Raft Trips at Denali

Our Nenana River/Denali Park trips are operated by our sister company, Nenana Raft Adventures -- (800) 789-7238

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 options for rafting Denali Park area. With over 60 miles of river to choose from, the Nenana River has peacefully calm, non-whitewater sections as well as large volume Class IV, Alaska whitewater.

Trips can vary in length from 1 1/2 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.

Alaska Whitewater Rafting Trips on the Nenana River - Denali National Park Rafting


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

Happy Rafters in Denali ParkDenali 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.

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.

Denali Alaska Oar Rafting
Oar Rafts

Denali Alaska Paddle Rafting
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.

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

  • An 11 mile scenic trip
  • Class II and III whitewater
  • Guide controls the boat with oars
  • We accommodate kids 5 years and up
  • 8 am, Noon, and 6 pm check-in times; 3-4 hours start to finish.
Nenana River Rafting

Nenana Gorge- oar rafting

  • An 11 mile whitewater raft trip
  • Class III and IV whitewater
  • Guide controls the boat with oars
  • Minimum age: 10 years
  • 8am, Noon, 2pm, 6pm check-in times; 3-4 hours start to finish.
Alaska White Water Rafting

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
  • Minumum age: 14 years
  • 2pm check-in; 3-4 hours start to finish.
Nenana Gorge Paddle Rafting

Nenana River Rafting by Helicopterg

  • 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.
Alaska Helicopter Rafting

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 Alaska Raft Trip

Nenana River Rafting Overnight 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
Alaska Camping and Overnight Raft Trips

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.