Matanuska River - Lion's Head Whitewater River e-Guidebook

The Lions Head section of the Matanuska, named for the monumental rock bluff along its northern bank which when viewed from the east can be thought of as lion lying in wait, is a tremendously scenic run with great play waves and holes. As the Matanuska Glacier flows down from the icy slopes of the Chugach Mountains, it constricts the river to a single channel and has filled it with countless boulders varying in size from small to massive. For the first two miles down Caribou Creek and the braids of the Matanuska above Lions Head Rock, the water casually winds its way through a broad u-shaped glacier valley. As the river comes together and riffles become Class II splashy wave trains, the forested north facing slopes of the rock monolith give way to a sheer, 2000 foot rock face. Across from this awe inspiring natural feature the rolling green hills of the glacier moraine come into view with high, snow speckled peaks rising in the background. Eddying out on the river left side allows for a short hike over and even onto the gleaming white and blue river of ice. Shortly after this the river makes a right hand turn and the first of about 8 Class III and IV rapids is entered. Fast and pushy water rushes down, around and over boulders creating holes and waves to either weave around or play on. Because of the number of boulders, eddys abound and one could literally spend all day surfing the icy grey waters. Either of the two bridges can be used as a take-out, though the first is the private property of Glacier Park Resort and fees could apply. Be sure to stop in at the Long Rifle Lodge for lunch and breathtaking views of the Matanuska Glacier.