Sixmile Creek (Alaska) facts for kids

Sixmile Creek is a cool waterway in Alaska. It's about 12 miles long. People love it for its exciting whitewater rafting adventures!

This creek starts high up at Turnagain Pass. It's part of the Seward Highway area, which is a beautiful scenic route. Smaller creeks like Granite Creek and Bench Creek join together. Granite Creek brings most of the water. When Canyon Creek joins, it officially becomes Sixmile Creek.

Sixmile Creek then flows for about eight miles. It passes by the old ghost town of Sunrise. Finally, it empties into Turnagain Arm. There's a great spot to see where the creeks meet. You can also see the Canyon Creek Bridge from there.

People mined for gold in Sixmile Creek a long time ago. That was in the early 1900s. Even today, some people still mine for gold there! Whitewater rafting fans have enjoyed this amazing area for about 20 years. Companies started offering trips in the 1980s.

The water level in Sixmile Creek can change quickly. A calm creek can turn into a powerful Class V river. Because of the strong currents, safety is very important when boating here. The creek is in the northeastern part of Kenai Peninsula Borough. It's across Turnagain Arm from Anchorage.

Fun Things to Do at Sixmile Creek

Sixmile Creek offers many fun ways to explore Alaska's wild beauty. You can walk, bike, take photos, look for gold, or go whitewater rafting!

Walking and Biking Trails

There's a paved path perfect for walking and cycling. You can find it along East Fork Sixmile Creek. It's easy to get to from the Canyon Creek Rest Stop. This spot is near Mile 57 of the Seward Highway (AK 1).

Between Mile 57 and 58, you can find a hidden footbridge. It crosses over East Fork. To get there, park at a small turnoff. Look for a blue sign that says "In Memory of Jay Stafford." Follow the paved path north a short way. Then, a dirt path will lead you to the bridge.

The view from this walking bridge is amazing! You'll see a deep canyon right below you. Clear water rushes over smooth rocks. Jagged cliffs rise up on both sides. It's a perfect spot for photos.

Scenic Views and Photography

You don't even need to walk to enjoy the views! There's a canyon overlook where you can see the impressive fall colors. Many visitors take pictures of the gorge all year round. It's a truly beautiful sight.

Gold Panning Adventures

Want to try a unique Alaskan activity? You can pan for gold in special public areas! Follow the Hope Road turnoff. This is just south of the Canyon Creek bridge. Signs will show you where public panning is allowed.

Generally, you can pan for gold from 0.7 miles to 5 miles north of the Hope Junction. Make sure to follow the US Forest Service Alaska Gold Panning Guide. It has all the rules and specific locations.

Thrilling Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting is the most exciting adventure at Sixmile Creek! From summer through fall, people come to Hope, Alaska. They go on guided rafting trips. You can find trips for Class III through Class V rapids. There are also calmer float trips on Sixmile Creek and Turnagain Arm.

If you're driving from Anchorage to Seward or Homer, consider stopping here. Sixmile Creek and Hope, Alaska, are great places to break up your trip. You can enjoy sightseeing, hiking, cycling, or a thrilling rafting adventure! For whitewater rafting near Anchorage, check out companies like FlowAK.com, NOVA Alaska, and Chugach Outdoor Guides.