Six Mile Creek 3-Canyon Whitewater Rafting Near Hope, Alaska — Half-Day Class V Adventure
Four hours of pool-drop Class V rapids through the Chugach National Forest—Six Mile Creek’s 3-canyon run delivers compact, expert-level whitewater just off the Seward Highway. Expect tight slots, mandatory swim-tests, and experienced guides who run one of Alaska’s most iconic half-day raft trips.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress warm under the dry-suit
Wear wool or synthetic base layers and tall socks—Alaskan rivers stay cold even on sunny days.
Confirm water levels
Call the operator at 907-745-5753 the day before to make sure flows are safe and the trip is running.
Arrive early to check in
Plan for highway delays and be at the Hope Road rest area 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
Bring a secure sunglasses strap
Glare is strong on the water; a strap prevents a costly loss during big drops.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Pullout viewpoints along the Seward Highway just north of the Hope junction for panoramic Turnagain Arm vistas
- •A short hike near the launch offers quiet berry patches and a chance to spot tracks on the creek banks
Wildlife
- •Black bear
- •Bald eagle
Conservation Note
Rivers and salmon streams here are sensitive—follow guide instructions, pack out waste, and avoid disturbing spawning areas during runs.
The creek runs through lands historically used by the Dena'ina people and later saw prospectors travel the Seward Highway corridor during Alaska’s gold-era expansions.
Photographer's Notes
- • Hope Road rest area before launch
- • Upper canyon ledges (from raft during calm stretches)
- • Where Six Mile Creek meets Turnagain Arm
What to Bring
Wool or synthetic base layersEssential
Warm, quick-drying layers under the dry-suit help prevent hypothermia in cold spring water.
Tall wool socks or neoprene socksEssential
Protects feet inside river shoes and adds insulation against cold water.
Sunglasses with retention strap
Reduces glare and prevents loss during drops and swims.
Small dry bag for personal items
Keeps a spare layer, phone, and snacks dry on the shuttle and before launch.
Common Questions
How long is the trip?
The total on-water and shuttle time is approximately 4 hours; plan on additional time for check-in and travel to the meeting point.
What is the difficulty level?
This run is Class V—technical and powerful—so participants should have high fitness and be comfortable with advanced whitewater conditions.
What if I can’t swim well?
A swim test is mandatory; guides assess comfort and ability before launching. Non-swimmers are not recommended for this run.
Is gear provided?
Yes—Nova provides dry-suits, PFDs, helmets and river shoes; bring warm layers to wear underneath and secure sunglasses.
Where do we meet?
Meet at the public rest area 100 yards down Hope Road from the Seward Highway junction—do not drive the extra 16 miles into Hope town.
What are the age and weight limits?
Participants should be 16–65 years old and between 100–250 lbs; guests outside these limits should contact the operator in advance.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Hope, Alaska
Difficulty
difficult
Fitness Level
High level of cardiovascular fitness and core strength; comfortable with high-adrenaline activity and following raft guide commands.
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