River Trips

Exploring Alaska’s remote wilderness by river with Alaska Magnum Outfitters is a very comfortable, rewarding, and relaxing experience. Imagine the solitude of a leisurely float through some of Alaska’s most unspoiled and spectacular scenery. All this, while you enjoy some of the best fishing Alaska has to offer.

Lake Creek (7 to 10 days)

This trip begins in Chelatna Lake in the foothills of the Alaska Range northwest of Anchorage. Lake Creek flows southeast 54 miles to its confluence with the Yentna River. Seven-mile-long Chelatna Lake is the largest lake in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Lake Creek varies in width from 150 to 250 feet and falls an average of 25 feet in elevation per mile. It is a popular fishing stream. Lake Creek offers outstanding views of Mount McKinley, Mount Foraker, and the Alaska Range.

After the first couple of miles of placid water, Lake Creek becomes swift, rocky, and wild. The first 36 miles are Class 1-111, with continuous stretches of exposed rocks and whitewater. A canyon beginning about 3 miles below Shovel Lake reaches its climax just below Quiet Lake with a challenging set of Class 111 rapids. The last 8 miles are Class 1, and, in this section, you are likely to encounter motorboats. A 43-mile section between Mile 2.8 and Mile 45.9 is off limits to motorboats.

Trip length: Allow 7 to 10 days to enjoy this trip

Deshka River (3 days)

The Deshka River meanders southward with many shallow riffles and mid-channel gravel bars over the course of nearly 30 miles before entering the Susitna River, about 8 miles southwest of Willow Creek. For most of its course, it traverses through rich wetland. In open areas on the river, there are many spectacular views of the Alaska Range and the Talkeetna Mountains. The river is darkish in color from the tannins draining off the wetlands.

Trip length: From Neil Lake down the Deshka River to the confluence with the Susitna River. Allow 3 days to enjoy this trip.

Talachlitna Creek & River (7 to 10 days)

From the headwaters flowing off Beluga Mountain, the Talachulitna River courses south then northerly for 64 miles to join with the Skwentna River. Talachulitna Creek, a major tributary, begins northwest of Judd Lake and flows easterly through Talachulitna and Judd Lakes to empty into the Talachulitna River. A small clearwater river with excellent fishing, the “Tal” is one of South-central Alaska’s most popular fly-in fishing float trips.

Tal Creek is shallow, meandering, and narrow. Beaver dams occasionally go across the main channel. Tal Creek is a designated non-motorized area from June 15 through August 20 and is rarely used at all by motorboats. For this reason, many rafters begin their Talachulitna trip on the creek. Undeveloped and relatively remote, the creek offers a quality wilderness float trip.

The first couple of miles are shallow and rocky, so lining or dragging rafts is usually necessary. Normally a slow Class 1, at higher water there may be some Class 11 sections. Below the Fork (confluence of Tal Creek and Tal River), powerboats will likely be encountered. In this section, the river widens to 100 feet. Lodges and fishing guides operate fishing trip on this section. The river is also closed to motorized use from June 15 through August 20 from Hell’s Gate to the river confluence with Thursday Creek.

Hell’s Gate is about 14 miles below the confluence of Tal Creek and the Tal River, is un-runnable at all water levels due to large boulders, but this 100 yard long section can be lined. Hell’s Gate is the beginning of the narrow, steep Talachulitna Canyon, where over the course of 15 miles, the river plummets into four major gorges, with rapids up to Class 1V, separated by swift Class 11 whitewater.

Below Hell’s Gate, the current quickens and there are more rocky rapids in quick succession. Below are two more canyons with Class 11 to Class 111 whitewater as the river pushes through narrow slots and over boulders. The canyon ends about 3 miles above the mouth of the river, and it becomes Class 1-11, approximately 500 feet wide, to its mouth at the Skwentna River.

Trip Length: 18 miles on Talachulitna Creek from Judd Lake to the confluence with Talachulitna River. Allow 3 days for an additional 32 miles down the Talachulitna River to the confluence with the Skwentna River. Allow 7 to 10 days to really enjoy the entire 50-mile trip.

Alexander Creek (5 to 7 days)

Alexander Creek is one of the most popular fishing and hunting rivers in south-central Alaska. From its source at Alexander Lake, Alexander Creek flows southwest about 40 miles to meet the glacial Susitna River. Around the lake, it is flat and includes views of the Alaska Range, including Mount McKinley (Denali).

Alexander Lake Lodge lies on the south end of the lake, and a half dozen cabins are scattered around the lake shore. A platform at the southeast end of the lake provides a dry area for inflating the raft. The creek is shallow, only 2 to 5 feet deep and from 50 to 200 feet wide, with an average gradient of 3.5 feet per mile. It meanders through spruce, birch, and cottonwood forest, often between high bands or through willow thickets and tall grasses, so scenes below the lake are generally poor.

Motorboats are not allowed from Creek Mile 23 to 38.3 (almost to Alexander Lake) from May 15 to August 20. The state keeps this section in an essentially unmodified natural state in order to provide a primitive setting. Once you have descended the first few miles below the lake, the creek has no structures along it until Sucker Creek.

Below this point is an increasing number of cabins and frequent powerboat use. Motorboats are allowed on the lower 23 miles of Alexander Creek. A sign at its confluence with Pierce Creek at Mile 7.4 cautions large boats against going upriver, where the creek is narrow, shallow, and winding. Most motorized traffic is found near the mouth. Alexander Creek is extreme popular for sport fishing, particularly during the king and coho salmon runs.

Trip Length: 41 miles allow 5 to 6 days

Eagle River Scenic Dinner Float (Day Trip)

Enjoy a unique taste of Alaska—come join us for a leisurely dinner float trip in beautiful Chugach State Park. Delight yourself on a real Alaskan barbecue of Salmon or Halibut with all the trimmings prepared and elaborately served on the shores of Eagle River in unmatched style and comfort.

Prepare yourself for the finest of what Alaska has to offer as you enjoy this relaxing float trip through the beautiful Eagle River Valley. Enjoy the tranquility of the upper river, at the end of which we prepare your barbecue, as you relax or walk along the shores. This is not a paper plate affair or ordinary shore meal. You’ll enjoy your meal with tables and chairs (and a screen tent when needed against weather and bugs).

Trip length: This trip takes 5 to 6 hours with morning or afternoon departures times.