|
The
First Canyon of the Sixmile is offered
to beginners and families, and must
be run by our other paddlers going
for the 2nd and 3rd Canyons as well.
It is ranked a solid Class III run,
with one section that ranges from Class
III - Class V depending on the water
level. After a nice calm stretch of
river to warm up, you'll arrive at
the top of the first canyon. There
is a pull-out point here and hiking
trail for those who do not want to
run the rapids. At ultra-high water,
even the guides walk around. Then you
have 20 minutes of class III/III+ whitewater
(during medium and low flows; things
change dramatically at high water).
Watch for an eagle's nest. During the
float to the take-out, you'll pass
by pass by Canyon Creek, whose beautiful,
clear waters usually offer easy viewing
of spawning king salmon. From the first
canyon take-out, a 20- to 25-minute
float to the rapids of second canyon
offers stunning views of the Chugach
Mountains. You'll often see bald eagles,
black bears, and moose.
The Second Canyon adds another 2.5
miles to the trip (and about 1 hr,
45 min), and steps the paddler up a
level of difficulty. The 2nd Canyon
is ranked solid Class III+ and IV and
combines four big drops in rapid succession
with other smaller rapids to keep you
on your toes. You'll take on rapids
that are more technically difficult
and have bigger features, such as waves
and holes. This add-on is Class V's
most popular trip.
Anyone who wants to raft the Third
Canyon must jump out of the raft and
swim through the second-canyon rapid
known as the "Swimmer's Wave Train." In
a raft, this is a simple rapid of big
waves, but with no watercraft but a
life jacket (and a wetsuit) it is a
little more exciting! If swimmers pass
the test (meaning they make it through
the rapid and get themselves to shore
without assistance) they can go down
the Third Canyon.
The Third Canyon adds another 3.5
miles of river (and 1 hr) to the trip
and has enough Class IV and V rapids
on it at all water levels to make it
Alaska's premier whitewater paddle-rafting
run, and among the top 10 most challenging
runs in the U.S. The likelihood of
falling out or flipping the raft increases
greatly in the Third Canyon, but you'll
have the satisfaction of taking on
rapids such as "Suckhole," "Zig-Zag," and "Jaws."
Which trip is right for you? Paddlers
often make their decisions on the river.
Class V can refund money if you get
out earlier than planned, or they can
take payment at the river if you want
to go further than planned. Their van
meets the rafters between every canyon,
so people who are getting out have
a ride back to their own vehicles.
Rollup  |
top
Back
