Talkeetna River Rafting Trips
Flowing west from its headwater glaciers on the crest of the Talkeetna
Mountains, the Talkeetna River flows over 80 miles before
merging with the Susitna and Chulitna Rivers near the town
of Talkeetna.
The word "Talkeetna," roughly translated from the Athabaskan, means "the place where three rivers meet."
The Talkeetna River is an epic Alaska rafting trip! 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.
After flowing past its confluence with Prairie Creek, however, the river changes character and enters Talkeetna Canyon. Cutting a steep walled canyon, the river drops 30-40 feet per mile and forms over 10 miles of continuous Class IV whitewater. After emerging from the canyon, the river returns to its previously mild character, making for a pleasant float back to Talkeetna.
Expeditions begin in the town of Talkeetna, where we board a bushplane and fly to our launch point, 60 air miles away in the heart of the Talkeetna Mountain range. You get a real feeling of isolation when the plane leaves and the Talkeetna Canyon stands between you and "town." The excitement builds as we float past Prairie Creek area, listening carefully for the roar of rapids.
On our Talkeetna River adventures, the only disappointment you'll experience is having to go back home.
Talkeetna River Rafting Trip Schedules and Itineraries
We have two different trip itineraries available for the Talkeetna River: a 5-day/4-night expedition and a 3-day/2-night expedition. Our 5-day/4-night trip spends two days in the upper headwaters area and allows for a full layover day near for Prairie Creek for hiking, exploring and wildlife viewing. The Prairie Creek area is known for its excellent fishing and abundant wildlife. For those on tighter schedules we offer a 3-day trip which spends only one day in the headwaters area and skips the layover day at Prairie Creek. Both trips spend their last night camped near Disappointment Creek. We depart Disappointment Creek in the morning, arriving back in Talkeetna in the afternoon. All trips require a minimum group size of four people in order to be run, so start organizing your "crew" ASAP.
Day 2 -- We float to Prairie Creek. We will be floating through some of the best fishing in Alaska. Camp out that night.
Day 3 -- Day 3 is a scheduled free day at the confluence of Prairie Creek and the Talkeetna River. Opportunities abound for hiking, fishing and photos. Camp out that night.
Day 4 -- We run Talkeetna River Canyon to Disappointment Creek. This is our last night camping out.
Day 5 -- End the river trip mid-afternoon in Talkeetna
Extended Alaska Rafting Trips on the Talkeetna River
Talkeetna River in the Talkeetna Mountains
Our Talkeetna River guides are experts! 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, we'll camp one more night near Disappointment Creek. An odd name for a beautiful camp.
Preparing lunch in the canyon
The following schedule is a sample 5-day itinerary. Our 3-day trip itinerary eliminates Days 1 and 3 from the 5-day schedule. All Talkeetna River trips require that you meeting us in Talkeetna the evening prior to Day 1 for a pre-trip orientation meeting, packing, etc. We can help with arrangements for lodging and transport to Talkeetna -- It's no problem -- just call us.
Day 1 --
Early morning start.
Fly in to raft launch at Yellowjacket Creek. Raft approximately 5-10 miles.
Camp out that night.
