Rafting Turnagain Pass, Alaska: 3-hour float trip from Hope

You paddle the whole way, but the creek does the work.

A 3-hour rafting float on Sixmile Creek near Hope, Alaska, where you operate the raft through slow-moving water with sweeping views of the Kenai Peninsula mountains. The guide provides all safety gear, instruction and wildlife spotting. The trip ends before the canyon's whitewater rapids begin. Suitable for ages 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The experience

You meet at the rafting headquarters near Hope and get outfitted with a life jacket, helmet and paddle. The guide walks you through a safety orientation and paddling basics, so even first-time rafters know what to do before you push off. The whole setup takes about thirty minutes, then you're in the raft.

The float itself is the point: three hours drifting down Turnagain Pass through the Granite and Bertha Creek drainage with virtually no whitewater. You can paddle if you want the work, or kick back and let the current carry you while you watch the banks for bears, moose and deer. The mountains of the Kenai Peninsula stay visible across the distance the whole time. Your guide handles navigation and calls out wildlife. You just stay alert and enjoy the pace.

The trip ends before the canyon narrows into high-adrenaline rapids. Your guide pulls the rafts over at a takeout point where you dry off, then a brief ride brings you back to your vehicles. Rain gear is included if the weather turns.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the float.
• life jacket, helmet and paddle for each rafter.
• rain gear.
• safety orientation and paddling instruction before launch.
• return transport to your vehicles after the takeout.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Chugach Outdoor Center

Is this one for you?Book this if you're floating with a small group or family and want a relaxed pace where everyone paddles at their own speed. The slow current and lack of whitewater make it work for mixed ages and fitness levels, so you're not racing or fighting the water.

Traveler reviews

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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.

Can I bring my six-year-old on this rafting trip?

Yes, children as young as 6 can float Turnagain Pass, but they must be accompanied by an adult in the raft. All passengers need to be physically capable of passing a paddler's practice swim as a safety requirement.

What happens if I've never paddled before?

The guide provides paddling instruction during the safety orientation before you launch, so you'll know the basics. The creek is slow-moving with no whitewater, so there's no need for experience. Just the willingness to paddle or relax for three hours.

Will I see wildlife on the float?

Bears, moose and deer are often seen along the river banks during the float down Sixmile Creek. Your guide will point them out, but sightings depend on the day and the season.

What's included in the rafting trip?

The 3-hour float includes a professional guide, life jacket, helmet, paddle and rain gear. You meet at the headquarters near Hope, get outfitted and instructed, then float and return to your vehicles.

Does the trip include whitewater rapids?

No, the float ends before the canyon's high-adrenaline whitewater rapids begin. Turnagain Pass is a gentle float trip, not a whitewater run.