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GO MILD
The peaceful Scenic Wilderness
begins at a quiet section of river
next to Denali Grizzly Bear Lodge & Campground,
at Mile 231 Parks Highway. From there,
the river flows for 12 miles through
the mountains of the Alaska Range,
with the road out of sight for almost
the entire two hours. You'll enjoy
Class I and II rapids on this stretch,
plus one Class III rapid where you're
liable to get splashed.
On occasion, rafters are lucky
enough to see Dall sheep at the
base of Mount Fellows on river
right, and you might spot a bear
or a moose. But the real star of
this show is the scenery. Your
guide will tell you about the river
and the passing scenery, such
as Musher's Monument—a natural
rock formation on top of Mount
Fellows, which looks like a musher
and dog team. You'll notice how
the river turns siltier and even
more powerful when it is joined
by the rushing Yanert River, which
enters from the east, flowing
from the Yanert Glacier just about
30 miles away. The scenic journey
ends when the Parks Highway crosses
the river at Mile 238.
GET WILD
That's also where
the exciting wild-water of the Canyon
Run begins. For the next two hours
and 11 miles, the Nenana River picks
up speed and power as it winds through
the Nenana River Canyon. Exploding
waves and strong hydraulics are
now commonplace as you bounce through
Class III and IV rapids with names
like Razorback, Iceworm, and Royal
Flush.
You'll charge through giant waves
in Cable Car Rapid, and when
you float under the highway bridge
high overhead, the walls of
the canyon seem to close in.
Now the river is narrow and
at some higher water levels,
rushing with a loud roar. Although
Dall sheep often appear up high
on river right, you won't be
looking for them—you'll
be hanging on and anticipating
the next splashy wave. Once you
bust through the final "Narrows" rapid
with its churning hydraulics
and wayward currents, the river
returns to a more peaceful pace
and you can relax before the
takeout on the Healy Spur Road.
TWO RAFTING OPTIONS
Choose either
a “Paddle Raft”
for hands on action with a professional
guide calling commands, or an “Oar
Raft” where passengers
hold on and enjoy the ride as
their knowledgeable guide navigates
the rapids.
Rafting is a great activity for families and groups looking
for a shared and affordable outdoor experience. Advance
reservations are highly recommended as this is a very popular
activity conveniently located near the entrance to Denali
National Park. D.O.C. provides free local shuttle service
from all area hotels, accommodations, Alaska Railroad Depot
and campgrounds.
All guests should remember to dress appropriately in long
sleeve layers with polar fleece, other synthetics or wool
recommended for insulation. A full, one piece “Drysuit,”
(the most protective river apparel available) will be provided
along with a Coast Guard approved PFD and river booties.
Paddlers will also wear a helmet and be given a paddle.
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