RAFTING ADVENTURES
KENAI RIVER - SIX MILE CREEK
The Kenai River
Drifters Lodge offers 3 different rafting trips on the Kenai River All 3 trips are suitable for all ages.
The guides are fun and very informative. Have fun and play stump the guide with questions about the area. (Private Parties for your group available).
7 Miles about 2 hours
Two Fun Wooptidoos Class I & II (easy) (Private Parties for your group available)
Adults $50 Children under 12 $30
Enjoy our seven scenic miles of nice and easy floating with two fun wooptidoos through the Cooper Landing town site. Your guide Kevin, Tyler or Matty (see them on the About the Guides page) will inform you of the history of our great little town. Ask them question about the flora and fauna (ground cover and animals) that are surrounding the Kenai River. Begin at the headwaters of the Kenai River where the Kenai Lake empties its glacial melted icy waters. The mountains will be high above you as you meander thru the Upper Upper Kenai River with its ever changing water color (baby blue and sometimes green.) You will pass under a bridge and into the Russian River Campground area after which you will take out at where the Russian River flows into the Kenai River. During fishing season you can marvel at the combat fisherman lined up on the bank fishing for Sockeye Salmon.
12 Miles about 3 hoursTwo Fun Wooptidoos + Bear Sightings are more common (private parties for your group available) Adults $75 Children under 12 $40
Enjoy the12 scenic miles of nice and easy floating with two fun wooptidoos through the Cooper Landing town site then the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Your guide Kevin, Tyler or Matty (see them on the “About the Guides page”) will inform you of the history of our great little town and the Refuge. Ask them question about the flora and fauna (ground cover and animals) that are surrounding the Kenai River. Begin at the headwaters of the Kenai River where Kenai Lake empties its glacial melted waters. The mountains will be high above you as you meander thru the Upper Upper Kenai River with its ever changing water color (baby blue and sometimes green). You will first encounter a nice set of fun rapids then you will pass under a bridge. Your next encounter will be with Preachers Rock and then it is on to the Russian River Campground area. You will pass the Russian River Confluence which mixes the crystal clear Russian River waters with the baby blue waters of the Kenai River. During fishing season you can marvel at the combat fisherman lined up on the bank fishing for Sockeye Salmon. For the next five miles you will be traveling through the world famous Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Your opportunity to see Grizzly and Black Bear increases through the Refuge as they will be looking for a meal of fresh salmon. You will wind through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge with fisherman fly fishing on the banks for Trophy Trout and Salmon. In this area, it is a good idea to always be on the lookout for Bear Activity as bear signs can be found frequently. The guide will enlighten you on the history of the area and any Kenai National Wildlife Refuge alerts which might impact your trip. Your take out will be at Jims Landing just before the famous Kenai River Canyon.
The Wildlife possibilities include eagles, moose, grizzly bear, black bear, fox and many different waterfowl with possibilities of even the elusive wolf. On the Mountains, you will see Dall Sheep and mountain goat.
The Kenai River Canyon Trip
25 Miles about 7 hours Class I – II++ (Just above easy) Adults $165 Children 12 and under $100
We use a Drift Boat for this trip (It makes it more exciting) all ages are accepted. If you have special needs or are wheel chair bound we can probably accommodate you in the drift boat. Up to 5 people may go on each boat. Two boats are available for this adventure for larger parties.
The 25 scenic mile rafting adventure begins at the Bridge in Cooper Landing. The adventure begins with a couple of picturesque miles of nice and easy floating then a couple of fun wooptidoos through the Cooper Landing town site from there it is off to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and its famous Canyon. Your guide Kevin, Tyler or Matty (see them on the About the Guides page) will inform you of the history of our great little town and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Ask them questions about the flora and fauna (ground cover and animals) that are surrounding the Kenai River.
Begin at the headwaters of the Kenai River where Kenai Lake empties its glacial melt waters. The mountains will be high above you as you meander thru the Upper Upper Kenai River with its ever changing water color (baby blue and sometimes green). You will first encounter a nice set of Class II wooptidoos (suitable for all ages). Pass under a bridge and your next encounter will be Preachers Rock and then on to the Russian River Campground area. You will pass the Russian River and Kenai River Confluence which mixes the crystal clear Russian River waters with the baby blue waters of the Kenai River. During fishing season you can marvel at the combat fisherman lined up elbow to elbow on the bank fishing for Sockeye Salmon.
For the next five miles you will be traveling through the world famous Kenai National Wildlife Refuge an extraordinary fishery. Your opportunity to see Grizzly and Black Bear increases through this part of the Refuge as they will be looking for a meal of fresh salmon. You will wind through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge with fisherman fly along the banks vying for Trophy Rainbow Trout and Salmon. In this area it is a good idea to always be on the lookout for Bear Activity as bear signs can be found frequently. Ask your guide to tell you some bear stories and answer any questions on the area you are traveling through. It is now “Canyon Time” The Kenai River Canyon is a series of Class II plus rapids which puts the trip into overdrive. The Canyon section of the River is the most remote and beautiful stretch of water on the Kenai River. Steep walls will surround you at times, your eyes and ears will be engulfed with the sights and sounds. You never know what lies in your path just up ahead so keep your eyes alert to the cliffs and hill tops for black and grizzly bear. They are here. As you come out of the canyon the water slows and awesome fishing grounds present themselves as the sight of fisherman will soon take over the banks once again.
As the Kenai River flows into Skilak Lake, your guide will prepare the boat for the 45 minute motor across Skilak Lake. Keep your cameras out as this part of the trip will be mesmerizing, offering grand panoramas in every direction you turn. Your take out is Upper Skilak Lake Campground where you will be picked up and brought back to Drifters Lodge.
The Wildlife possibilities include eagles, moose, grizzly bear, black bear, fox and many different waterfowl with possibilities of even the elusive wolf. On the Mountains you will see Dahl Sheep and Mountain Goat.
Important: At times it will be impossible to motor across because of inclement weather or glacier effect conditions and a hike out will be necessary. This seldom happens. We will be updated on the conditions of Skilak Lake before entering into the “no return” Kenai River Canyon. If any Kenai National Wildlife Refuge alerts have been issued or the guide deems it necessary the trip will not proceed through the canyon.
Six Mile Creek Class III, IV, IV+ and V
Six Mile Creek is a rafting dream for fanatics. Dropping over 50 feet per mile as it flows out of the Chugach Mountains, Sixmile Creek has cut its way through three separate canyons offering Class III,IV and V whitewater.
The Upper and Middle Canyons have Class III and IV rapids. This raft trip is the introduction to Sixmile Creek and is a fun trip for adventurous first timers. Suitable for those 12 years and over. 2 – 3 hours. $99 per person.
The Upper, Middle and Lower Canyons For those with a thirst for whitewater, set a course through all three canyons. The Lower Canyon has six rapids rated at Class IV+ and V. This raft trip is 4 – 5 hours and is suitable for people 15 years and older. $149 per person
Frank Williams & Bob Rima
Kenai River Drifters Lodge
