A packed boat on a river
FAQ / People Often Ask

Many people go down south to the Kenai Peninsula to kayak around Resurrection Bay, Prince William Sound, and Kachemak Bay State Park. Sea Kayaking opportunities are abundant all throughout southeast Alaska. With over 3 million lakes in Alaska there are endless opportunities for canoeing/kayaking. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Nancy Lakes State Recreation Area, and Wood-Tikchik State Park all have canoe trails. With thousands of miles of rivers throughout the Alaska you could spend a lifetime paddling around the state. The only thing stopping you is accessibility to the put in points.

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Floating

Floating In Alaska

Listen to the call of the loon and feel the dip of your paddle as you glide through the water on your way to experiencing Alaska as Alaska Natives have for over ten thousand years. Alaska has 25 officially designated National Wild Scenic Rivers, and hundreds of other rivers to float, with varying levels of whitewater difficulty. There's countless streams and lakes suitable for canoeing and rafting. Here are some tips for planning your grand Alaskan float trip!

  • Accessibility: It is important to keep in mind that many of Alaska's best rivers to float are not road accessible. Thus, the only way to get there may be to fly. People who are interested in these remote river trips are recommended to fly into the closest village serviced by a commercial airline, then charter an air taxi to their put-in site.
  • Gear: While locals tend to use their own boats, visitors can rent canoes or rafts if they need to from many of the larger towns. Another option would be to go with a private guiding company that already has all the gear ready to go. In general, people use collapsible rubber boats for back-country river trips. This is because rigid rafts and boats are difficult and expensive to transport, as they don't fit well into the small Bush planes.
  • Experience: Boating experience in other states may not prepare you for Alaska. The weather is extremely cold and hypothermia is a very real danger even after a brief submersion. This is especially true in wet weather, which is common. Some rivers are high volume. You may be in very wild and remote country where help can be hours or days away. For these reasons, rivers in Alaska should be treated as they were one class higher on the International Scale of River Difficulty than they would be elsewhere. You must be responsible for your own safety and be completely self-sufficient. Don’t expect to learn as you go. You can get into big trouble even on Class I rivers, where you may have to do some quick maneuvering to avoid sweepers, rocks, or log jams. Minimum skills should include eddy turns, bracing, ferrying, sweep and draw strokes, and backpaddling. Take classes in canoeing or go with experienced friends.
  • Wearing a Personal Flotation Device: Don’t take chances even on a day trip in hot weather: the water is extremely cold and if you take a spill, you may be disabled or unable to reach the shore or boat quickly. If you’re planning a whitewater trip, wear a helmet and full wetsuit or drysuit with plenty of warm clothing underneath in addition to a life jacket. Travel with a partner or group. Alaska law states that there must be a USCG-approved life jacket present for every person on board. Persons under 13 must be wearing a life jacket at all times.
  • File a "Float Plan": File a “Float Plan” with a friend or with the government agency managing the area so they can initiate a search if you are overdue. When you get back, be sure to let them know! Allow extra time for bad weather and take extra food in case you are delayed.