20-Mile Glacier Helicopter Rafting & Glacier Walk Tour (Private)
Our most remote helicopter rafting tour. Experience an entire river watershed from the glacier to the Turnagain Arm ocean!
Access the remote glaciated Chugach Mountains with Alpine Air; there is no better view than from an R44 helicopter. Buzz the 20-Mile Glacier and see the grand scope of the Chugach Mountains. Land on the iceberg-laden 20-Mile Lake for your private Alaska raft adventure down 20-Mile River. Float twelve stunning miles downriver to an ocean pick-up on Turnagain Arm at the Seward Highway. Keep a good lookout for wildlife: bears, moose, bald eagles, and salmon.
- 15-minute glacier flight over the Chugach Mountains
- 15-minute glacier landing stopover on 20-Mile Glacier
- 3- to 4-hour glacier rafting tour
A minimum of 3 guests is required to book. 2026 Summer season is June 1 through September 15 (select tour date on checkout page).
Tour Details
- Transportation from Anchorage is available for an additional $125 per person. Please email us to book.
- Total rafting time is dependent on river water levels and wind; lower water levels result in a longer trip, while high water makes for a faster pace.
- A catered sack lunch is provided (sandwich, fruit/veggies, dessert, and beverages). Vegetarian and other dietary requests are welcome; please notify us in advance.
- 20-Mile River float is a Class I and II (with high water) braided river with no big rapids. Most guests will not get splashed. If you are concerned about getting splashed, request a spot in the raft that is NOT “splashy” when speaking to your guide.
- Rubber boots, rain ponchos (if raining), and Personal Flotation Devices (life vests) are provided for all guests.
- Alpine Air helicopter max weight per seat is 290 lbs. An additional $200 charge may apply for the party if an R66 helicopter is required.
- For parties of two, we recommend our Comet Heli Hiking & Rafting tour or our Helicopter Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview trip.
- This trip is suitable for ages 6 and up.
- All guests are required to sign a release of liability.
Full Itinerary
Departure times are dependent on Alpine Air helicopter charter availability and guest request. Departure options are 8:00 AM, 8:40 AM, 10:30 AM, or 12:15 PM.
Approximate Itinerary for 12:15 PM Departure:
- 12:15 PM – Alpine Air Helicopter Departure (R44 with 3 passengers or R66 with 4 passengers, if available)
- 12:15 – 12:30 PM – Glacier Flight of Upper 20-Mile Glacier
- 12:30 – 12:45 PM – 15-Minute Glacier Landing
- 12:45 – 12:55 PM – Bump to Raft at the Southern End of 20-Mile Glacier Lake
- 1:30 – 4:00 PM – Raft 12 Miles Down the 20-Mile River Valley to the Seward Highway with Lunch and Wildlife Viewing
- 4:30 PM – Approximate Pick-Up at the Seward Highway
- 5:30 PM – Arrival in Girdwood by Chugach Adventures’ Shuttle Van
What to Bring
- Warm, waterproof clothes and layers
- Warm socks
- Warm hat
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Gloves
- Raincoat and pants
- Binoculars
- Camera (note: we cannot guarantee it won’t get wet)
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made 10 days or more in advance are 90% refundable. Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable.
“My favorite aspect of this trip is how few people actually visit 20-Mile Glacier, but those who do, get to experience raw, untouched nature – it is truly breathtaking upon arrival.”
– Justin Siemens, Former Operations Manager and Guide from Anchorage, AK
