If you’re currently planning or thinking about planning a trip to the Anchorage, Alaska area, we are going to take a big leap and assume that you may just be the “outdoorsy” type. While we don’t have scientific evidence to back this up, we think that most people who decide to make the trek to Alaska go for the outdoor recreational opportunities that await them: hiking, fishing, geocaching, camping, and so on. (It’s not like visitors go to sun themselves on a sandy beach…)
But that is why we love Alaska. You can travel a lot of places around the world, but few measure up in regard to outdoor recreational activities and picturesque landscape. And now that we have the attention of the Alaska-types, we are going to focus this post on two ways you can find adventure on Alaska’s rivers: kayaking and rafting.
AK’s rivers can be found across all parts of the state. Add to that the many coastal waters, and you will have seemingly endless opportunities to get out on the water. But before you go, we do recommend that you know what type of rafting or kayaking you want to do.
Ask yourself:
- Are you in it for the scenic views and the chance to see some wildlife? Or do you seek the thrill of a little danger and adventure?
- Do you want to get a little (or a lot) wet, or do you prefer to be able to bring your camera to get some great mountain shots?
- Are you alone, with a friend, or have you brought your entire family along (including your three little ones under the age of six)?
- Will you get an Alaska RV rental so you can stay close to the waters, or do you prefer booking a nightly hotel or maybe even roughing it?
- What do you want to experience on your AK rafting or kayaking trip?
Asking yourself these questions can help get you thinking about how you want to explore AK’s rivers. Then, you can begin to seek out rafting or kayaking companies that offer the type of river ride you desire. Adventurers can find both thrill-seeking and lazy river tours that range from an hour or two to a full-day excursion. Kayakers can also rent one- or two-passenger kayaks if you want to (and feel comfortable to) venture out on your own.
Be sure to plan your trip out thoroughly before you leave. If you plan on flying into Anchorage, we recommend that you book a motorhome rental in Alaska so you can travel comfortably to many river sites without having to worry about finding hotels at each site or packing and unpacking numerous times. Most people who book an Alaska RV find that motorhomes are a convenient and efficient way to travel AK.
Another planning tip you may want to consider is checking out a good book or travel guide about Alaska and its rivers. Although we haven’t read it personally (feel free to let us know whether it’s a good read), The Alaska River Guide seems to include not only informative details, but also maps, pictures, and fun anecdotes about enjoying AK’s rivers by canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. Books like this one tend to help travelers get a handle on what to expect and get a little (or a lot) excited about their trip.
But no matter what you read or research, nothing will come close to your actual Alaskan river adventure. Whether you decide to float down the Kenai or paddle through the white waters around the Anchorage area, Alaska’s rivers may just have your name written all over them. So what are you outdoorsy types waiting for? Thousands of Alaskan rivers are waiting for you to explore!
