Six Mile River Rafting: Class IV Whitewater near Hope

Two canyons, Class IV rapids, and a guide steering you through the roar

Half-day whitewater rafting on the Six Mile River near Hope, Alaska, where you paddle through two scenic canyons on Class IV rapids with a professional guide, helmet, drysuit and all safety gear. The trip runs 4 hours with morning or afternoon departures. You meet at the training facility for a brief orientation before climbing into the raft, and the run ends just before a third canyon where Class V rapids begin. Minimum age is 12, and all paddlers must be physically capable of passing a practice swim.

The experience

The Six Mile River near Hope starts you at a training facility where you get fitted with a helmet, drysuit, river shoes and a personal flotation device, then run through a quick orientation before pushing off. A veteran river guide sits in the raft directing you across Class IV whitewater as you descend through two scenic canyons with towering walls and cascading waterfalls. The difficulty ramps up as you progress downstream. The trip ends just before a third canyon where Class V rapids begin, so you exit the river and board a van back to the facility.

The paddle takes 4 hours and you choose a morning or afternoon departure to fit the rest of your day. All the technical gear stays with you (helmet, drysuit, shoes and flotation device are included), so you show up ready to paddle. After you exit the river, the facility offers complimentary hot showers, a hot tub and hot beverages to warm up and decompress.

What’s included

• Professional river guide.
• helmet, drysuit, river shoes and personal flotation device.
• brief orientation at the training facility.
• complimentary hot showers and hot beverages after the trip.
• access to the hot tub.
• RV parking available at the facility.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

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

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Chugach Outdoor Center

Is this one for you?You paddle the raft yourself with the guide steering strategy and safety, so this suits anyone fit enough for active paddling and willing to follow direction on moving water. The 4-hour half-day format fits a single afternoon or morning without eating the whole day, and morning or afternoon departures let you pair it with other plans in Hope or the surrounding area.

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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 Class IV rapids like on the Six Mile River?

Class IV rapids are challenging whitewater with large waves and significant obstacles that require active paddling and precise maneuvering. The Six Mile River's Class IV section demands focus and coordination from the paddlers, and your guide directs you through each rapid. The trip ends before the Class V section, which is steeper and more technical.

Do I need rafting experience to paddle the Six Mile River?

No experience is required. The guide handles navigation and strategy while you paddle. The orientation at the training facility covers what you need to know before you push off. All paddlers must be physically capable of passing a practice swim and have a high level of physical fitness.

What happens after we finish paddling?

You exit the river and board a van back to the training facility where the trip started. The facility has complimentary hot showers, a hot tub and hot beverages available so you can warm up and share stories of the run.

Can children go rafting on the Six Mile River?

Children ages 12 and up can paddle if they are accompanied by an adult and are physically capable of passing the paddler's practice swim. The minimum age is 12 years old.