Alaska whitewater - Matanuska River, Talkeetna Mountains, Matanuska-Susitna Borough Matanuska-Susitna county, Lions Head section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS III+     5.2 miles   The Lions Head section of Matanuska River in Alaska is 5.2 miles long and is rated by American Whitewater as a class III+ section. The scenic beauty of Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the cool fresh water are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. The Lions Head section is one of a few paddling sections in this river system. A bit of exercise and a chance to spend some time outdoors will make you glad you came. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way this is an area with not too many other places for that. The beautiful     Talkeetna Mountains scenery is an added bonus. There are campgrounds quite near the river where you can camp. The average Alaska whitewater rafting or kayaking river tends to be a bit harder to master than those in other states, so better not forget that rivers here are less forgiving. Not too many hotels nearby, you'll have to drive a bit to get to one, and if you make reservations in advance you're all set. This stretch has has enough mileage, suitable for an afternoon trip. Briefly about the general area: All through the warm months, highs frequently are in the 60's at Matanuska River while nighttime lows are commonly in the 40's. Throughout the winter highs are in the 10's, and overnight lows at Matanuska River during the winter generally plunge into the-10's. It is very dried out here at Matanuska River frequently; most of   the rain falls throughout July while April is the month with the least amount of precipitation. You simply ought to have a look at Matanuska Glacier while you're here at Matanuska River. Matanuska River, Lions Head road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked. QUICK STATS AW Class: III+ Length: 5.2 miles Average Gradient: 38 fpm    Putin Location Coordinates: Latitude: 61.80329 Longitude: -147.6816 Takeout Location Coordinates: Latitude: 61.79589 Longitude: -147.7994 Paddler input for Matanuska River, Alaska: Submit Input: Your Name: Write or Paste Input here: Upload picture:      Input Submission Guidelines Current weather conditions at Matanuska River, Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska Local climate location: MC KINLEY PARK 78 miles away RAFTING TRIP OUTFITTERS There are no whitewater outfitters currently listed for this river.   Talkeetna Mountains Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater kayaking and rafting spots in the Talkeetna Mountains. Talkeetna Mountains Outdoors Info Complete outdoors info for the Talkeetna Mountains. All Alaska Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in Alaska. Books about whitewater paddling on Matanuska River, Alaska List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Matanuska 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 Fairbanks, Alaska Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Fairbanks, Alaska, the metro area neareast to Matanuska River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.       These outdoors activities are available near Matanuska River.   Whitewater Near Matanuska River: Caribou Creek, -blank- Borough , 7 miles away, Class V - 9 miles long (Squaw Creek to Glenn Highway Bridge) Hicks Creek, Matanuska-Susitna Borough , 8 miles away, Class V+ - 11 miles long (Hicks Lake to Matanuska River) Matanuska River - East Fork and Main Stem, Matanuska-Susitna Borough , 17 miles away, Class II+ - 17.5 miles long (Close to Hunter Lake to Caribou Creek) Gravel Creek, Matanuska-Susitna Borough , 17 miles away, Class IV+ - 11.5 miles long (Gravel Creek Glacier to Matanuska River)   Ski Areas Near Matanuska River: Alyeska, Alaska , 99 miles away, 2500 vertical feet Moose Mountain, Alaska , 104 miles away, 1300 vertical feet Mt Aurora Skiland, Alaska , 109 miles away, 1057 vertical feet Alpenglow At Arctic Valley, Alaska , 134 miles away, 1400 vertical feet Hilltop, Alaska , 140 miles away, 294 vertical feet