Matanuska River Lions Head Whitewater Rafting

Our most popular half-day whitewater rafting trip! The Lions Head section of the Matanuska River is NOVA’s original river trip and where it all began for us! Our first trips as a new business were on the Matanuska river back in 1975 and is still the most popular whitewater rafting adventure NOVA offers! This powerhouse glacial river is full of thrills, crashing waves and Class III & IV boulder gardens that create nonstop consistent fun. Filled with plenty of rapids and waves to crush, this amazing trip has been ideal for everyone from first-timers to experienced river runners alike. The ‘Lions Head’ is a massive volcanic plug that the river goes around as it then charges into whitewater. This enormous chunk of volcanic rock stands out in the middle of this grand valley and has the distinctive shape and appearance of a lions head staring out over the Matanuska Glacier.

NOVA takes pride in being the original rafting company on this legendary section of Alaskan whitewater!