Soak Up the Thrill and the Beauty
Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience – river rafting on the glacially-fed Nenana River with Explore Denali Rafting. Enjoy stunningly beautiful scenery and your choice of exciting whitewater rafting or a tranquil mild whitewater trip. Whichever trip you choose, you'll get to see a part of Alaska you can't explore any other way.
The Nenana River Canyon
The Canyon Run and Paddle Run raft excursions navigate Denali’s most exciting whitewater through the Nenana River Canyon. This challenging watercourse descends through 11 miles of spectacular scenery and geology. Over this descent, guests encounter 10 named rapids ranging from Class III to Class IV ratings. Between the whitewater sections are mildly-flowing stretches allowing guests to take in the steep landscapes and search for dall sheep or moose. All guests are outfitted with specially designed drysuits that allow everyone to experience the splashes without the mess. These suits keep you dry so that you can wear whatever you like underneath. There is always the potential for wildlife sightings along much of the river corridor.
The Paddle Run: Guided & Exhilarating – You help with the paddling
The Paddle Run gets everyone involved with the navigation and propulsion of the raft. Participants grab a paddle and receive detailed instruction on how to work on the crew to successfully navigate the rapids. Just remember that it takes a lot of work to paddle and really should be the excursion of choice for those with prior whitewater paddling experience or plenty of muscle and lungs to do the job. Exciting whitewater action using paddles to navigate same class III & IV rapids as in the Canyon Run. A fun challenge! Minimum age 16.
The Canyon Run: Guided & Exhilarating – We do the work
The Canyon Run is an oar-guided trip with the guide doing all the navigation and interpretation. Guests simply hold on and enjoy the ride upon our 18 foot, self-bailing inflatable rafts. This option makes it ideal for most anyone to experience our whitewater thrills, even if they’ve never rafted before. Experience class III & IV rapids on this exciting trip along 11 miles through steep walled canyons with 10 exhilarating rapids. Minimum age 11.
Wilderness Run – Guided & Relaxing – Sit back and Relax
The Wilderness Run rafting excursion on the Nenana River meanders 13 miles through an expansive glacial valley. The experience on this gently flowing section of the Nenana River is one to savor for its spectacular scenery and tranquility. Whitewater characteristics are categorized as Class I & II mild whitewater with one Class III rapid, so most of the trip is quiet enough to engage in conversation with your raft mates and the guide. The excursion is an oar-guided trip on one of our 18 foot, self-bailing inflatable rafts, with the guide doing all the navigation and interpretation, so the guest simply holds on to one of our comfortable safety ropes. Each guest is outfitted with the same drysuits worn by our Canyon and Paddle Run guests. On breezy days, these amazing suits protect you from the elements so you can concentrate on enjoying the experience from start to finish. Relax and enjoy the scenery on this peaceful, mild whitewater trip through a spectacular Alaskan glacial valley. Minimum age 11.
Each trip is approximately two hours on the water with a total tour time of about three - four hours. We provide experienced river guides and all equipment and safety gear, including professional-grade dry suits. Don't miss the Outdoor Alaskan Experience—an awesome Nenana River journey with Explore Denali Rafting. Convenient courtesy hotel departures available morning, afternoon and evening.
2010 Dates of Operation
May 20 - September 15
Hours of Operation
Each run operates 3 times per day: 7:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 6:00 PM.
Late Season (starting August 27):
The 6:00pm trip moves to 5:30pm
Wilderness Run no longer operates a 6:00 PM trip
PLAY ALASKA RAFT ADVENTURES VIDEO