Rafting Resurrection River from Seward: Class II-III rapids

You paddle the raft down a glacial river while mountains rise on both sides

Rafting on the Resurrection River near Seward puts you in the raft with a professional guide for a 7 to 8 mile paddle through Class II-III rapids. The day starts with hotel pickup and a safety briefing at the put-in. Your guide teaches paddle strokes and commands before you launch into swift currents. Rafting gear, a dry bag for personal items, and round-trip ground transportation from Seward are included.

The experience

How do you know if you're ready for this? The Resurrection River changes constantly (the rapids shift with the water level and season), so every trip is different. Your guide handles the navigation and calls the commands. You and the rest of the raft team provide the paddle power. It takes everyone working together to maneuver through the swift sections. The river runs through a boreal rainforest with towering mountains on both sides, and you're in the middle of it, not watching from a bank.

The day runs about three hours from the moment you meet your guide. Pickup happens at your hotel in Seward, then a short drive takes you to the river put-in. Before you get in the raft, the guide runs through safety and teaches you the paddle strokes and maneuvers you'll need. Once everyone is ready, you push off into the current. Class II and III rapids come in sections: enough to feel the rush, not so much that you're fighting for your life. The mist from the glacial water hits your face. The evergreens and mountains stay in view the whole way down.

You get rafting gear, a paddle, a personal flotation device, and rubber boots. A dry bag keeps your phone and wallet safe. The guide is a professional who knows the river and runs the trip in English.

What’s included

• Professional rafting guide in English.
• courtesy round-trip ground transportation from Seward with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• rafting gear, paddle, personal flotation device, and rubber boots.
• dry bag for personal items.
• safety briefing and paddle instruction at the put-in.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 21 May 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (5 to 75 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 16 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 28 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kenai Backcountry Adventures

Is this one for you?Small groups work best here. The raft holds everyone together, and the guide coaches the whole team through the rapids. If you want to be active and paddling the whole time rather than watching from a boat, this is the fit. The three-hour day leaves room for other activities in Seward.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does "Class II-III rapids" mean for someone who's never rafted before?

Class II and III rapids are moderate. They have waves and some whitewater, but they're not extreme. Class II is manageable for beginners. Class III adds more turbulence and requires better paddle coordination. On the Resurrection River, you'll encounter both, and your guide teaches you what to do before you launch. The rapids are thrilling without being dangerous for someone in reasonable health.

Do I need rafting experience to paddle the Resurrection River?

No. The guide teaches paddle strokes and commands at the put-in before you get on the water. Everyone in the raft participates, and the guide directs the maneuvers. It's an interactive team effort, so your guide is coaching you through the whole trip.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Rafting gear, paddle, personal flotation device, rubber boots, and a dry bag for your belongings are all included. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Seward are included. Bring a change of clothes and a towel. You will get wet. Gratuities for your guide are optional.

How long is the actual time on the water?

The full experience is about three hours from hotel pickup to drop-off. That includes the drive to the put-in, the safety briefing and paddle instruction, the paddle down the river, and the drive back to Seward.

What makes the Resurrection River different from other rafting near Seward?

The Resurrection River is a glacial river, which means the water is cold and the current is swift. The Class II-III rapids and the 7 to 8 mile run give you enough time to feel the rhythm of the paddle and the river. The mountains and boreal forest surround you the whole way, and the river changes with the season, so the experience shifts throughout the year.