Top Alaska White Water Rafting

For 50 years, NOVA has been running Lions Head trips, offering nonstop thrills on this powerhouse glacial river. Featuring crashing waves and Class III & IV boulder gardens, the adventure creates a consistent rush of excitement! With a variety of rapids to conquer, this unforgettable experience is perfect for everyone—from first-timers to seasoned adventurers seeking an action-packed ride. You’ll be outfitted with top-of-the-line gear and guided by expert instructors to ensure a safe, exciting experience. The Lions Head section of the Matanuska River is not only NOVA's original river trip, it’s where our journey as a company began in 1975. Over the decades, we’ve perfected this iconic trip, which remains our most popular whitewater rafting adventure. With stunning mountain views, rugged landscapes, and several miles of thrilling Class III & IV rapids, this half-day trip is a local treasure in the Mat-Su Valley, offering an exhilarating taste of Alaska’s wilderness.

Explore the scenic landscapes of Denali National Park on this white-water rafting tour. Float along the Nenana River and navigate class II and III white-water rapids with your seasoned guide. Enjoy an opportunity to see local wildlife and take in the views of Mount Fellows, Sugarloaf Mountain, and more over the course of the tour.

Hit the rapids safely with this Canyon Wave rafting trip along the beautiful and scenic Nenana River along the border of Denali National Park. Your professional guide will lead you along 11 miles of rapids, allowing you to be a paddle rafter or the more laid oar boat rider, so there’s something for everyone in this adventure. Roundtrip transportation from your accommodation is included, as well as necessary gear so you can just focus on having fun.

Experience the rush of SIX MILE CREEK 3-CANYON! This exciting run features 4 hours of pool-drop style Class V rapids through the lush terrain of Chugach National Forest. A truly world-class section of whitewater that happens to be half-day accessible and gives a one-of-a-kind Alaskan adventure in just a few hours. Join the original guiding company, with over 40 years of experience on Six Mile Creek, leading the way through this iconic stretch of whitewater. Outfitted with top-of-the-line gear and expert guides, we continue to set the standard for safety and professionalism in the industry. Photos are available after your adventure to relive the action!

Check out the Alaskan landscape while rafting along the Resurrection River on this small-group, hassle-free adventure. Your guide organizes all your gear, plus round-trip transportation from Seward, so you don’t need to plan any of that. Before you head out, learn all about the paddling instructions from your guide. Then head out into the rapids, with mountains all around you.

Travelers looking for a challenging adventure can look no further than this whitewater excursion on class level V rapids—a step below the level saved for experts. It’s a 3-canyon run along Six Mile Creek—home to some of the most exciting whitewater rafting in Alaska—descending more than 50 feet per mile (1.6 kilometers) down the Chugach Mountains. A veteran guide joins each raft to help navigate the rapids.

Experience the thrill of SIX MILE CREEK 2-CANYON! This exciting run features 3 hours of pool-drop style Class IV rapids through the lush terrain of Chugach National Forest. A truly world-class section of whitewater that happens to be half-day accessible and gives a one-of-a-kind Alaskan adventure in just a few hours. Join the original guiding company, with over 40 years of experience on Six Mile Creek, leading the way through this iconic stretch of whitewater. Outfitted with top-of-the-line gear and expert guides, we continue to set the standard for safety and professionalism in the industry. Photos are available after your adventure to relive the action! Let’s go!

*Trip Highlights* ~Float along the face of a 25-mile glacier ~Jump from an Iceberg into the glacial waters ~Expert paddle instruction ~Enjoy the best rapids on the Kennicott River ~Explore the glacial lake ecology ~Local knowledge of the natural & human history of the Kennicott ~Valley ~Drysuits – Raft Class III Whitewater and relish every splash

This powerhouse glacial river is packed with thrills, crashing waves, and nonstop excitement. Experience the rare midnight sun twilight and tackle larger rapids on the Private Lions Head run—an unforgettable whitewater adventure like no other! The Matanuska River is where NOVA’s journey began in 1975, and with 50 years of experience on these waters, we know how to bring you the best of this stunning river. Located just two hours north of Anchorage, this iconic half-day trip offers unparalleled mountain views and miles of consistent Class III & IV rapids. Outfitted with top-of-the-line gear and guided by our expert team, you’ll experience the rush of Alaska’s wild rivers in a safe and exhilarating setting. Surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery, this adventure is a true Alaskan treasure.