Aniakchak River

The Aniakchak River, located within the Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve, presents an exciting challenge to even the most experienced river runners. From Surprise Lake in the caldera, the river flows swiftly through a narrow gorge in the caldera wall—"The Gates"—and then through treeless tundra to the sea.

Congress named the Aniakchak a national wild river in 1980. Its spectacular resources make rafting the Aniakchak a most rewarding experience. You can float from inside a volcano to the ocean, past spectacles of wildlife and geology. From Surprise Lake, the river flows a peaceful mile to The Gates. The river moves swiftly through this narrow gorge in the caldera wall, and large rocks demand precise maneuvering. A gradient of 75 feet per mile makes this section challenging. After a more gentle 10 miles comes the confluence with Hidden Creek, and the river is again filled with car-sized boulders, abrupt bends, and a narrow bed requiring extreme caution. After 5 more miles, the river slows to meander toward the Pacific Ocean and the seals, sea otters, bald eagles, and sea birds of Aniakchak Bay.

Come experience the Aniakchak River and the Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve with an America Outdoors outfitter, who provide canoeing, kayaking, fishing, educational programs, whitewater rafting and family trips.