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Six Mile Creek 2 Canyon Whitewater Rafting

Six Mile Creek 2 Canyon Whitewater Rafting the 1st Next Tour Image Six Mile Creek 2 Canyon Whitewater Rafting the 2nd Next Tour Image
3-Hour Duration
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Approximate Total Experience
Class IV Rapids
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Challenging Whitewater
Two Canyon Route
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Consecutive Canyon Runs
Drysuit Included
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Cold-Water Protection

Description

This trip is a solid introduction to why Six Mile Creek has such a strong reputation. In about three hours, you’ll run two canyons of Class IV whitewater just outside Hope, Alaska. The river is narrow, fast, and technical, with steep drops, strong currents, and plenty of splash. It’s active from start to finish and never feels slow.

Once you arrive, you’ll check in, get fitted with a drysuit and helmet, and go over safety basics with your guide. Before getting into the raft, everyone completes a brief swim test in the river. It’s there to help you understand how the water moves and what to do if you end up swimming, which does happen on this creek.

The rafting starts right away. The first canyon keeps you busy with quick turns, tight lines, and fast-moving water. You’ll paddle often and work closely with your group, listening for commands as the raft moves through waves and drops. There are short, calm sections where you can look around and notice how steep and green the canyon walls are.

The second canyon brings more intensity. The rapids come closer together, the waves feel heavier, and the water has more push. It’s physical and demands focus, but it’s also where most people feel the biggest rush. Expect cold water splashes, loud water, and a lot of movement.

You don’t need rafting experience, but you should be a confident swimmer and ready for physical effort. River conditions change, so every trip feels a little different. When it’s over, you’ll head back tired, wet, and usually proud of what you just did. It’s a straightforward, no-frills Alaska whitewater experience that delivers exactly what it promises.


What's Included

Knowledgeable Guide
Drysuit
Helmet
Raft and Safety Equipment
USDA Forest Service User Fee
Transportation to Hope, AK
Guide Gratuity

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this rafting trip suitable for beginners?

Yes. You don’t need prior whitewater rafting experience to join, but you should be comfortable with physical exertion and swimming in moving water. Guides will provide brief training and a swim test before launch.

How long is the tour?

The total river trip duration for the 2-Canyon experience is approximately 3 hours.

Is there a swim test?

Yes. A mandatory in-river swim test is part of the pre-launch orientation to ensure comfort and familiarity in moving water.

What age is required to participate?

Guests must be at least 12 years old to join this 2-Canyon rafting trip.

What happens if river levels change?

River levels here are unpredictable and can affect the trip’s difficulty. Guides monitor daily water level data and may adjust gear, group sizes, or cancel trips for safety if conditions become unsafe.

What should I wear for the trip?

You’ll be provided a drysuit, helmet, and safety gear. Underneath, wear warm, insulating layers (fleece, wool, warm socks) and bring a change of clothes for after the trip.

Can I add the third canyon after completing the trip?

Yes. After finishing the second canyon, guests can add the third canyon the same day by paying the remaining balance post-trip.


Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: 12 years old • Maximum Age: 65 years old
This is a challenging Class IV whitewater rafting trip and is not suitable for everyone.
No prior rafting experience is required, but strong swimming ability is strongly recommended.
Minimum age is 12 and maximum age is 65 due to the physical demands of the river.
A two-person minimum is required to confirm the trip.
Participants must be in good physical condition and comfortable with high exertion.
Guests with cardiac, respiratory, or other serious medical conditions should not participate.
River conditions vary daily; trips may be adjusted, delayed, or canceled for safety based on water levels.
All participants must speak and understand English for safety instructions.
Tours operate rain or shine; cancellations only occur for safety-related reasons.
Boat capacity depends on river conditions: rafts hold up to 5 guests during high water, up to 4 guests during low water, with an ideal group size of 4–5 people; smaller groups may be combined for safety and logistics.
Cancel up to 72 hours before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 72 hours of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City
Anchorage

Duration
3h 00min

Adult Rate
$159


Itinerary • 3h 00min • 5 activities

Check in at the Six Mile Creek base, use restrooms, receive a detailed safety briefing, and get fitted with your drysuit, helmet, and rafting gear.

Duration
30 minutes

Complete a supervised in-river swim test to demonstrate comfort in moving water before rafting begins.

Duration
15 minutes

Launch into Six Mile Creek and navigate the first canyon’s Class IV rapids, featuring narrow chutes, fast currents, and technical maneuvering.

Duration
1 hour

Continue downstream into the second canyon with steeper drops, bigger waves, and deep blue pools that define this legendary whitewater section.

Duration
1 hour

Exit the river, change out of rafting gear, and return to the check-in location via shuttle.

Duration
15 minutes