Alaska Rivers by Approach
If runs have multiple hike approaches, they may be listed more than once.
Hikes are rated as Easy, Moderate or Strenuous. This does not refer to the distance traveled, elevation gain/loss, amount of time it takes, the proximity to a road system or individual fitness level.
Hike ratings refer to difficulty of terrain and level of risk involved during travel.
Road Accessible
“Road Accessible” runs may entail a short boat carry, but less than 1/4 mile.
Matanuska River (Chickaloon to Kings)
Matanuska River (Hicks Creek to Chickaloon)
Matanuska River (Glacier Park to Hicks Creek)
Eagle River “Bridge to Bridge”
Eagle River North Fork to Briggs Bridge
Campbell Creek “Lower Town Section”
Exit Glacier Stream and Resurrection River
Easy Hikes
Trail is fairly established and somewhat maintained by Alaska standards; generally easy to follow. There may be signs or markings from humans. Minimal route finding skills required.
Bench Creek (Middle and Lower)
Campbell Creek South Fork Canyon
Caribou Creek (ATV Trail at Take-out)
Matanuska River (East and South Forks)
Placer River (After Train Ride)
Resurrection Creek (Cascade Section)
Resurrection Creek (Lower Canyon)
Moderate Hikes
Trail is not consistent or regularly maintained. Social trails (paths created from repeated human use) or game trails (paths created from repeated animal use) may be involved. Some route finding is required as trail may not always be easy to follow.
Caribou Creek (Syncline Ridge)
Chickaloon River (Hiking upstream from take-out)
Eagle River ”Wilderness” Section via Crow Pass
Glacier Creek (Girdwood via Winner Creek Trail)
Moose Creek (Alaska Range - into Yanert and Nenana)
Strenuous Hikes/Routes
Must have large glutes suitable for uphill travel partnered with an award winning “I can do hard things” attitude when challenging Alaska Factors present themselves.
Little or no trail, consider this a route that you must create. One should have experience with off-trail navigation, map, compass, and gps use. Terrain is very challenging and may include: bushwhacking, stream crossings, glacial navigation, moraine, alpine terrain, bogs, tussocks, etc. and requires extensive Alaska backcountry experience. Do not expect to see signs of humans or any established paths.
Chickaloon River (King-Chick Route)
Honolulu Creek (Waikiki Section)
Fly-In
If a fly-in run requires a hiking route, it is also listed under respective hike ratings and has an asterisk.*