For anyone looking to get out into the wilderness on the water but that isn’t into whitewater rafting, a day out with Willow Creek Tours is a good choice. Navigating the more mellow Willow Creek system near Talkeetna, Willow Creek Tours does several 3 hour tours throughout the day, and they’re perfect for visitors who are nervous about adventure raft or if you have small kids with you. You can read all about the experience below, and if you have additional questions, please leave a comment or send us a note for follow up.
Highlights of Rafting with Willow Creek Tours near Talkeetna
When I am on a river, whether it’s in a raft or a kayak, I always enjoy the nature. Willow Creek is great because it’s so undeveloped but is so accessible. With Willow Creek Tours you get to enjoy all the backwoods and waterways without any other tourism elements visible. Alaska is huge and it’s very easy to get away from it all, but many of the most popular areas do have quite a few tour operators there, but not here on Willow Creek. Between the bald eagles and the quiet of the backcountry, it’s ideal Alaska.
Gear for a Scenic Float with Willow Creek Tours
Going out on the water with Willow Creek Tours isn’t a raging whitewater adventure, but you’ll want to be prepared to be warm and dry anyways. While it’s unlikely that you’ll be stepping into any water (the guide is great and getting people ashore nice and dry) you could wear galoshes if you felt it was needed. Rain coats or just warm gear is good in the event the weather looks iffy, as tours go out rain or shine.
Willow Creek is really beautiful and it’s a great place to see wildlife. I love birdwatching, so being out in the wilderness here was ideal for me. Photographing bald eagles always makes me happy. I like to use my DSLR with a 600mm lens whenever I’m on a wildlife photography shoot, and being out on the creek is a great place for this.
Tips for a Great Scenic Tour on Willow Creek
The thing I enjoy about going out with Willow Creek Tours is how chill everyone is, from the dogs in the office to the guide on the river. Approach your float with a mellow attitude and you’ll love it. Be ready to ask questions and have your wildlife eyes open.
This is great with kids and older travelers who want to be in nature in a tame manner, so approach your time on Willow Creek with the viewpoint of just taking in the beauty of nature. I know I’ve already said this, but so many of the Alaska river trips are intense rafting and this is truly not that. I want to be clear how calm this experience is.
Parking for Willow Creek Tours near Talkeetna
You meet you guide for Willow Creek Tours at the Pioneer Lodge. Be sure you’re parking where instructed so that you’re not blocking anybody or getting a tow truck called on you. Arrive early enough to sign waivers and ask questions, and don’t forget to bring waters and cameras with you when you get out of your vehicle.
Tour Operating Info
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.
- Operating Dates/Season:
- Tour office phone number:
- Company website:
- Tour check-in address:
- Tour booking links: afternoon or morning tours available
More Things to Do around Willow / Talkeetna
Willow and Talkeetna are two great areas with lots of activities. Located in the MatSu Valley north of Anchorage on the Parks Highway, you’ll find a very walkable downtown area in Talkeetna with parks, shops, galleries, a brewery, bars and restaurants. Willow has a few food options and other tour services and campgrounds, but it’s close enough to Talkeetna to group them together. Here are a few additional things you can add to your time in the Willow/Talkeetna area to make the most of your visit:
- hiking – between state parks and forest lands, there are lots of trails
- fishing – from salmon to trout, there are plenty of options for rivers, lakes and guided trips (I like Montana Creek)
- check out a sled dog farm – Dream a Dream Sled Dogs is great
- jet boat tours – the Susitna River is a major waterway worth exploring
- Spencer Glacier – not far from Talkeetna, you can visit via the Alaska Railroad
- Kayaking tour or rentals – there are lots of great paddling spots around Talkeetna and Willow, particularly XY Lakes and Willow Creek
Dining in Talkeetna
Talkeetna is THE place to find restaurants in this part of the MatSu Valley. It’s pretty much the last big stop until Denali National Park, so options are limited as you head northward. I always like to set realistic expectations for anyone visiting a place for the first time, so if you’re visiting Talkeetna in peak summer season, know that you may have a wait and restaurants may have rotating/seasonal staff that may not be fully settled into their restaurant jobs. Be patient and just enjoy the experience of being in Alaska. Having said that, here are our top picks for dining in Talkeetna:
- Kahiltna Bistro – good local food with a nice patio set up, a bit away from the crowd of downtown
- Mountain High Pizza Pie – awesome pizza and more
- Flying Squirrel Bakery Cafe – the best breakfast and baked goods in Talkeetna; long wait but worth it
- Talkeetna Roadhouse – I’d call it the nicest place to eat in Talkeetna (and it’s delicious)
- Talkeetna Spinach Bread – very popular airstream food truck with bread, snacks and more
- Denali Brew Pub – burgers, salads, beer and more
- Wild Alaska – interesting burritos and more, including salmon burritos
Where to Stay in Talkeetna or Willow
You don’t have to stay in downtown Talkeetna to have a great visit to the area. You’ll find plenty of options from vacation rentals to cabin resorts, lodges to roadside motels in the area. While the Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge is a favorite of my family, there are plenty of flexible options for any travel style here.
More ideas for your visit to the Talkeetna / Willow area:
I hope you’re excited to experience Willow Creek Tours and float through the quiet side of the Willow/Talkeetna area. Between the beautiful views and sense of Alaskan adventure, I know you’ll love it. If you have any questions about visiting the MatSu Valley, other rafting ideas, or if you need a road trip plan for Alaska please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help with travel planning for an Alaska Trip!
