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Private Matanuska River Scenic Float
Pricing
Description
Private Matanuska River Scenic Float – Easy Family-Friendly Rafting Adventure
This Matanuska River scenic float offers a relaxed and immersive way to experience Alaska’s glacial landscape. Drifting along calm Class I and II waters, this trip is perfect for families, photographers, and anyone looking to take in the beauty of the Matanuska Valley without the intensity of whitewater rafting.
Flowing through a broad, glacier-carved valley near Glacier View, the Matanuska River winds beneath towering peaks and alongside the massive Matanuska Glacier. Along the way, your guide will share insight into the region’s natural history, glacial geology, and the wildlife that calls this area home. With gentle currents and wide-open views, this trip offers a completely different pace from traditional rafting adventures.
Ideal for guests of all ages, this scenic float is designed for those who want to experience Alaska from the water in a more laid-back setting. It’s a great option for families with young children, multi-generational groups, or anyone looking to balance adventure with a quieter, more scenic experience.
Duration
Approximately 1.5 - 2 hours total.
This includes check-in, gear fitting, safety orientation, & shuttle transport.
Trips depart daily at 10:30 AM, from June 1 – August 31.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the trip waiver and check in.
Availability: Private groups of 2–6 guests
Location / Where to Meet
Matanuska River rafting trips begin in Glacier View, Alaska, about 2 hours north of Anchorage along the Glenn Highway.
Meeting Address: 38100 W Glenn Highway, Glacier View, AK 99674
Check-in takes place at the main rafting base on Hicks Creek.
Alaska highways can experience delays due to construction, RV traffic, or accidents. Please allow extra travel time to ensure you arrive before your scheduled departure.
Ages & Requirements
This adventure is rated Easy–Moderate (Class I & II).
Requirements include:
- Ages 5-75
- Minimum weight: 55 lbs
- Maximum weight: 250 lbs
- Maximum girth: 50 inches
- Basic mobility to get in and out of a raft
- Swimming ability recommended but not required
All participants should be able to follow guide instructions for safety. This trip is designed to be accessible, but is not recommended for individuals with serious medical conditions that could impair mobility, coordination, or safety on the river. Participants must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
What's Included
- Professional river guides with advanced swiftwater rescue training
- Dry suit
- River shoes
- Personal flotation device (PFD)
- Rafting equipment
- Shuttle transportation during the tour
Guides carry medical certifications ranging from Wilderness First Aid to Wilderness First Responder, ensuring a high level of safety and preparedness.
Not Included
- Transportation to the meeting location
- Lunch or snacks
- Guide gratuities
What to Bring / Wear
Matanuska River rafting trips run rain or shine. You’ll be provided a dry suit, but insulating layers are essential.
Recommended clothing:
- Warm base layers (top and bottom)
- Fleece or wool mid-layers
- Warm socks
- Change of clothes for after the trip
Even the best dry suits can allow a small amount of water inside during intense whitewater rafting.
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY NOVA Alaska Guides
FAQs
Do I need rafting experience for the Matanuska River Scenic Float?
No. This trip is designed for beginners and requires no prior rafting experience.
How calm is the Matanuska River scenic float?
This trip features Class I and II water, meaning mostly calm currents with a few gentle ripples and small waves. It’s a relaxing experience compared to whitewater rafting.
Is this trip good for kids and older adults?
Yes. This is one of the most family-friendly river trips in Alaska, suitable for children as young as 5 and adults up to 75.
Will we see wildlife?
Wildlife sightings are possible but not guaranteed. Guests sometimes spot birds, moose, or other animals along the riverbanks.
What will we see on the trip?
You’ll float through a glacier-carved valley with views of surrounding mountains and the Matanuska Glacier, along with wide-open landscapes shaped by ice and time.
Are there restrooms available?
Yes. Restrooms are available at the check-in location. Once you are suited up in your dry suit, restroom access will not be available until after the trip.
What happens if I arrive late?
Please plan extra travel time for highway delays. If you arrive late and miss the trip departure, the tour may leave without you. Missed trips are generally considered a no-show and are not refundable.
Do I have to make a reservation?
Yes, we recommend making a reservation to secure your spot on the tour. Space fills up quickly, especially during the peak summer season.
Making a reservation guarantees you can enjoy the adventure you’re looking forward to without any issues. Plus, we have an extremely generous cancellation policy, so if your plans change, you can modify or refund your reservation.
Do you offer any discounts?
Of course! We love giving back to our community and making adventures more accessible to everyone. We offer several exciting discounts!
- Local Alaskans: If you’re a local, you can enjoy a 10% discount on the individual tour price by showing your State-Issued ID at check-in.
- Military Discount: We’re proud to offer a 10% discount to all active duty and retired military personnel with valid ID.
- Combo Discount: Want to make the most of your time in Alaska? Book any combination of these trips and enjoy a 10% discount on your entire adventure! Our popular Matanuska River Lions Head trip and Matanuska Glacier Tour combo is a fantastic way to experience two incredible activities in one day.
Is there public transportation available to and from the tour?
There is no public transportation available, and at this time, we do not provide transportation. The only way to reach our tour check-in areas is by rental car or RV.
Can we tip the guides?
We ensure that our professional guides are paid a living wage. That said, our guides work hard, and if you feel inclined to show your appreciation with a tip, they are always grateful for the gesture. It’s not required, but it’s certainly appreciated.
Do you have an environmental sustainability policy?
Yes, we advocate for and protect the conservation of Alaska’s natural spaces. We follow a responsible travel ethic and adhere to “Leave No Trace” principles when exploring these incredible places. Since our inception, one of our core values has been showing people how to love, appreciate, and contribute to the preservation of Alaska’s special places.
Cancellation Policy
- Full refund: If you cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the tour.
- 50% refund: If you cancel between 24 and 48 hours before the tour.
- No refund: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour or no-shows will not be eligible for a refund.
Reviews
Location
Address
38100 W Glenn Hwy
Glacier View, Alaska, 99674
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