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Email Talkeetna Travel

Phone (907) 733-8728

Talkeetna River Rafting Trips

Enjoy a Talkeetna rafting float trip, an overnight raft and fishing trip, or a whitewater adventure through Talkeetna's gorgeous river scenery with friendly guides!

 

Talkeetna, Alaska is surrounded by braided glacial rivers.  Rafting is a great way to view serene and stunning scenery.

The Native Alaskan meaning of the name Talkeetna is: "where the rivers meet", appropriate for the junction of three major Alaskan rivers (Susitna, Chulitna, and Talkeetna).  There is no better way to experience the serene beauty, Denali views, and abundant wildlife of these waterways than rafting quietly downstream.

We offer rafting day trips from 2 hours to full day, as well as overnights. Scroll down to view some fantastic combo trips like the "Raft and Rail" with utilizes the Alaska Railroad, and the "Raft and Kayak" which combines kayaking on a lake in Denali State Park followed by a stunning float to Talkeetna. We've just added two delightful overnight raft and fishing combo trips.

Please note that all rafting day trips out of Talkeetna are scenic floats without whitewater. If you are looking for whitewater, see the notes at the bottom of this page. Talkeetna Travel can help help arrange trips a few hours away by car on some other rivers.


Rafting Day Trips
 


 

Raft Tour #1
Talkeetna River - 4 miles
2 Hrs
Many daily departure times
$75-$79 per adult
$45-59 per child (10 & under)
Click here to reserve.
Explore the lower end of the Talkeetna River. This soft adventure rafting tour can be enjoyed by all age groups. See spectacular vistas of the Alaska Range and Mt. McKinley.  Your guides are versed in describing the flora, fauna, and scenery along the way. Look for bears, eagles, fish, beavers, moose, fox, and waterfowl during this float. Stop to visit two active Bald Eagles' nests, see beaver dams, look for bear tracks, and float past an old miner's cabin... There will be plenty of opportunities to take photos!

 

Raft Tour #2
Susitna River - 11 miles
3 Hrs
Daily Departure 8:00am, 12pm
$105 per adult
$65 per child (12 & under)
Click here to reserve.
Launching from the historical village of Talkeetna, you will enjoy a relaxing guided float tour on the Susitna River. Weather permitting, this tour offers views of Mt. McKinley (Denali) for over half of the tour along with glacial valley vistas. Simply breathtaking! You will observe the fauna, flora, mountains and river silt beaches. Enjoy viewing present and past riverbank beaver activity while you are floating through some of Alaska's most beautiful wilderness. Hone your senses in spotting Bald Eagles and their nests.  Keep your eyes open for bear and moose on the river's edge. You'll take a brief break and share in some local folklore with your guide while snacking on the operators' world famous homemade GORP (trail mix) and refreshments, which are provided for you.

 

Raft Tour #3
Chulitna River - 19 miles
4 Hrs
Daily Departure
7:00 am, 1 pm
$129 per adult
$109 per child (10 & under)
Click here to reserve.
Raft nineteen miles of the glacial-fed Chulitna through the wildlands of Denali State Park. Throughout the float, a stunning view of Mt. McKinley (20,320') and the entire Alaska Range provide a spectacular backdrop. This remote portion of the Chulitna River is prime Bald Eagle, Bear, Salmon and Moose habitat. On clear days, the view is unparalleled for photo opportunities.

 

Raft Tour #4
Rail & Raft Combo
4 1/2 Hrs
Thurs-Sun only
June 1-Sept 8
Departs 11:30am
$169 per adult
$110 per child (12 & under)
Lunch & gear included.
4 person minimum.
Click here to reserve.
Ride the Alaska Railroad's Flag Stop Hurricane Train (one of that last flag stop trains in America) from the historic Talkeetna townsite depot to 11 miles north of Talkeetna.  Hike down to the Susitna River to your rafts. Floating this pristine glacial fed river offers many beautiful wilderness scenes - eagles flying by, salmon jumping in the river, moose crossing the side creeks, an occasional bear stalking fish along the river banks; all of these things are possible to see in the wilderness of Alaska. We certainly don't promise seeing them on this tour, but it is possible and it is the wilderness of Alaska. Along the float trip you'll stop on one of the islands and receive your complimentary "Flag Stop Rail n Raft" 6 pack cooler filled with your delicious gourmet lunch which includes, a generous sandwich on a freshly baked whole grain bun filled with Alaskan lettuces, variety of cheeses, and various deli meats topped with a special sauce, fresh fruit, cheese stick, chips, freshly baked cookie, Krismoos trail mix, Alaska Railroad M&Ms, and bottled water. After lunch you will continue on your wilderness soft adventure floating on the mighty Susitna River for some 12 miles of river back to the town of Talkeetna. Rafting gear provided. Rain gear/ponchos, boots, stocking caps and gloves are also available on each tour.

 

Raft Tour #5
Denali Raft & Kayak Combo
Full Day
7AM Pick-up from Talkeetna
8AM Pick-up from Princess McKinley Lodge
$199 per person
Lunch & gear included
2 person minimum
Click here to reserve.
Reserve Denali State Park Raft and Kayak Combo Day Trip

Summary: Kayak on Byers lake, lunch, raft Chulitna river

Description: Explore Denali State Park's beautiful waterways and wildlife on this full day excursion!! We will pick you up from your lodge and transport you to Byers Lake where you will glide through its tranquil waters on single or tandem Sit-On-Top kayaks. Watch for resident trumpeter swans, loons and beavers. Paddle over pools of spawning salmon and look for the bears and eagles that come to feed on them. After your paddle we will visit the historic Mary Cary's McKinley View Lodge and enjoy a warm lunch and unparalleled views of Denali and the Alaska range. We will then head to the river to embark on a peaceful, scenic rafting float that takes you through the stunning Chulitna Canyon and ends 19 miles downstream in the town of Talkeetna. Experience stunning vistas of Denali and the Alaska Range, as well as the Talkeetna Mountains. You will have opportunities to view moose, grizzly bears, black bears, eagles, and other wildlife as your guide leads you through the history and mystique of the area.

Note: We will provide you with splash gear, boots or water shoes and dry bags for cameras. Our Sit-On-Top kayaks are very stable and easy to maneuver, so they are great for beginners or experienced paddlers. Our rafts are oared by your guide.

 


Rafting and Fishing Overnight Combos


 

Overnight trips include: Camping Gear, Fly Fishing Rod/Reel, Fly Tackle, Meals and Transportation, Float plane or Helicopter drop-off.  For all trips we strongly recommend you pack a Camera with lots of film, Sunglasses, Water Bottle, Gloves, Rain Gear, Extra Layers of Clothing, Waterproof Footwear/Waders, Camp Shoes and any personal items needed for your journey.

Overnight Raft & Fishing Tour #1

Tokositna Fly-In, Raft-out
Denali National Park
2 days

$1045 per person
Includes float plane drop-off, rafting/fishing gear, meals, lodging
Minimum 4 people

Click here to reserve.

Summary:
Floatplane to remote lodge in Denali Park, fish/hike/canoe/relax, 6 hour raft back to Talkeetna next day, all meals included

Description:
There is no trip quite like this one. You will board a floatplane outside the beautiful town of Talkeetna and enjoy a short scenic flight to a remote lodge in the Southside of Denali National Park. Tokosha Mountain Lodge sits on the banks of the Tokositna River with spectacular views of Denali and the Tokosha Mountains. It was originally homesteaded in 1969 by John and Marisa Neill who will be your humble hosts for the evening. Your evening will be spent listening to wonderful stories of your hosts' life in remote Alaska while enjoying a home-cooked family-style meal. After dinner you may choose to go fishing, take a short hike, canoe on the lake or retire to your cabin on the river's edge. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, you will meet your guide riverside and begin your float down the Tokositna River. We will watch for the abundant wildlife indigenous to this area and enjoy stunning views of Denali and the Alaska Range along the ~ 6 hour float back to Talkeetna.

Overnight Raft & Fishing Tour #2

Chulitna River Basin Raft-Fish-Camp

2 - 5 days

2 Day -$845 per person
3 Day -$945 per person
4 Day -$1045 per person
5 Day -$1145 per person
Includes rafting/fishing gear, meals, camping gear
Minimum 4 people

Click here to reserve.

Summary:
Raft the Chulitna, Fishing, Hiking, Photography, meals and camping included

Description:
This scenic float takes you on the border of Denali National Park and into Denali State Park. You will enjoy stunning views of Denali and the Alaska Range. Your trip begins on the crystal clear waters of the northern part of the Chulitna river basin where you may relax, float and enjoy spotting Salmon swim below you on their path up river to spawn. Over this journey we will merge with numerous other rivers and feeder creeks and pass through stunning canyons and expansive valleys that all afford you with excellent opportunities to view the bears, eagles and other wildlife that frequent this territory. You will be pampered and catered to throughout this trip, enjoying gourmet fireside meals and the best riverside camping accommodations available. We can stop along the way to view beaver ponds or for a beautiful hike up to a waterfall. This river offers all five species of salmon, as well as excellent rainbow and grayling fishing for those who wish to fish. A must for bear lovers and nature photographers.

Note on Alaska Whitewater Rafting:  We can also book whitewater trips in other parts of Alaska. Whether you are a first timer or experienced, we can find the trip that’s right for you. There are many different trips to choose from, including:

Six Mile Creek -on the Kenai Peninsula. The most challenging river in Alaska, with 3 canyons.  The first two are class IV and the third is class V. 

Lions Head – in the Matanuska Valley. Class II, III and IV. 

Nenana River – Denali Park 11 miles of river class III and IV

Email us for more information and prices.
Talkeetna Travel can book Whitewater Rafting trips on more challenging waterways in Alaska.
 


Talkeetna Travel · PO Box 474 · Talkeetna, Alaska  99676
Phone (907)733-8728 · · Email:  talkeetna_alaska@talkeetnatravel.com

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