Alaska whitewater, Matanuska River Matanuska-Susitna county, Glacier Park Bridge to Palmer section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II+     54 miles   This section of Matanuska River in Alaska is 54 miles long and has been determined by American Whitewater to be a class II+ section. The beautiful scenery of Alaska and the water flowing gracefully down Matanuska River are reasons enough to come here and paddle. Getting a good workout and just hanging out with mother nature are sure to keep you coming back for more. If you're coming from Anchorage it's not a long drive at all to the put-in     location, as you can see on the road map further down. For all you camping people there are campgrounds nearby. The river winds through the Talkeetna Mountains and you get great scenery. Whitewater rafting and kayaking spots in this state tend to be more challenging than the national average, so you'd better keep in mind that rivers here are less forgiving. Now this is a pretty long section, so better bring your camping gear along. There aren’t any hotels right nearby but if you're willing to drive a short distance then no problem but if you don’t have reservations you might end up sleeping in your car. You might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both,   doesn't matter, this is an area with plenty of rivers for that. There are no other sections to paddle along Matanuska River than the Glacier Park Bridge to Palmer section. Briefly about the general area: Don't leave Matanuska River without first going for a hike along the Chickaloon Trail; there are plenty of folks from Sutton here. Just can't get enough of the Talkeetna Mountains. There are pleasant sites to explore along the Chickaloon River Trail. Through the warm days of summer, highs usually are in the 60's at Matanuska River. When the night sets in temperatures drop down into the 40's. Matanuska River, Glacier Park Bridge to Palmer 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: Whitewater Outfitter - Matanuska Madwater Rafting Company, Matanuska Susitna Borough, 13 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Nova Riverrunners, Matanuska Susitna Borough, 13 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Coal Creek, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, 15 miles away       Class IV - 11.8 miles long (Glacier to Matanuska River) Whitewater Outfitter - Alaska Raft Rentals, Matanuska Susitna Borough, 18 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Kings River, Matanuska-Susitna Borough Borough, 18 miles away       Class V+ - 20 miles long (Upper Kings to Glenn Highway) Chickaloon River, Matanuska-Susitna Borough Borough, 20 miles away       Class III+(IV) - 33 miles long (30 Mile Airstrip to Matanuska) Granite Creek, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, 24 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 16 miles long (2600-foot level to Glenn Highway) Sheep River, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, 28 miles away       Class IV(V+) - 50 miles long (Close to Glacier to Talkeetna River) Wolverine Creek, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, 28 miles away       Class V - 8 miles long (Upper River to Matanuska River)   Ski Areas Near Matanuska River: Alyeska, Alaska , 53 miles away, 2500 foot drop, 9 lifts, 68 runs Alpenglow At Arctic Valley, Alaska , 86 miles away, 1400 foot drop, 4 lifts, 25 runs Hilltop, Alaska , 92 miles away, 294 foot drop, 3 lifts, 10 runs   Hotels Near Matanuska River: Alaska Garden Gate B&B, Palmer , 47 miles away Hatcher Pass Bed And Breakfast, Palmer , 47 miles away   Trails Near Matanuska River: Chickaloon River Trail, Matanuska-Susitna , 5 miles away Chickaloon Trail, Matanuska-Susitna , 14 miles away Chickaloon Knik Nelchina Trail, Matanuska-Susitna , 17 miles away