3-hour Turnagain Pass Rafting Float Trip from Hope Alaska

This float trip on Sixmile Creek offers a laid-back, scenic journey through some of Alaska’s most beautiful wilderness near Hope. Unlike adrenaline-filled whitewater adventures, this tour is all about enjoying stunning views, observing wildlife, and relaxing on the water. With professional guides, comfortable equipment, and flexible scheduling, it’s a great option for travelers seeking a gentle outdoor escape.

What really stands out is the expert guidance and the chance to see wildlife like bears, moose, and deer along the banks. However, it’s important to note that this experience is more about soaking in the scenery than tackling whitewater thrills. Ideal for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a peaceful nature experience, this float provides a wonderful taste of Alaskan wilderness without the stress of vigorous paddling or high-speed rapids.

Key Points

• Gentle, scenic float perfect for all ages and paddling skill levels
• Wildlife sightings including bears, moose, and deer along the banks
• Flexible scheduling with morning or afternoon tours
• High value for the price at $130 per person, with professional guides ensuring safety and fun
• All necessary gear provided, including rain gear and life jackets
• Max group size of 12 ensures a personal and relaxed experience

An Overview of the Experience

The journey begins at the Chugach Outdoor Center near Hope, Alaska. Here, you’ll meet your guide, who will outfit you with a sturdy life jacket, helmet, and paddle—prepared for a leisurely float. The safety briefing and paddling instructions are clear and friendly, making sure everyone feels comfortable, whether you’re a seasoned paddler or new to the sport.

Once suited up, you’ll board your raft and set out onto Sixmile Creek, a slow-moving waterway that provides a peaceful journey through the region’s lush landscape. The duration of approximately 3 hours is ideal for those who want to enjoy nature without a time commitment that feels rushed or overly strenuous.

The creek is notably free of whitewater, making it suitable for a wide range of participants, including children as young as 6, provided they can pass a paddler’s practice swim. The guides are experienced and well-informed, like Marge, who was praised for her friendly attitude and knowledge, as well as Greg, whose expertise turned a simple float into a memorable adventure.

What to Expect During the Float

The journey begins with a gentle paddle, where you can either actively participate or simply sit back and soak in the scenery. The guides will steer and assist, but the main focus is on enjoying the tranquil waters and the views. Expect to see the Kenai Peninsula in the distance, a stunning backdrop that makes every moment picture-worthy.

Wildlife sightings are common, especially along the banks where bears, moose, and deer are often spotted. As one reviewer noted, “We saw a few cool birds and had a great time talking with everyone on our boat,” emphasizing the social aspect of the tour as well.

The guides are known for their professionalism and friendliness. Amber, one of the reviewers, mentioned how guide Brian made the trip fun with his humor, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Meanwhile, Ron highlighted the beautiful mountain and forest scenery, which adds to the overall appeal.

The tour concludes just before the more intense whitewater of the nearby canyon. After pulling the rafts over, the guides help everyone dry off, and a brief ride back to the starting point completes the trip.

Why the Value of This Tour Matters

At $130 per person, this float offers excellent value considering the quality of guides, the scenic beauty, and the wildlife encounters. Included in the price are professional guiding services and the use of rain gear and personal flotation devices, reducing your need to bring extra clothing or equipment.

The tour’s small group size—limited to 12 travelers—ensures a more intimate experience, where guides can provide personalized attention and share interesting insights into the local environment. The flexible scheduling—morning or afternoon—fits easily into most travel plans, letting you choose the time that best matches your day.

Compared to more energetic rafting options, this trip emphasizes relaxation and observation, making it ideal for families, older travelers, or anyone wanting a peaceful outdoor experience. The reviews confirm that people often return for the friendly atmosphere, stunning scenery, and knowledgeable guides like Greg and Marge, who make the trip feel special.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Meeting at the Chugach Outdoor Center

Expect to arrive at the meeting point located at 28069 Hope Hwy, Hope, AK. Here, you’ll be greeted by staff who will fit you with your gear and give a safety orientation. The experience is designed to be straightforward, with most of the preparation done before you set out on the water.

Paddling and Relaxing on Sixmile Creek

Once in your raft, the focus is on enjoying the gentle drift. The creek’s calm waters allow you to sit back and take in the views or paddle if you want to participate actively. The scenery is lush, with a mixture of forested banks and open views of the Kenai Peninsula, providing plenty of photo opportunities.

Wildlife and Nature Observation

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings—bears, moose, deer, and bird species are frequent visitors along the banks. Reviewer Margaret N. emphasized how informative and friendly her guide was, enhancing the experience with local insights.

End of the Float and Return

The guide will pull the raft over at a scenic spot, allowing everyone to dry off. The return trip involves a short ride back to the starting point, where you can reflect on the peaceful journey and perhaps plan your next Alaskan adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This float trip is perfect for families with children, especially since the minimum age is 6 years and the experience is more about relaxation than adventure. For those new to kayaking or rafting, the safety instructions are clear, and the guides are experienced, ensuring peace of mind.

Nature lovers will enjoy the wildlife sightings and stunning mountain views, while anyone seeking a calm, scenic escape from busy itineraries will find this trip a welcome break. The small group size makes it suitable for travelers who prefer a more personalized experience, avoiding overly commercialized tours.

Final Thoughts

This 3-hour float on Sixmile Creek near Hope, Alaska, offers an authentic, peaceful way to experience the region’s natural beauty. The mix of friendly guides, wildlife sightings, and stunning scenery creates a memorable outing that balances relaxation with adventure. Given the high praise from previous travelers and the excellent reviews, it’s clear that this tour delivers on its promise of a scenic, informative, and enjoyable float.

While it might not satisfy thrill-seekers craving whitewater rapids, it more than makes up for it with its tranquil setting and the chance to connect with Alaska’s wilderness. Whether you’re traveling with family, looking for a gentle outdoor activity, or simply want to enjoy Alaska from a different perspective, this float trip is an experience worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, children aged 6 and above can participate, provided they are physically capable of passing a paddler’s practice swim.

What should I bring? Since rain gear is provided, just wear comfortable clothes suitable for the weather, and bring your camera for photos.

Are there any physical requirements? Most travelers can participate, but you need to pass the paddler’s practice swim, which indicates a basic level of comfort in water.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience is approximately 3 hours, including outfitting, the float itself, and the return trip.

Can I book a morning or afternoon tour? Yes, you can choose according to your schedule; both options are available.

What is included in the price? The cost covers professional guiding, rain gear, and personal flotation devices.

What if the weather is bad? The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This float trip pairs stunning scenery with the chance to see Alaska’s wildlife in a safe, friendly environment, making it ideal for those wanting a peaceful outdoor adventure that’s rich in natural beauty and storytelling.