From Seward: Resurrection River Rafting Tour

If you’re dreaming of exploring Alaska’s wild side, you might have come across the Resurrection River rafting tour offered by Kenai Backcountry Adventures. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, we’ve gathered enough details to give you a clear picture of what it’s like. This tour offers a chance to float along a glacial river, spotting wildlife, glaciers, and waterfalls, all within a manageable four-hour window.

What we really appreciate is how this tour combines thrill with scenery. Think spirited rapids and mountain airs, paired with stories from friendly guides that add context to the stunning views. On the flip side, a key consideration is that some travelers have found parts of the trip less exciting — especially if you’re hoping for a wildlife-packed adventure, as wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed and some sections involve shallow water paddling. This trip seems best suited for those who want a taste of Alaska’s wilderness with a mix of adventure and scenery, and who appreciate knowledgeable guides.

Key Points
– Duration & Pacing: It’s a solid 4-hour trip, offering balance between adventure and relaxation.
– Scenic Highlights: Glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain vistas are the main sights.
– Wildlife Viewing: Possible but not guaranteed; depends on timing and luck.
– Guide Quality: Highly praised guides make or break the experience.
– Group Size: Small groups (up to 8 participants) mean more personalized attention.
– Price & Value: At $295 per person, it’s a fair price for a guided glacier river adventure, especially if you enjoy storytelling and scenic exploration.

What’s Included & How it’s Organized

The tour kicks off with a convenient round-trip ground transportation from Seward, which means you won’t have to worry about logistics — just show up and enjoy. You’ll be picked up from your hotel lobby, with a suggested arrival 30 minutes early to check in and get suited up.

Once on the river, you’ll be equipped with professional rafting gear, a paddle, PFD (life jacket), rubber boots, and a dry bag for your personal items. The safety gear and gear are standard, making sure you’re comfortable and protected in the water. The small group size — limited to 8 guests — allows your guide to give personalized attention and share interesting stories about the local area, its history, and wildlife.

The tour itself is a mix of paddling and floating, with highlights like spotting Exit Glacier from the water, marveling at waterfalls, and navigating spirited rapids. Expect to smell the earthy scent of the boreal forests, feel the mist from the glacier-fed river, and soak in the mountain views. The guides aim to make each trip special, even working around weather challenges, as one reviewer mentioned.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Day on the Water: What to Expect

The itinerary is pretty straightforward: after pickup, you’ll head to the put-in point where the adventure begins. From the start, you’ll quickly dive into the lush wilderness, with the chance to see wildlife along the banks — though, as some reviews note, sightings aren’t guaranteed. The guides will point out interesting features like Exit Glacier, which makes for some memorable photo ops.

The river itself offers a mix of gentle sections and exciting rapids, providing a bit of adrenaline without being overwhelming. For those who enjoy a steady rhythm of paddling and floating, this part of the trip is perfect. The waterfalls along the route add a dramatic flair, and the fresh mountain air makes the whole experience invigorating.

Most participants find the guides engaging and well-informed. According to reviews, Pierce, in particular, received praise for being helpful and making the trip memorable. The guides’ local knowledge and friendly attitude elevate the experience beyond just paddling.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This rafting adventure fits travelers who want a manageable, guided trip that emphasizes scenery and wildlife spotting without requiring advanced paddling skills. It’s particularly suitable for those who love nature, want to learn about the area through stories from the guides, and enjoy a small-group atmosphere.

However, if you’re someone hoping for frequent wildlife encounters or highly challenging rapids, keep in mind that sightings aren’t a guarantee, and some parts of the trip involve shallow water paddling, which might be less exciting for thrill-seekers.

The Value and Price Point

At $295 per person, the price reflects a quality guided experience with all necessary gear, transportation, and small-group intimacy. For those who appreciate storytelling, scenic beauty, and the chance to be on a glacier-fed river, this is a fair deal. Many travelers have noted the guides’ helpfulness and the scenic highlights, which add value to the overall experience.

Some reviews highlight that the trip was sometimes less engaging, especially when the water was shallow or wildlife wasn’t visible. Still, the overall sentiment is positive, especially when guided by knowledgeable and friendly guides who enhance the trip’s enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

For anyone visiting Seward and eager to see part of Alaska’s wilderness from a different perspective, the Resurrection River rafting tour offers a good mix of adventure, scenery, and local insights. It’s a great way to experience a glacial river without the commitment of a multi-day trip, especially for those with limited time or paddling experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy guided excursions with small groups, appreciate storytelling, and want to catch photos of glaciers and waterfalls. If wildlife viewing is a priority, remember it’s a bonus, not a guarantee — but the stunning scenery and expert guides make up for it.

All in all, this trip stands out as a solid choice for a scenic, guided river adventure that captures the essence of Alaska’s wild beauty, without overpromising on adrenaline or wildlife sightings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation from Seward included?
Yes, the tour includes courtesy round-trip ground transportation from Seward, so you just need to be in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup.

How long is the tour?
The rafting adventure lasts about 4 hours, including transportation, check-in, gear-up, and the river experience itself.

What should I bring?
Bring warm layers, a rain jacket and pants, warm socks, gloves, and sunglasses. It’s also a good idea to carry snacks and a water bottle since there are no facilities on the river.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 5 years, likely due to safety considerations around the river and paddling.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers professional guides, rafting gear, paddle, PFD, rubber boots, a dry bag for your personal items, and transportation.

Do I need paddling experience?
No, it’s suitable for all levels, especially since guides handle most of the paddling. The focus is on enjoying the scenery and having fun, not on technical paddling skills.

If you’re dreaming of a scenic, guided river trip in Alaska with knowledgeable guides and striking views, the Resurrection River rafting tour could be just what you’re looking for. It offers a taste of Alaskan wilderness in a manageable and comfortable package, perfect for those new to rafting or visitors who want an overview of the area’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: