Portage Creek Float with Class V Whitewater - Girdwood Alaska Tours

Want to enjoy a float trip during your Alaska vacation, but feel limited by time and money? Check out Class V Whitewater's Portage Creek Float, an affordable, two-hour trip down flat water that's just a short drive from Anchorage. Although there's not a lot of traffic on the road that runs along the Portage Valley, the road does stay in sight almost the entire time-this trip doesn't offer the same wilderness feel that pricier floats do. Still, you will enjoy some beautiful Alaska scenery, floating past four named glaciers and down the valley until you hit the ocean-Turnagain Arm.

Your trip begins at the Portage Glacier visitor center, so you get a chance to learn about glaciology and the valley before seeing it for yourself. Once you get in the raft, just kick back and watch the scenery go by. Conditions permitting, you'll float within arm's length of icebergs when they are grounded in the mouth of the river. Into the river's mouth you drift, continuing downstream to a nice spot along the river to stop and for a break (beverage and cookies provided). Once back in the raft, the trip continues downstream to your choice of take-outs-mile 4.5 or 6.5, whatever suits your schedule. Watch for wildlife-you might see bears, moose, bald eagles, salmon, and waterfowl.

The 5pm float typically replaces the snacks with a riverside salmon bake.Your shuttle driver will bring fresh salmon down and prepare it while you're floating. If the timing is right, when you get to shore you'll find salmon, salads, French bread, and drinks.

Details: No experience necessary. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Good for families with young kids. Suggested minimum age requirement: 4 years old.

Tour Highlights

Scenic float from a glacial lake
Check out the Begich Boggs Visitor Center at Portage Lake
Experienced river guides, trained extensively in swift water rescue techniques, first aid, and backcountry survival
Provide ¾-length rain jacket with hood, rubber boots, and life jacket
Enjoy a riverside salmon bake on 5pm float (also available on 11am trip by request)
6-passenger max per raft
4-passenger minimum to float
Will accommodate large groups of up to 35 people
Basic safety orientation before each float
Well-reputed rafting company; chosen by Alaska Railroad for their Spencer Glacier train/float combo

What To Bring

Class V strongly suggests wearing layers and preparing for a chilly day even if it appears to be sunny and warm.
They will provide you with any rain and river gear you may need.
Wear or bring thick socks (for the overboots), warm clothes, a hat, gloves, binoculars, a camera, and lots of film.
If you're not doing the salmon bake, bring snacks-it's ok to eat on the raft, as the float is very mellow.

Directions

Head south from Anchorage to Girdwood on the Seward Highway. Take the left into Girdwood on the Alyeska Highway just before the gas station. After a little less than two miles, take a left onto Hightower Road, the main business district. The office will be on your right, with signs outside for Class V.

Payment Policy

Advance reservations are suggested-at least a day in advance-with a credit card to hold your booking. Class V won't charge your card until you arrive. Class V accepts cash, traveler's checks, money orders, AE, DISC, MC, V.

	Cancellation Policy
More than 48 hours before departure, you may cancel without penalty. 48 hours or less, Class V will charge you 50%. 24 hours or less, 100%. Exceptions may apply for emergencies. You may rebook without penalty if there's space available.
top

Girdwood Alaska

Tours & Activities » River Rafting » Portage Creek Float » Class V Whitewater