Journey 50 miles through Alaska’s rugged Chulitna and Susitna Rivers on a jetboat tour with Mahay's Jetboat Adventures. Watch for bears and eagles, stroll through Dena'ina heritage sites, and soak in sweeping views of Denali’s peaks.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors with basic mobility; involves a short nature walk on gentle terrain.
Wildlife
History
The Dena'ina people were the first inhabitants of the Talkeetna area, and their presence is honored through cultural sites and storytelling on the tour.
Conservation
Navigating fragile river ecosystems with low-impact jetboats helps protect wildlife habitats and preserves this remote wilderness for future generations.
Mahay's Jetboat Adventures
Journey 50 miles through Alaska’s rugged Chulitna and Susitna Rivers on a jetboat tour with Mahay's Jetboat Adventures. Watch for bears and eagles, stroll through Dena'ina heritage sites, and soak in sweeping views of Denali’s peaks.
Mahay's Jetboat Adventures is a Talkeetna, Alaska tour operator specializing in guided jetboat excursions on the Chulitna, Susitna, and nearby river systems. The operator runs the advanced “McKinley Queen” jetboat and offers a small collection of curated trips that combine river running, shoreline nature walks, regional history, and wildlife viewing. Trips range from approximately three and a half hours to five hours and depart from Talkeetna for journeys into Denali State Park and remote river gorges.
Featured experiences include the Devil's Canyon Adventure, a five‑hour expedition through Denali State Park and Devil’s Gorge that visits an authentic trapper’s cabin and highlights the history of Dena'ina settlers; the River, Rail & Trail tour, which links a ride on the Hurricane Turn Train to a jetboat segment to Curry followed by a guided nature walk; and the Chulitna Gorge Journey, a three and a half hour outing on the Chulitna and Susitna Rivers aboard the McKinley Queen with panoramic views of Denali and opportunities to see bald eagles and bears.
Professional guides provide interpretive commentary on local ecology, geology, and Dena'ina heritage while conducting safety briefings and operating modern jetboat equipment. Mahay's Jetboat Adventures serves visitors to Talkeetna seeking accessible, scenic day trips that emphasize natural scenery, wildlife observation, and regional history.
Departure details and schedules are provided at booking; itineraries list trip duration and key stops to help guests plan. Trips suit travelers interested in river travel, wildlife viewing, and regional history; guests are advised to bring cameras and outdoor clothing.
Location
Talkeetna, Alaska
Base for departures near Denali
Boat
McKinley Queen
Advanced jetboat used on tours
Trip Durations
3.5–5 hrs
Half-day to full-day river trips
Tours Offered
3 Trips
Devil’s Canyon, River, Rail & Trail, Chulitna
Book Devil's Canyon Adventure, River, Rail & Trail, or Chulitna Gorge Journey — secure a river experience that includes history, wildlife, and Denali views.
Dress in layers for variable river weather
Alaskan river temperatures can shift quickly; bring waterproof and insulating layers even in summer.
Bring a camera with zoom lens
Wildlife sightings happen at a distance—zoom capability ensures you capture bald eagles and bears without disturbing them.
Wear sturdy shoes for the nature walk
The quarter-mile walking section involves uneven terrain; comfortable, closed-toe footwear is recommended.
Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in
Mahay's requires check-in ahead of departure time to ensure smooth boarding and briefing.
Waterproof jacket
Protects you from river spray and spring drizzle.
spring
Binoculars
Ideal for spotting distant wildlife along the riverbanks.
Sturdy walking shoes
Necessary for navigating the nature walk comfortably and safely.
Camera with zoom lens
For capturing detailed images of wildlife and scenery.