Alaska whitewater, Matanuska River Matanuska-Susitna county, Lions Head section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS III+     5.2 miles   If you've been whitewater rafting and kayaking outside Alaska you might find the rivers here a bit more challenging, so don't forget that lots of rivers here are not for beginners. The natural beauty of Alaska and the beautiful way the water current moves down the stream attract people from near and far. The Lions Head section is one of many paddling sections in this river system. This stretch has has enough mileage, it's good length for a morning     trip. Great exercise and just being out on the river for a while will have you coming back for more. The nearby hotels are a bit away from the river, but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. The Lions Head section of Matanuska River is 5.2 miles long and it is classified as a class III+ section by American Whitewater. Whether you're whitewater rafting or kayaking around here you won't find a large number of other places. If you're a camper you can camp at one of the great campgrounds nearby. The wild scenery of the Talkeetna Mountains is great. Briefly about the general area: Interesting geology is available here;   Matanuska Glacier is in the neighborhood of Matanuska River. At Matanuska River through the long summer days highs are in the 60's. Summer night lows sink down to the 40's. The wintertime brings highs down to the 10's while Matanuska River overnight low temperatures during the wintertime are in the-10's. Matanuska River is a location that is rather dry generally. July is the month that gets the most rain, and April is when it's the driest. Matanuska River, Lions Head road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Matanuska River.   Whitewater Near Matanuska River: Hicks Creek, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, 4 miles away       Class V+ - 11 miles long (Hicks Lake to Matanuska River) Matanuska River, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, 4 miles away       Class III+ - 5.2 miles long (Lions Head) Matanuska River, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, 4 miles away       Class II+ - 54 miles long (Glacier Park Bridge to Palmer) Caribou Creek, -blank- Borough, 10 miles away       Class V - 9 miles long (Squaw Creek to Glenn Highway Bridge) Gravel Creek, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, 17 miles away       Class IV+ - 11.5 miles long (Gravel Creek Glacier to Matanuska River) Matanuska River - East Fork and Main Stem, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, 28 miles away       Class II+ - 17.5 miles long (Close to Hunter Lake to Caribou Creek)   Ski Areas Near Matanuska River: Alyeska, Alaska , 99 miles away, 2500 foot drop, 9 lifts, 68 runs   Campgrounds Near Matanuska River: Grand View Cafe Campground, Palmer, 20 miles away