Discover the 15 Best Rivers for Whitewater Rafting in Alaska

There are so many reasons people love whitewater rafting it’s no surprise that 24 states in the US have rivers in which people enjoy this pastime. Some people do it for the exercise it affords them, while others want to be in the outdoors. Still, others do it for the sheer adrenaline rush that accompanies the unique experience.

Alaska is one of the 24 states that have some of the best whitewater rafting around. There are a number of rivers in which you can experience the exhilaration of riding the rapids in a rubber raft. Here are 15 of the best whitewater rafting spots in Alaska.

1. Taiya River — Class I

River rapids are designated as Class I when the river is fast-moving but has only small waves. Rafting on the Taiya River may not be an adrenaline-pumping adventure, but it is definitely a wonderful family outing. Even children as young as 3 years old can join in this journey.

What makes this rafting experience so great is the fabulous scenery you’ll see along the trip. The wildlife is diverse and fascinating. You could see bears, moose, golden eagles, wolves, caribou, mountain goats, and a countless number of birds. All the sights and sounds make this whitewater rafting one of the best in Alaska for families.

2. Chilkat River — Class I

A whitewater rafting trip down the Chilkat River takes you right through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, where the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles can be found. Highlights of the trip can include spying eaglets in their nests, parent eagles swooping down to snag a fish from the river, and eagles flying to their nest to feed their young.

Similar to the Taiya River whitewater rafting experience, the Chilkat River is fairly smooth with no rapids. However, the excitement will stem from seeing all the majestic bald eagles in the area as you float along the river.

3. Copper River — Class I and II

Rafting on the Copper River is more about seeing the wildlife and picturesque views. Some parts of the river have Class I rapids, making it a nice, easy journey. Other parts of the river have rapids that are designated Class II.

All along the river’s edge, you can spot otters, beavers, and even seals. There are fascinating birds to watch as well, including arctic terns and eagles. If you’re out at night and you’re truly lucky, you may even see the Northern Lights.

4. Kenai River — Class I and II

Looking at the clear turquoise water of the Kenai River provides stunning views in and out of the water. And while most of the river holds Class I or II rapids, there are a few spots that are a bit more fast-moving. Watching the variety of waterfowl and salmon on this gorgeous river provides hours of enjoyment.

There is plenty of wildlife along the shores as well. You might see Dall sheep, beaver, bears, and moose as you paddle along. You can also journey through the Kenai Canyon which can sometimes surprise you with some Class II+ rapids.

5. Alsek River — Class II

River rapids are rated class II when they are easy and have smaller waves. Channels are clear, but there is some maneuvering required. The Alsek River is one of these whitewater rafting spots that are appropriate for beginners or those not in a condition for more intense rafting.

The Alsek River flows through the Yukon region’s expansive UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the relative safety of whitewater rafting on this river, many people choose the Alsek River for the scenery of the UNESCO nature preserves, one of the world’s largest.

6. Yukon River — Class II

Winding 2,000 miles through Alaska to the Bering Sea, the Yukon River spans some of the world’s rawest and most rugged wilderness. Being so close to nature is a huge draw for many who opt for whitewater rafting on this mighty river. It can be an especially daunting ride when you consider that there are often brown and black bears along the river around any given bend.

Many whitewater rafting lists call Yukon River rafting “one of the best” all around the world. Between the historic sites and beautiful scenery, any rafting trip on the Yukon is bound to be memorable. There are some great guided rafting tours that start out in Skagway and go for varying distances if you’d rather do it in a group setting.

7. Tatshenshini River — Class II – III

The Yukon Mountains are the origin of this river’s headwaters. These mountain views are striking as you raft along the Tatshenshini River. You’ll see colorful wildflowers, majestic glaciers, and views of the nearby snowy mountaintops.

In the right conditions, you may see Mount Fairweather, the tallest peak in Glacier National Park, or glimpse immense chunks of ice falling off the Alsek Glacier’s face into the water. Herds of moose are often seen along the river banks, and bears and wolves also find their way to the river. This is one of the most exciting adventures for Class II or III (rapids with moderate, irregular waves requiring complex maneuvers) rapids by sheer virtue of the scenery.

8. Kennicott Glacier Lake and River – Class II – III

The Kennicott River from McCarthy Road to Nizina River is an almost 5-mile-long section of whitewater. Some parts of the river have a more moderate difficulty level than others, so children under 8 years are not advised to participate. However, if your family has older children, this may be a trip you’d like to try.

This river’s rapids have intriguing names, like “Ah Shoot,” “Clown Car,” “El Diablo,” and “Land of the Giants.” Not only are the rapids exciting, but you can raft around icebergs and glaciers that are calving — having pieces of the glacier fall off the glacier face — into Glacier Lake. The scenery around you and, sometimes, right in front of you will be impressive as you move from Class II to Class III rapids.

9. Chulitna River — Class II and III

Starting at the Chulitna Canyon, you can ride the rapids for 19 miles until approaching the town of Talkeetna. During this trip, you can view the snow-capped peaks of Denali and the whole Alaska Range. Some of the areas you’ll pass through are remote, but you’ll see plenty of wildlife.

The streams that flow into the river are home to an abundance of salmon. Therefore, you’ll see grizzly bears and black bears all along the way. If the Class II and III rapids don’t get your adrenaline flowing, the sight of a giant grizzly standing in the river will.

10. Chitina River — Class III

Beginning in McCarthy, AK, in the Kennicott River, you can paddle the historic passageway through the Wrangell Mountains until disembarking in Chitina. The exciting rapids alternate with panoramic views of the striking backcountry forests and wildlife. If you’re having a great time, you can take several days to continue on into the Nizina River, back to the Chitina, and finally into the Copper River.

Throughout the journey, you can spy three mountain ranges: St. Elias, Wrangell, and Chugach. Much of the wilderness is rugged and pristine as you paddle along the Chitina. There are even wild bison sightings for some fortunate souls.

11. Mendenhall River — Class III

Rafting along the Mendenhall River allows you to take in stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier. Part of the Juneau Icefield this glacier is 150 feet high and 1 1/2 miles wide. There are icebergs on this tour along with Thunder Mountain’s avalanche veins, beaver dams, and spots where you can see the salmon spawn.

After getting these amazing views of Juneau and the natural elements around you, you get to experience Class III rapids. These faster rapids come in short sections of about 1 mile each. Interspersed with the rapids, you’ll continue to get those amazing views of the 7,000-foot mountains, hanging glaciers, and verdant forests.

12. Nenana River – Class II – IV

Denali houses the Denali National Park, one of the country’s most beautiful parks. It’s also home to the Nenana River, which has a variety of rapids from Class II to Class IV. Class IV rapids are longer and often have constricted passages that require you to maneuver in turbulent waters.

Taking a whitewater rafting trip in this Alaska river is great for nature lovers as well as adrenaline seekers. Mt. McKinley towers 20,230 feet over the river, providing a perspective of North America’s tallest peak. The park has wild sheep, bears, and caribou that you may get to see as well.

13. Metanuska — Class III – IV

The Metanuska River, flowing between the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains, is a popular whitewater rafting spot. The valley gets extraordinary sunlight that is collected between mountain peaks. As this journey begins in Glacier View, AK, you’ll get breathtaking vistas of the valley and surrounding areas.

This trip can be more difficult in spots as you navigate the Class IV rapids. If you’re not experienced, it’s best to go with a guide. Whether you paddle independently or participate in a guided group tour, the whole trip will be exhilarating and memorable.

14. Lion’s Head – Class III – IV

The Lion’s Head run begins in the Glacier View area of Alaska near the massive rock formation called Lion’s Head. This section boasts 2 miles of Class III and IV thrilling rapids interspersed with 8 miles of calmer Class II and III rapids. Not only will it give you a thrill, but you’ll get a workout as well.

This journey takes you through scenic wilderness where you can see Dall sheep on the rocks. Since the area is home to these amazing sheep, you’ll also see black bears and possibly grizzly bears, too. From start to finish this excursion is filled with excitement, making it one of the best whitewater rafting spots for thrill-seekers.

15. Tana River — Class IV

If you’re looking for a more challenging whitewater rafting course, the Tana River is one of the best in Alaska. It starts in the remote Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and winds through gorges and rapid drops. The surrounding landscape is gorgeous with its canyons and mountains.

Whitewater rafting on the Tana has been compared to a Grand Canyon river adventure. Its huge rapids and sheer volume make this river one to take seriously. This is one trip for adventure-seekers looking to raise their adrenaline levels.

Summary Table of the Best 15 Rivers For Whitewater Rafting in Alaska