Talkeetna River Rafting Adventure

The Talkeetna River has its headwaters in the glacier crowned peaks of Alaska's Talkeetna Mountains about 150 miles north of Anchorage, near Denali National Park.

Weather
The weather is cool and highly variable, so you should come prepared for the worst (50 degrees and drizzle on the rafts) and then you'll really enjoy the sunshine. The country's vivid green color gives an indication that it does indeed rain. We provide a high quality tent for your comfort in case of rain. River water comes directly from glaciers. We provide high quality dry suits and booties for your safety and comfort!

Talkeetna River Rafting - Itinerary

Talkeetna to Launch Point
In the morning we fly by bushplane to our launch point, 60 air miles away in the heart of the Talkeetna Mountain range. For the first 30 miles of its length, the Talkeetna is pristine and mild, taking a braided, meandering path across the valley floor.  Sweeping views of towering peaks sandwiching a vast glacial outwash plain dominate this area.  We float peacefully through this area snacking and enjoying the scenery. 

Rafting down Talkeetna River
After flowing past its confluence with Prairie Creek, however, the river changes character and enters Talkeetna Canyon. We'll run the "Toilet Bowl" as we enter the canyon and then hang on as we surf and slam our way through the ten miles of whitewater known as the "Sluice Box."  With challenging whitewater set in a remote and pristine wilderness setting, the Talkeetna Canyon stands alone as one of the classic runs in American whitewater.  After emerging from the canyon, the river returns to its previously mild character, making for a pleasant float back to Talkeetna. 

The legendary Talkeetna River is known as Alaska's best all around whitewater river trip, a superb wilderness run with some of Alaska's best whitewater. The Talkeetna boasts a spectacular canyon with miles of thrilling class IV rapids, relatively warm water, consistent flow, and abundant wildlife including Brown and Black Bears, Caribou, and Dall sheep.

The side streams have plentiful runs of Salmon including Kings, Reds, and Silvers. Rapids in the canyon include Entrance Exam, Toilet Bowl, and the "Sluice Box" an eleven mile section of nearly continuous drops, waves, and holes.