| |
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 has been determined by American Whitewater to be a class III+ section. The natural beauty of Alaska and the cool fresh water will make you feel great. The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking in this state are often tougher than in other states, so keep in mind that rivers here are less forgiving. This is one of a small number of paddling sections in this river system, there are a few others too. Getting a good workout and a chance to spend some time outdoors are great reasons |
|
to come. There are campgrounds quite near the river where you can camp. You might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, this area has a pretty small number of paddling rivers. This section is long enough to enjoy a good non stop paddle, suitable for an
| afternoon trip. Not too many hotels nearby, you'll have to drive a bit to get to one, but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. When you're paddling down a Talkeetna Mountains river like this one you always get great scenery along the way too.
Briefly about the general area:
During the summer highs here at Matanuska River reach the 60's, and through the night it cools down to the 40's. Throughout the wintertime the highs are typically in the 10's while the cold winter nights at Matanuska River are in the-10's. Matanuska | |
|
River is pretty waterless typically; the month with most of the rain is July while April is mostly the driest month.
Don't leave Matanuska River without first checking out Matanuska Glacier.
|
|
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:
 | | |
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) |
|
|
|
 |
|
