What to Do in Hope, Alaska: Explore After Your Rafting Trip

Hope is a beautiful, tiny town that should be on your Alaska vacation itinerary. Crystal blue water runs through the iconic river that winds through the mountains out into the ocean. Live music can be heard every weekend in the summer. There are so many things to do in Hope after rafting Six Mile Creek. Visit historic sites, hike with amazing views, and eat at delicious restaurants to fuel up after your adventure.

Driving from Anchorage to Hope, Alaska

Hope is a 1.5 hour drive south of Anchorage. Hope makes for a great day trip from Anchorage or can be a stopping point on your way from Anchorage to Seward or Homer.

When rafting Six Mile Creek, you’ll meet your guides and check-in at the public rest area parking lot 100 yards down the Hope Road from the junction of the Seward Highway and Hope Road intersection. The public rest parking lot is on the right side of the Hope Road just past the junction. Check in IS NOT at our office location in Hope! You can get directions here.

excited group of clients rafting on Six Mile Creek

Why Go Whitewater Rafting on Six Mile Creek

Six Mile Creek is the ultimate Alaskan rafting adventure. Home to the only Class V rapids in the state, this trip should be on every adventurer’s bucket list. It makes for a rowdy first rafting trip, or a great addition to the rivers you’ve already run.

You’ll need to pass a swim test and be physically fit for this adventure. Our guides will outfit you in river gear and teach you about river safety. You just need to be ready for an adrenaline pumping trip!

What to Expect on Your Rafting Trip

Being prepared for your Six Mile Creek adventure ensures that you enjoy your time on the river. We recommend that you dress in multiple layers of warm, thin clothing. While your dry suit will keep you as dry as possible, you’ll want to insulate under that!

We recommend you bring:

Wool or synthetic base layers
Fleece jackets
Multiple layers
Thick, wool socks
Extra clothes and socks to change into afterwards
A gopro to attach to your helmet

We recommend you leave these in the car:

Your phone – your dry suit cannot be unzipped during your adventure
Other cameras
Jewelry
Cotton clothing
Puffy coats that are difficult to fit in dry suits

We will outfit you in a pfd (personal flotation device), dry suit, river shoes, and river helmet.

Meet your guides at the rest area to get outfitted in river gear before heading to the put in. You’ll have to complete a mandatory swim test to help you know that you can get back in the boat and practice self-rescue. Please note that guides are able to deny participation to anyone based on their judgement.

Once you’ve completed the swim test the true adventure begins! Navigate through two or three canyons and take in the beauty of this powerful river.

whitewater boats rush through rapids on the crystal blue waters of Six Mile Creek

swim test in hope alaska before forests and mountains

a swimmer is rescued back into the whitewater boat by a group of rafters

guide cheers while riding the safety cat on the river

NOVAs Siz Mile Creek rafting check in station

whitewater boats float alongside coastal forests in Hope, Alaska

What to Do in Hope After Your Rafting Trip

Hope is a historic town in the Kenai Peninsula with some great views of the Turnagain Arm and live music at every venue. It makes for a great stop along your road trip or a great place to visit with the aim of a rafting adventure. Whether you stay for the night or just for the day, Hope is worth exploring.

Where to Eat in Hope

Dirty Skillet: Enjoy a skillet-style home cooked meal that is sure to fill you up after any adventure. They also have live music!
Creekbend Company Cafe: Grab a bite before a show and enjoy some yummy seafood or a burger with a beer. The deck is a lovely place to enjoy your meal!
Historic Hope Cafe: Enjoy bar style seafood and sandwiches in this hidden gem. You can also camp nearby and be right on the water.
Grounds for Hope Espresso: The best coffee shop in town. Enjoy a breakfast burrito and drink to kick start your day.

Places to Stay in Hope

Bear Creek Lodge: Stay in a historic log cabin. Each is unique and has their own personality!
Discovery Cabins: Stay in a little cabin overlooking the river. You get your own deck! You’ll share a full kitchen and bathrooms with other cabin guests.
Hope’s Hideaway: Stay in a comfortable cottage in an ideal location for adventure experiences.
Creekbend Company: Creekbend makes a great place to camp, stay in a yurt or your RV, rent a guest room, or stay in a cabin.

More Adventures to Have in Hope

Listen to Live Music at Creekbend Cafe: Creekbend Cafe always has an impressive lineup for the summer. You can see a show most nights! Listen + dance to local artists or those who have traveled all the way to Alaska to play.
Hike Resurrection Pass Trail: This iconic backpacking trail links historic gold mining locations for a wild adventure. Take in the beautiful views and stay in a campground or backcountry cabin. You can also just explore the section that leaves from Hope!
Hike Hope Point Trail: Hike through the forest and wildflowers and up into the mountains for epic views. Stare out at Turnagain Arm and scramble up to the summit.
Visit Hope and Sunrise Historical Society: Learn all about the history of the area from the locals themselves. You’ll find authentic artifacts and learn about the area’s gold mines.