Planning

Denali Rafting on the Nenana River

Every rafting trip bookable at the Denali park entrance runs on the Nenana River. Two operators run four trips between them, split between the whitewater canyon and the calmer wilderness stretch, from $147 per person with no party minimum on any of them.

Quick Comparison

Compare Rafting Trips at a Glance

Compare 2 operators across 4 experiences, with pricing from $147 per person · 1 guest minimum per person to $149 per person · 1 guest minimum per person.

OperatorTripDurationPriceUnitBook Now
New Wave AdventuresCanyon Wave3.5 Hours$147 per person · 1 guest minimum / personper personBook Now
New Wave AdventuresWilderness Wave3.5 Hours$147 per person · 1 guest minimum / personper personBook Now
Denali Raft AdventuresCanyon Run2.5 hours on the water - Plan to be with us for 3.5 hours$149 per person · 1 guest minimum / personper personBook Now
Denali Raft AdventuresWilderness Run2 hours on the water - Plan to be with us for 3 hours$149 per person · 1 guest minimum / personper personBook Now
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Wilderness Run
Denali Raft Adventures

Wilderness Run

per person $149

About

A great trip for families! Hold on and enjoy your introduction to rafting in Alaska. You may see moose, sheep, caribou and bear, as you raft downstream 11 miles. The most scenic portion of the Nenana River gives you thrilling, and enjoyable rafting. You have your choice of Oar Rafts or Paddle Rafts (It takes 5 participants to paddle, when...

Duration

2 hours on the water - Plan to be with us for 3 hours

Details

About

A great trip for families! Hold on and enjoy your introduction to rafting in Alaska. You may see moose, sheep, caribou and bear, as you raft downstream 11 miles. The most scenic portion of the Nenana River gives you thrilling, and enjoyable rafting. You have your choice of Oar Rafts or Paddle Rafts (It takes 5 participants to paddle, when possible we combine parties to reach five or more). Both oar rafts and paddle rafts run the same rapids on the river. Perfect for 1st timers, an oar raft, is rowed by the guide while rafters sit, hold on and enjoy the view. In a paddle raft you will be expected to follow instructions and be an active participant by paddling the raft down river. You still have a guide but everyone has a paddle and the guide instructs you on how and when to paddle. Our Shuttle Service provides pickup from local lodging, plus transportation to and from the river.

Daily Check In Times

  • 7:30 a.m. (May 20 to Sept 10)
  • 12:30 p.m. (May 20 to Sept 10)
  • 6:30 p.m. (May 20th to Aug 23rd)

More info

  • Two hours on the water.
  • Class I, II, with one III.
  • Suitable for ages 5 years and older.
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Canyon Run
Denali Raft Adventures

Canyon Run

per person $149

About

Get ready to work up a sweat, get wet, and enjoy every minute of it as we head for Healy, 11 miles down river. You have your choice of Oar Rafts or Paddle Rafts (It takes 5 participants to paddle, when possible we combine parties to reach five or more). Both oar rafts and paddle rafts run the same rapids...

Duration

2.5 hours on the water - Plan to be with us for 3.5 hours

Details

About

Get ready to work up a sweat, get wet, and enjoy every minute of it as we head for Healy, 11 miles down river. You have your choice of Oar Rafts or Paddle Rafts (It takes 5 participants to paddle, when possible we combine parties to reach five or more). Both oar rafts and paddle rafts run the same rapids on the river. Perfect for 1st timers, an oar raft, is rowed by the guide while rafters sit, hold on and enjoy the view. In a paddle raft you will be expected to follow instructions and be an active participant by paddling the raft down river. You still have a guide but everyone has a paddle and the guide instructs you on how and when to paddle. Our Shuttle Service provides pickup from local lodging, plus transportation to and from the river.

Daily Check In Times

  • 10:00 a.m. (June 5th-Sept 3rd)
  • 3:00 p.m. (May 20th to Sept 10th)
  • 6:30 p.m. (May 20th-Aug 23rd); changing to 5:30 PM (Aug 24-Sept 3)

More info

  • Class III & IV.
  • Rafts require 5 paddlers
  • Suitable for ages 12 years and older.
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Wilderness Wave
New Wave Adventures

Wilderness Wave

per person $147

About

As you glide down the river, the landscape opens up around you—towering peaks, rolling hills, and untouched wilderness as far as the eye can see. The crisp air carries the faint scent of pine and glacial water, while the calm flow of the river allows you to fully take in the breathtaking scenery. With only the occasional gentle rapid to...

Duration

3.5 Hours

Details

About

As you glide down the river, the landscape opens up around you—towering peaks, rolling hills, and untouched wilderness as far as the eye can see. The crisp air carries the faint scent of pine and glacial water, while the calm flow of the river allows you to fully take in the breathtaking scenery. With only the occasional gentle rapid to add a splash of excitement, this mellow tour is perfect for the whole family, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you choose to join the crew as a Paddle Rafter, dipping your paddle into the icy water, or prefer to sit back and let the guide take control as an Oar Boat Rider, you're guaranteed a fun and memorable ride. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the area's rich history, wildlife, and natural wonders, giving you a deeper appreciation for the incredible landscape surrounding you. From the quiet stretches of river framed by the to the soft rush of water as you pass through small rapids, this journey offers the perfect balance of serenity and adventure. Whatever floats your boat, the Wilderness Wave is an ideal way to experience Alaska's untamed beauty.

In Preparation for Your Trip. What we provide & what we recommend you wear/bring We Provide:

    • Dry Suit* to keep your clothes dry
    • River Shoes* You will leave your shoes behind, so you return to a nice dry pair of shoes.
    • PFD* This is a personal Flotation Device also known as a lifejacket
    • Helmet* This adjusts like a baseball cap, you can wear hats under the helmet, preferably hats without a pompom on them.

Dress Warm What you Should Bring/Wear: We highly recommend wearing warm layers and definitely a pair of warm socks to keep your feet warm. You will be rafting on a glacial river. -Warm layers would include, thin base layer light long sleeve shirt or thermals if you have them, mid layer- long sleeve sweater, sweatshirt, fleece or a vest, outer layer light puff, jacket (without a hood if possible), rain jacket. -A thin glove layered by a pair of dish gloves is a great way you keep your hands warm.

Warm socks could be a wool pair of socks or an extra thick pair of winter socks for skiing, or you can layer two socks and slide in a toe warmer in between the socks. Just remember- Your clothes keep you warm our suits keep you dry. Please note that a minimum of 5 rafters must be booked in order for the tour to run. If this minimum is not met, the trip will be rescheduled for a different time slot. If you have any questions please call our office. We look forward to rafting with you

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Canyon Wave
New Wave Adventures

Canyon Wave

per person $147

About

As you launch onto the icy, glacial-fed river, the air is fresh and cool, carrying the crisp scent of mountain water. The river roars ahead, churning and foaming as you approach the first rapid—Razorback. Here, you'll feel the power of the current as it surges beneath you, the waves crashing against the raft in an exhilarating rush. The spray from...

Duration

3.5 Hours

Details

About

As you launch onto the icy, glacial-fed river, the air is fresh and cool, carrying the crisp scent of mountain water. The river roars ahead, churning and foaming as you approach the first rapid—Razorback. Here, you'll feel the power of the current as it surges beneath you, the waves crashing against the raft in an exhilarating rush. The spray from the rapids glistens in the light, while the cold splash of water against your face is both refreshing and electrifying. All the while, your guide keeps the energy high with jokes, stories, and fascinating insights about the canyon's geology. Whether you join the team as a Paddle Rafter, gripping your paddle with adrenaline-fueled energy, or opt to play it cool as an Oar Boat Rider, letting the guide handle the hard work, this tour has something for everyone. Feel the rush of navigating the twists and turns of the river as it cuts through towering canyon walls, the echo of the rapids bouncing off the rocks. Between the roaring waves, there are moments of calm where you can take in the dramatic landscape surrounding you—rugged cliffs, distant snow-capped peaks, and the wild beauty of Alaska's backcountry. Hold on tight for Coffee Grinder, where the river swirls and boils, throwing you into the heart of its wild energy. As the raft surges forward, you'll feel a sense of triumph, knowing you've conquered some of Denali's most iconic rapids. Whether you're paddling hard or enjoying the ride, this adventure guarantees you'll get spashed, laugh and want to do it all over again. Whatever floats your boat, the Canyon Wave delivers an unforgettable rush on Alaska's glacial waters!

In Preparation for Your Trip. What we provide & what we recommend you wear/bring We Provide:

    • Dry Suit* to keep your clothes dry
    • River Shoes* You will leave your shoes behind, so you return to a nice dry pair of shoes.
    • PFD* This is a personal Flotation Device also known as a lifejacket
    • Helmet This adjusts like a baseball cap, you can wear hats under the helmet, preferably hats without a pompom on them. What you Should Bring/Wear: We highly recommend wearing warm layers and definitely a pair of warm socks to keep your feet warm. You will be rafting on a glacial river. -Warm layers would include, thin base layer light long sleeve shirt or thermals if you have them, mid layer- long sleeve sweater, sweatshirt, fleece or a vest, outer layer light puff, jacket (without a hood if possible), rain jacket. -A thin glove layered by a pair of dish gloves* is a great way you keep your hands warm.
  • Warm socks could be a wool pair of socks or an extra thick pair of winter socks for skiing, or you can layer two socks and slide in a toe warmer in between the socks. Just remember- Your clothes keep you warm our suits keep you dry. We look forward to rafting with you There will be no refunds issued after you participated in a rafting trip High-water / Wind Policy (Canyon Wave Only) If New Wave cancels a Canyon Wave trip due to high water, wind or other safety reasons you will automatically be rebooked to the Wilderness Wave at the same time slot. We will send texts and emails for notification.
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Denali Rafting on the Nenana River

The Nenana River runs the length of Denali National Park's eastern boundary, and every rafting trip bookable at the park entrance runs on it. Two operators, four trips, and the choice comes down to one question: do you want whitewater or scenery?

Canyon or wilderness

The Nenana Canyon is the whitewater stretch — class III and IV depending on water level, glacial melt, and how late in the season you go. The wilderness stretch above it is moving water without the rapids, which makes it the better choice with younger children or anyone who would rather look at the scenery than paddle through it.

Denali Raft Adventures runs the $149 Canyon Run and the $149 Wilderness Run. New Wave Adventures runs the $147 Canyon Wave and the $147 Wilderness Wave. The pricing is effectively identical — $147 against $149 — so the decision is schedule and departure point, not cost.

What the price covers

All four are per-person rates and none carries a party minimum, so a solo traveller pays the listed figure rather than being charged for two seats. Dry suits are standard on the Nenana because the river is glacial and cold enough that immersion without one is genuinely dangerous; both operators include them.

Water level changes through the season

The Nenana is fed by glacial melt, so it runs highest in mid-summer and drops through August. A canyon trip in July is a materially different river from the same trip in early September. Neither operator changes the price for it, and both run the canyon all season, but if you are booking specifically for big water the earlier part of the season is the one you want.

Season

Rafting runs from roughly late May to mid-September. Outside that window the river is not commercially run.

FAQ

Questions? Answered.

How do I book?

Use the booking buttons on this page to check current availability and reserve your preferred trip.

What should I confirm before booking Denali Tours in Denali National Park, Alaska?

Verify your date, party size, and package fit first, then complete checkout while your preferred time is still available.

Can pricing change?

Yes. Rates can vary by date, demand, and package details, so always use live checkout pricing when finalizing your reservation.

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