Alaska River Rafting - Denali National Park - Nenana Raft Adventures

River raft adventures at Denali Park on the Nenana River

Denali Rafting Trips

The Nenana River flows northward through the heart of the
Alaska Range and forms the eastern border of Denali National Park.

Denali National Park is world famous for its abundant wildlife and for Mt. McKinley, at 20,320 feet, the tallest mountain in North America. Resulting from the massive collision occurring as the Pacific Ocean plate grinds its way beneath the North American continent, Mt. McKinley dwarfs the mountains surrounding it, reigning as the crown jewel of the Alaska Range. With numerous active glaciers pouring off its flanks, Mt. McKinley is still locked in the last ice age. Containing over six million acres, Denali National Park was set aside to preserve not only the mountain itself, but the pristine alpine terrain and abundant wildlife in the surrounding lands.

We have several rafting options available for visitors to the Denali Park area. With over 60 miles of river to choose from, the Nenana has peacefully clam, non-whitewater sections as well as large volume Class IV whitewater.

Trips can vary in length from 11/2 hour whitewater thrillers through the Nenana Gorge to multi-day helicopter supported trips which launch within sight of the Nenana's source glaciers.

For visitors on tight schedules, we have several half day and full day trips to choose from, with several departure times daily.

For visitors desiring small groups and wilderness settings, we suggest taking an overnight trip, camping along the river as you go. On our overnight trips you can choose from several options. For visitors looking for the exotic, a 2-day/1-night helicopter supported raft trip putting in on the Yanert Fork of the Nenana is a must. For those on smaller budgets, we can still camp on the river, but can hold down costs by accessing the main fork of the Nenana by road.

Regardless of the time you have available at Denali National Park, we'll provide you with a raft trip that meets your schedule as well as your budget.

Oar Rafts

Paddle Rafts

Choose from 2 different raft configurations.

Paddle Rafting

The guide is located in the stern of the raft and calls out paddle commands like "forward," "back-paddle," left-turn," "right-turn," etc.in order to maneuver the raft. Passengers participate in a co-ordinated team effort as they travel downstream.

Oar Rafting

The guide is located in the center of the raft, seated within a rowing frame. The rowing frame is secured to the raft and has oarlocks. The raft is controlled solely by the guide who rows a set of oars to maneuver the raft.

Trip Schedules and Itineraries

People come to Denali National Park to see the mountain and its wildlife as well as to go rafting on the Nenana River. Unfortunately, visitors often arrive at the park only to find they must wait 48 hours before there is space available on the Park's shuttle bus system to get into the heart of the Park. Since tickets into Denali can only be reserved in person at the Denali National Park visitor center, our ability to obtain these tickets for you ahead of time can eliminate delays and help you maximize your stay in Denali.

As such, we've found it best to help you plan not only your raft trip, but any additional activities you'd like to participate in at Denali National Park. Since we live year round just 10 miles north of the main entrance to Denali National park, in Healy, Alaska, we're part of an extensive network of locally owned businesses that can provide you with lodging, tickets for the bus ride into the park, groceries, gas, etc.

The network of Alaskan owned Bed & Breakfasts in the Healy area is widely known for excellent quality, warm hospitality and competitive prices.

Raft Denali Park with Nenana Raft Adventures
1-800-683-RAFT

Raft Trip Schedules and Options

We offer the following raft trips:

Upper Nenana Wilderness Run

An 11 mile scenic run
Class II and III whitewater
Guide controls the boat with oars
Suitable for kids 5 years and older
8 am, Noon, and 6 pm check-in
times; 3-4 hours start to finish.

Upper Nenana Raft Trips - Class II and III Floats

Nenana Gorge-oar rafting

An 11 mile whitewater raft trip
Class III and IV whitewater
Guide controls the boat with oars
Suitable for kids 10 years and older
8am, Noon, 2pm, 6pm check-in
times; 3-4 hours start to finish.

Nenana Gorge - paddle rafting

An 11 mile whitewater raft trip
Class III and IV whitewater
All passengers paddle together
   under the direction of a
   professional guide
Suitable for kids 14 years and older
2pm check-in time; 3-4 hours
   start to finish.

Nenana River Helicopter Rafting

20 mile, Class II, III, IV whitewater
Paddle or oar-rafting both available
We provide lunch
Suitable for kids 10 years and older
10 am check-in time;
8 hours start to finish.

The "Denali Deluxe"

A 22 mile whitewater trip
Class II, III, IV whitewater
Combines the Upper Nenana
Wilderness and Nenana Gorge trips
Guide controls the boat with oars
Suitable for kids 10 years and older
Noon check-in time;
6 hours start to finish.

Denali Deluxe Rafting - Class II, III and IV Whitewater

Nenana River Overnight Raft Trips

Helicopter and road access
   options available
A 33 mile raft trip
Class II, III, IV whitewater
We provide tents, sleeping
   bags/pads, cook gear
   and all meals.
9am check-in till noon next day

For an extra thrill try our paddle rafts, where you join the crew and help "drive." Paddle rafts require reservations and a group size of six to nine paddlers per raft. Overnight raft expeditions are available by reservation and require a minimum group size of four.