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
With bald eagles, bears, and gorgeous scenery, as well as fascinating culture and history, these tours out of Skagway and Haines offer an up-close experience with insights from knowledgeable local guides. There are several options, including wildlife and nature tours that focuses on finding and learning about wildlife, a photography tour where you get the chance to enhance your photography skills, rafting, and some fun sightseeing tours ...more
Talkeetna & Willow View All
Calm waters with a view of Denali on the Talkeetna, Susitna, and Chulitna Rivers
Go for a relaxing 3‑hour float trip down gentle Willow Creek as you take in the gorgeous scenery of the Alaskan backcountry. Departing from Pioneer Lodge, just off the Parks Highway south of Talkeetna, you’ll board a raft with up to 6 others and an expert guide. Then just kick back, or grab a paddle if you like: You can expect easy-gliding Class I and II rapids on this gentle river.
Talkeetna River Guides has offered expertly guided rafting day trips for over 20 years. Float through the remote wilderness of Denali State Park, just a stone’s throw away from Denali National Park’s wild south side. Choose the two-hour Talkeetna River Natural History Float Trip, the four-hour Chultina River Raft Tour, or an overnight or multi-day excursion.
Denali View All
Calm waters & exciting rapids with gorgeous canyon views on the Nenana River
Feel the thrill of crushing through whitewater on the Nenana River just outside the iconic Denali National Park. Do it with New Wave Adventures and you’ll have your choice of rafting trips — you can even decide whether to paddle or just take in the beautiful scenery — as well as other exciting options like hiking and packrafting, all great options for family fun.
Raft the pristine and scenic rivers in the Denali area with an expert, local guide. The most popular water activity is river rafting, which can range from a scenic float to a more whitewater experience on a class III+ river. For a full day of adventure, you can combine a trip on the river with hiking. Traverse Alaska also offers packrafting (each person is paddling their own small boat), which is a day-and-a-half class, transitioning from ...more
Just outside Denali National Park, the Nenana River offers a unique rafting experience: The river is big and icy cold, with glacially fed waters. But this rafting outfitter based near the Park Entrance offers a soul-warming experience on the river, which makes an excellent counterpart to a bus tour through the national park. Choose a quick 3‑hour trip on mild water or splash through some rapids. Or opt for a longer 5.5‑hour run.
Copper Center View All
Float the remote and scenic rivers of the Copper River Valley. Scenic, whitewater, and multi-day trips available.
Exploring the rivers of Copper Center, around 4 hours from Anchorage and right on the edge of gorgeous Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, brings opportunities for everything from mild floats to Class III and IV rapids. Since the Copper River Basin is a little more remote than other areas, you’ll be able to truly appreciate the wilderness as you enjoy a relaxing day on the water.
Skagway View All
Kayak around a scenic lake or take a scenic raft trip through a bald eagle preserve
With bald eagles, bears, and gorgeous scenery, as well as fascinating culture and history, these tours out of Skagway and Haines offer an up-close experience with insights from knowledgeable local guides. There are several options, including wildlife and nature tours that focuses on finding and learning about wildlife, a photography tour where you get the chance to enhance your photography skills, rafting, and some fun sightseeing tours ...more