Six Mile Creek Whitewater Rafting: Class V Rapids Alaska

Five hours navigating Class V drops through three narrow canyons.

Half-day whitewater rafting on Six Mile Creek near Hope, Alaska takes you through three canyons on Class III–V rapids with a professional guide. You paddle past salmon runs and waterfalls, descending scenic stretches and navigating steep drops while wearing a helmet, drysuit and personal flotation device. The trip runs 5 hours and starts 90 minutes south of Anchorage.

Step-by-step itinerary

Three Canyon Six Mile Creek Rafting

• Begin whitewater rafting on Six Mile Creek
• Paddle through Class 3-5 rapids
• Navigate towering canyon walls and waterfalls
• Descend scenic river past salmon runs
• Complete 5-hour guided rafting trip

The experience

Six Mile Creek sits in Chugach National Forest near Hope, about 90 minutes south of Anchorage, and the rapids here run Class III to V depending on the section. You'll paddle through towering canyon walls, pass cascading waterfalls, and watch for salmon moving through the river. The guide handles the route and safety. You operate the paddle and navigate the current alongside your group.

The outfitter provides a helmet, drysuit, river shoes and personal flotation device, so you show up in closed-toe water shoes and let them kit you out. A practice swim in calmer water happens before the main run, so everyone confirms they can handle the paddle and the rapids ahead. Hot showers, a hot tub and hot beverages wait at the end of the day.

The trip is physically demanding: you need a high level of fitness and must be at least 15 years old. Pregnant travelers and anyone with cardiovascular concerns should skip this one. Everyone signs a waiver before pushing off.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the paddle.
• helmet, drysuit, river shoes and personal flotation device.
• complimentary hot showers and hot tub after the trip.
• complimentary hot beverages.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Chugach Outdoor Center

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the entire trip, so you need to follow paddling instructions and safety calls in real time. This suits confident swimmers and paddlers with solid fitness. If you're new to whitewater, the practice swim confirms whether the Class V sections will work for you before you commit to the full run.

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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 are the rapids like on Six Mile Creek?

Six Mile Creek runs Class III to V whitewater, meaning you'll hit steep drops and fast current. The three-canyon route takes you through narrow walls with waterfalls. The guide leads you through each section and calls out the line to take.

How long is the actual paddling time?

The trip lasts 5 hours total, which includes the practice swim, the three canyon runs, and time on the water. Most of that is active paddling.

What gear do I need to bring?

Bring closed-toe water shoes. The outfitter provides the helmet, drysuit, river shoes, personal flotation device and paddle. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet underneath the drysuit.

Is this trip suitable for someone who has never rafted before?

Yes, if you're physically fit and at least 15 years old. The guide leads you through a practice swim first so you can confirm you're comfortable with the paddle and the current before the main rapids.

What happens after the rafting ends?

You return to the outfitter's base, where complimentary hot showers, a hot tub and hot beverages are available. RV parking is also available if you're traveling with a vehicle.