The Talkeetna River, a tributary of the Susitna River north of Anchorage, flows out of the Talkeetna Mountains in south central Alaska. Aircraft can only reach its headwaters, below Sovereign Mountain’s Talkeetna Glacier.
      While the Class I-II waters of the upper Talkeetna raft trip allow plenty of time to enjoy pristine mountain wilderness beauty and wildlife, the river does not remain easy. The granite walls of Devil's Canyon, usually reached on the third day of the trip, dramatically change the river's profile. Here, thrill‑seeking rafters will enjoy some of the state's finest wilderness whitewater. During a 14-mile (22 km) stretch of the canyon, a number of difficult Class III-IV+ rapids like Toilet Bowl and Sluice Box, are almost nonstop.
      Talkeetna's mountain environs are home to caribou, grizzly and black bears, and bald eagles.