Raft Trips at Denali
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.
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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.
Denali Rafting 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.
Denali Rafting Trip Schedules and Options
We offer the following raft trips:
Upper Nenana Wilderness Run
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Nenana Gorge-oar rafting
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Nenana Gorge - paddle rafting
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Nenana River Helicopter Rafting
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The "Denali Deluxe"
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Nenana River Overnight Raft Trips
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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.
