Alaska whitewater - Happy River, Alaska Range, Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Matanuska-Susitna county, Close to Sheep Lake to Skwentna River section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.

 

CLASS III+     32.5 miles
  The Close to Sheep Lake to Skwentna River stretch of Happy River is 32.5 miles long and it is classified as a class III+ section by American Whitewater. Great exercise and a chance to spend some time outdoors are great attractions for lots of people. If you're a camper you can camp at one of the great campgrounds nearby. A stretch of this length does require some preparations, so make sure you pack enough food along with your camping gear. The Close to Sheep Lake to Skwentna River stretch is the only paddling stretch along Happy River. The river winds
    through the Alaska Range and you get great scenery. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in Alaska is often tougher than elsewhere, so you'd better keep in mind that rivers here are less forgiving. The scenic beauty of Alaska and the cool fresh water are in themselves reasons enough
to come here to paddle. There aren’t any hotels right nearby but if you're willing to drive a short distance then no problem but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination.

Briefly about the general area:
The Old Iditarod Trail is a delightful hiking trail in close proximity to Happy River. It is very dried up here at Happy River typically; the wettest month of the year is usually September, that's the one that rains the most while April is generally the driest month.
For the duration of the months of summer, highs
 
regularly are in the 60's at Happy River, and the overnight is a bit cooler of course, typically in the 40's. The wintertime comes with highs in the 10's while the cold winter nights at Happy River are in the-10's.

Happy River, Close to Sheep Lake to Skwentna River road map
Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.

QUICK STATS
AW Class: III+
Length: 32.5 miles
Average Gradient: 52 fpm
  
Putin Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 62.1413
Longitude: -153.02781

Takeout Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 61.9803
Longitude: -152.34751

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Current weather conditions at Happy River, Alaska Range, Alaska
WXPort

Local climate location: PUNTILLA 16 miles away


RAFTING TRIP OUTFITTERS

There are no whitewater outfitters currently listed for this river.






OTHER_INFO
  Alaska Range Whitewater
Complete list of all the whitewater kayaking and rafting spots in the Alaska Range.

Alaska Range Outdoors Info
Complete outdoors info for the Alaska Range.

All Alaska Whitewater
Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in Alaska.
Books about whitewater paddling on Happy River, Alaska
List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Happy River, Alaska.
Find a whitewater outfitter in Alaska

Whitewater Basics
If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info.
Outdoors Recreation Near Kodiak, Alaska
Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Kodiak, Alaska, the metro area neareast to Happy River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.
 

   

OUTDOORS
These outdoors activities are available near Happy River.
 Trails Near Happy River:
Old Iditarod Trail, Matanuska-Susitna Borough , 5 miles away
 Lakes Near Happy River

Outdoors related information copyright © Stratus-Pikpuk, Inc. - Detailed hotel information copyright © Interactive Hotel Solutions
Some content, including Reach Name, Class, and Length, comes from American Whitewater