Matanuska River
Lions Head & Midnight Sun Run

Setting the Standard Since 1975

June 1st to August 20th

Book Your River Adventure

Lions Head- A Local Whitewater Favorite

$139 Per Person
2 person trip minimum to book
Moderate+ Whitewater: Class III and IV
No whitewater experience necessary but swimming ability is recommended
This adventure is for ages 12-65
3 Hours
This whitewater adventure features roll-a-coaster style waves and holes
Make it a full day adventure by combining with our Matanuska Glacier Tour!

This powerhouse glacial river delivers endless thrills with crashing waves and exciting rapids. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced rafter, it’s the perfect Alaskan adventure. Come run the river we pioneered over 50 years ago!

Things to Know Before Booking

Safety First

At NOVA our professional guides ensure your time with us is the highlight of your Alaska vacation. Our guides are not interns, they exercise the highest levels of experience, training and professionalism in the industry.

Restrictions

Ages:
12-65 Years Old

Max. Weight: 250 lbs.
Min. Weight: 100 lbs.

Max Girth: 50 inches

Arrive Early

Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign Nova’s trip waiver.

Cancellation Policy

Day trips will receive a full refund* when cancellations are made at least 48 hours in advance

Check-In Information

9:30am, 2:00pm or 7:00pm
Daily Trips from Glacier View, Alaska

Still Have Questions? Visit Our FAQS Page!

Book Your River Adventure

Midnight Sun Run- A Truly Alaskan Thrill

$139 Per Person
2 person trip minimum to book
Offered as a special, evening trip June 1st – August 5th. Departs at 7pm!
Moderate+ Whitewater: Class III and IV
No whitewater experience necessary but swimming ability is recommended
This adventure is for ages 12-65
3 Hours
This whitewater adventure features roll-a-coaster style waves and holes
With peak water levels, this evening trip reveals a unique side of Lions Head, featuring larger rapids and an unforgettable ride

Perfect for those seeking more excitement. This powerhouse glacial river is full of thrills and crashing waves that create nonstop fun. Feel firsthand the rare evening twilight and whitewater of the Midnight Sun Run!

“Absolutely brilliant time running the Lion’s Head. The guides were excellent. Comedy was central to all of our conversations. Never felt unsafe. They prepared us for all contingencies, and we needed that knowledge because my son rode the bull and went for a swim. After a rescue he got up and rode it the rest of the way in. Awesome! Thank you to everyone for an unforgettable experience.“

~ Michael M. 2024 Lions Head

“We had an amazing whitewater rafting experience at Lion’s Head! The guides were a lot of fun, kept the spirits high before the rafting began, shared elaborate safety instructions and made sure we enjoyed the whole thing. Our guide Coffey was the best. Highly recommend for anyone looking for some adventure!“

~ Sonia S. 2024 Lions Head

“Our group of 7 had a great time with NOVA guides on the lions head rafting trip. All the guides and staff were professional, and wanted everyone to have fun. Their experience on the water was evident from the start. Would definitely recommend a whitewater rafting trip with NOVA!“

~ Josh B. 2024 Lions Head

“What an awesome trip! We went for my son’s 18th birthday and did the Lions Head run and it was so much fun. The guides were awesome, thank you Gavin and Lucas for entertaining the group during the set up/ take down period, and Gavins experience on the river was apparent and appreciated. Highly recommend booking a trip and I definitely plan on returning again but next time in June“

~ Jamee G. 2024 Lions Head

“Amazing experience rafting Lion’s Head with Nova and their knowledgeable, funny and awesome guides! We sure laughed, got soaked and couldn’t stop raving about the adventure afterwards on our drive home. Quyana (thank you in Yup’ik) for an awesome rafting experience!“

~ Francine M. 2024 Lions Head

“We had a great time with NOVA rafting the Lion Head route. Excellent equipment and instructions. Friendly guides and staff. Vance was our guide and he was great! Also, highly recommend getting a coffee drink from the stand before heading home – fantastic!!“

K B. 2024 Lions Head

Images from Matanuska River Trips

group excited to be rafting on the Matanuska River

a guide cheers as the boat paddles through a rapid

people hit rapids in boats and cheer as they get splashed

NOVA boat hitting a splashy rapid on the Matanuska River

riding a whitewater wave and getting splashed by the river

scenic mountain and forest views rafting on the Matanuska River

a wave overtakes the boat to show the thrill of whitewater rafting

two boats rafting down the Matanuska River on Lions Head

Two Adventures Are Better Than One!

Combine Multiple Adventures & Save 10%

Valid on Any Combination of Matanuska Glacier Tours & River Trips

To receive your 10% discount, simply add a second trip from the options below the checkout cart, and the discount will be applied automatically!

Getting to Your River Trip

Location Information

All our Matanuska River Trips check in at the main Nova building in Glacier View, Alaska.

Matanuska River Trips

38100 W Glenn Highway, Glacier View, AK 99674

Nova Alaska Guides

With NOVA, you can expect to have an unforgettable experience exploring Alaska. Our trips focus on wilderness, scenic and cultural areas that are not impacted by industrial tourism.

Our goal is to enrich your appreciation of Alaska’s wild and special places while experiencing the thrill of active outdoor activities.

Learn More About Nova

Reviews from Real Adventurers

The rafting trip with a dry suit was awesome! JJ and Vance were awesome guides. Their humor and skills made it one heck of a ride. I got plenty soaked sitting in front and thoroughly enjoyed it! I would highly recommend this to anyone.

Steve W. 2024

NOVA is a CLASS ACT; they are professional, safety-oriented and extremely fun. I’ve lived in Alaska for nearly 10 years and hitting NOVA for the Lions Head half-day whitewater river trip is a sure winner for folks who want a great Alaskan outdoor experience.

Rudy P. 2024

Do not sleep on booking a rafting trip with NOVA. This was my second trip with the outfitter and each experience has been fun. Lucas and Newbie were wonderful guides down Lion’s Head.

Victoria T. 2024

Did the rafting trip
Lion’s head was amazing!
Coffey was awesome.

Blake T. 2024

The ultimate whitewater experience. A roller coaster ride on a raft with back to back challenges. The NOVA guide team is best in class getting you prepared for world this class white water adventure.

Bryan T. 2024

Awesome experience! Super fun and intense. The guides were experienced, fun and professional. I’d do it again, worth the money.

Steven F. 2024

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