HThe river is the result of glacier melt, snow melt and rain water that runs down the mountains to the valley floor. Like all rivers the forces of erosion and gravity are pulling the water back to the ocean during the process of the water cycle. This river carves its way to the coast from the Matanuska Glacier down to the Matanuska-Susitna valley town of Palmer where it meets the Kink river. The LionsHead whitewater rafting section of rapids is created by boulders pushed around underwater, all the result of active erosion between the glacial lateral moraine and the ‘LionsHead,’ a massive volcanic plug of basalt rock. This rock stands out in the middle of this grand valley and has the distinctive shape and appearance of a lions head, staring out over the Matanuska Glacier. The Lions head section is at the very start of the river near the glacier’s location. The lower sections of this river are tame and mellow float trips towards the Mat-Su town of Palmer, that usually include multiple days on the water and riverside camping. If interested, checkout our Matanuska Overnight 2 Day Rafting trip in the Multi-day trips tab.

Water levels can dramatically change or alter the characteristics and nature of rivers and creeks in Alaska. Natural free flowing waterways are unpredictable and have ever evolving variables compared to dam release controlled waterways. Higher water levels usually result in an increase in difficulty, intensity and risk. Nova has implemented cut-off levels for operating tours as a safety standard for this highly respected section of water. Levels also force tour adjustments like boat sizes, equipment changes, group/load sizes in each boat, and even canceling. Proper weight and power distribution in the rafts is a major key to successful navigation. Guides are authorized to make these decisions based on monitoring usgs water level gauges prior to trip launch and may even deny participants from engaging in the activity for safety reasons. Water levels, weather and other variables can also affect the duration of a tour, like changing the volume and speed of the current. Our office staff will inform all reservations in advance about any forecasted water level changes that may jeopardize or result in cancelling the tour. Full refunds are issued if cancellations occur and/or rescheduling for runnable levels on another upcoming date.

There are inherent risks associated with river travel and outdoor activities that everyone must accept and understand. Variable uneven terrain, sharp rocks, slippery rocks, and changing weather are common. Some safety hazards will always exist and are beyond human control such as water levels and erosion. Rivers and all moving waterways can be dangerous and deadly. Rescue in these environments and features is not only technical and difficult but in some cases not possible at all. Safety standards are in place for these reasons and must be followed. Guides manage risk by interpreting and recognizing hazards that average boaters and guests are unaware of. Many traveling on the mellow sections have a false sense of security because of the friendly inviting nature of the easy river. Whitewater with rapids on the Class system of III, IV or V sections deserve respect. Individuals traveling on rivers, creeks or streams without professional guides should possess the proper knowledge, experience, and equipment.

**All participants on all our tours must follow our guidelines, procedures and sign a waiver. Only parents or legal guardians may sign for youth minors. We do not allow infants on our tours. We do not allow pets on our tours.

Parties less than 4 must agree to share a raft with other parties where distancing cannot be maintained feasibly at 6 foot under all possible circumstances during a whitewater raft trip by giving consent to mix non-household members. We recommend creating your own group of friends, family or household members who have had sufficient exposure time together to rule out infection to fill your own boat. 4-5 people is ideal per boat for this tour. Fill your own boat!

Please bring your personal face mask for the tour office check-in process and during vehicle transport. We do require social distancing to the best of your groups ability, whenever possible. Try to build reservations and bookings as one household to minimize exposure. Consent may be gained or required to mix with other non-household members during tours. For more Covid-19 questions or concerns, please contact our office.

You are not required to wear a face mask during the tour on the boat.