Denali National Park Rafting Tours
Rafting is one of the most popular activities in the Denali area, for several reasons. First, it's one of the easiest ways to feel like you're immersed in the wilderness, even though on some portions of the river, you're just below the highway.
There are also tours ranging from 2 hrs to full-day, so you can always find a trip to fit your schedule. If you're spending just two nights in Denali (the most common length of stay) you can easily fit in an evening raft trip on the day you arrive, or a morning trip before you depart. If you're staying multiple days, opt for a half or full day trip.
Most tours take place on the Nenana River, a very typically Alaskan glacially fed river that's brownish in color due to the heavy concentration of glacial silt. You can opt for a mild-trip that that traverses the calmer parts of the river, or a whitewater trip where you'll encounter heart-pounding rapids with names like Coffee Grinder and Ice Worm. We recommend Denali Raft Adventures and Explore Denali Rafting, and Traverse Alaska.
In addition to large raft like the trips mentioned above, Traverse Alaska also offers pack rafting trips for beginners, to class III and IV adventures, and hike and paddle adventures.
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Rafting Tours
Just outside Denali National Park, the Nenana River offers a unique rafting experience: The river is big and icy cold, with glacially fed waters. But this rafting outfitter based near the Park Entrance offers a soul-warming experience on the river, which makes an excellent counterpart to a bus tour through the national park. Choose a quick 3‑hour trip on mild water or splash through some rapids. Or opt for a longer 5.5‑hour run.
Traverse Alaska can craft fully-guided custom adventures, or set you up on a trip into the Alaska wilderness arming you with some know-how — and providing you with the independence to freely explore. Excursions include private day hikes, rafting and packrafting, and multi-day backpacking.
Re-opening in 2022. Please visit our website for other activities available during your stay. Experience the thrill of rushing rapids or a mild whitewater float through one of America’s great wilderness areas with rafting from Denali Park Village. Operating on two stretches of the Nenana River for nearly 30 years, this company’s guides not only know the area, but also are versed in its natural history. Their guide safety training program is among ...more
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