The Matanuska River raft trip through the Matanuska Valley provides an easy introduction to whitewater. Its relatively simple Class II-III rapids and mellow waters make it great way to relax and enjoy the beautiful Chugach and Talkeetna mountains. Daily raft trips are available for anyone above the age of five years.
      The upper reaches of the Matanuska River, known as the Lionshead, contain Class III-IV+ whitewater evocative of its name. Rafters on the Lionshead trip are able to start with a 2-mile warm-up stretch on the Class II-III Chickaloon River. Shortly after the Chickaloon meets the Matanuska and its Lionshead, a rock wall where the river converges with the Matanuska Glacier, the real whitewater begins. Several miles of fairly continuous and thrilling Class III-IV whitewater follow.
      Guests are treated to a lunch stop on a glacial moraine, frequent sightings of Dall Sheep, and excellent views of the 27-mile long (43-km) Matanuska Glacier.