Matanuska River Lions Head Whitewater Rafting
Overview
For 50 years, NOVA has been running Lions Head trips, offering nonstop thrills on this powerhouse glacial river. Featuring crashing waves and Class III & IV boulder gardens, the adventure creates a consistent rush of excitement! With a variety of rapids to conquer, this unforgettable experience is perfect for everyone—from first-timers to seasoned adventurers seeking an action-packed ride. You’ll be outfitted with top-of-the-line gear and guided by expert instructors to ensure a safe, exciting experience.
The Lions Head section of the Matanuska River is not only NOVA's original river trip, it’s where our journey as a company began in 1975. Over the decades, we’ve perfected this iconic trip, which remains our most popular whitewater rafting adventure. With stunning mountain views, rugged landscapes, and several miles of thrilling Class III & IV rapids, this half-day trip is a local treasure in the Mat-Su Valley, offering an exhilarating taste of Alaska’s wilderness.
What's Included
- River dry suit, river boots, life jacket, and helmet
- Professional river guide
- Transportation from Anchorage
- Photos for sale
- Gratuity for Guide
Meeting Location
38100 Glenn Highway
Glacier View, AK 99674, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Experience the thrill of Alaska’s whitewater! Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping ride on this premier Class III & IV river, racing through crashing waves between two dramatic mountain ranges—the jagged Chugach and the ancient Talkeetnas.
This scenic alpine region is surrounded by rising peaks, offering breathtaking vistas in every direction, with the massive Matanuska Glacier visible on the shuttle to your put in. The adventure begins on Caribou Creek, a low-volume tributary that serves as the perfect training ground before you tackle the bigger rapids downstream.
As the creek merges with the glacial currents of the South Fork, the river transforms into powerful Class III & IV rapids. Traveling alongside the Matanuska Glacier’s moraine, the South Fork takes you past the iconic ‘Lion’s Head’—a massive volcanic plug that rises from the valley floor. Shaped like a lion’s head, it stands proudly amidst the rugged landscape before the river surges into more thrilling whitewater.
Located just two hours north of Anchorage, this is the perfect half-day adventure!
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers under 12 yrs, over 67 yrs
- Not recommended for travelers under 100lbs, over 250lbs
- Must understand English
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: Will I get seasick on Matanuska River Lions Head Whitewater Rafting?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-453454P5
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 4 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
PRIVATE W/Trail Snacks Tour Highlights • Birds eye views of the mountains, glacial rivers and water falls • Stand up Paddle Board in massive ancient...
$1,470
Experience a taste of the Kenai river on a half-day fishing adventure. Your trip includes Alaska guided drift boat fly fishing or spin fishing for...
$258
Nathan is a professional portrait photographer by trade, which is something you’d be hard pressed to find on any other Aurora tour in Fairbanks. He...
$385
As the summer fades to fall, we slowly lose our daylight and gain back the stillness of the night. With the darkness brings the magic...
$200
PRIVATE W/Trail Snacks Tour Highlights • Birds eye views of the mountains, glacial rivers and water falls • Stand up Paddle Board in massive ancient...
$1,470
Experience a taste of the Kenai river on a half-day fishing adventure. Your trip includes Alaska guided drift boat fly fishing or spin fishing for...
$258
Nathan is a professional portrait photographer by trade, which is something you’d be hard pressed to find on any other Aurora tour in Fairbanks. He...
$385
As the summer fades to fall, we slowly lose our daylight and gain back the stillness of the night. With the darkness brings the magic...
$200
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour
Step aboard Anchorage Trolley’s Deluxe City Tour for a one-of-a-kind adventure that goes far beyond sightseeing. Over the course of 1.5 to 2 hours, you’ll...
$50
Anchorage Trolley's 1-Hour City Tour
All Aboard, Anchorage’s favorite city tour! Hop on our fully narrated trolley tour as we travel 15 miles through Anchorage's most scenic and historic sites....
$25
This experience takes you to the only underground GOLD mine tour in the state of Alaska. Underground Juneau Gold is a unique tour of what...
$99
Experience the Big Outdoors and Portage Glacier Cruise! See the amazing beauty that surrounds Anchorage. This special tour does not follow any set route. Nor...
$220
Step aboard Anchorage Trolley’s Deluxe City Tour for a one-of-a-kind adventure that goes far beyond sightseeing. Over the course of 1.5 to 2 hours, you’ll...
$50
All Aboard, Anchorage’s favorite city tour! Hop on our fully narrated trolley tour as we travel 15 miles through Anchorage's most scenic and historic sites....
$25
This experience takes you to the only underground GOLD mine tour in the state of Alaska. Underground Juneau Gold is a unique tour of what...
$99
Experience the Big Outdoors and Portage Glacier Cruise! See the amazing beauty that surrounds Anchorage. This special tour does not follow any set route. Nor...
$220
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKST).
- River dry suit, river boots, life jacket, and helmet.
- Professional river guide.
- Transportation from Anchorage.
- Photos for sale.
- Gratuity for Guide.
The minimum age to participate is 12..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Matanuska River Lions Head Whitewater Rafting is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers under 12 yrs, over 67 yrs
- Not recommended for travelers under 100lbs, over 250lbs
- Must understand English
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Matanuska River Lions Head Whitewater Rafting will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- River dry suit, river boots, life jacket, and helmet
- Professional river guide
- Transportation from Anchorage
- Photos for sale
- Gratuity for Guide
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers under 12 yrs, over 67 yrs
- Not recommended for travelers under 100lbs, over 250lbs
- Must understand English
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
