Alaska offers a spectacular array of rafting opportunities, from southeast Alaska to the state's interior, from short half-day guided river floats to multi-day fly in raft trips to Alaska's backcountry. Few locations, however, are more popular for Alaska rafting than Denali National Park. In the summer season there are a half dozen or so Denali rafting companies operating near Denali National Park, taking tens of thousand of Alaska visitors rafting on the Nenana River each summer.

Denali National Park covers more than 6 million acres, and is home to 20,300 foot Mt. McKinley, abundant wildlife and some of Alaska's best rafting. Nearly all raft trips travel the Nenana River, which flows to the north through the Alaska Range and borders the eastern side of Denali National Park. The Nenana River offers great Alaska rafting adventures, from calm float sections to class III and IV whitewater rafting. While longer trips are available, most Denali rafting participants choose one of the two to three hour raft trips, which operate within 10 to 12 miles of the Denali Park entrance. These trips include float trips to the south of the Denali Park entrance and Alaska whitewater rafting trips to the north. Rafts are typically around eighteen feet long and hold six to eight passengers plus an experienced Denali rafting guide. Usually the raft guide is at the oars, but paddle trips are sometimes available if you want part of the action.

Denali Whitewater Rafting
If you are the adventurous type, then the whitewater trip is for you. These trips start near the Denali Park entrance then travel about 11 miles down the Nenana River through the “canyon” to the town of Healy. This raft trip is not recommended for children under 12 or if you are pregnant, and you want to be sure to leave your expensive camera or video equipment at the hotel. Check out our selection of Denali whitewater raft trips available at 7:30am, 10:00am, 3:00pm, and 6:30pm.

Denali Float Trips
Float trips start south of the Denali Park entrance and travel about 11 miles on the Nenana River, ending just north of the entrance. They are great introductory trips, and a great family rafting adventure as well. Recommended minimum age is 5 years old. It is not uncommon to see Alaska wildlife such as moose, caribou, sheep and bear on this trip. Check out our selection of Denali float trips available at 7:30am, 12:30pm, and 6:30pm.

For reservations or additional information on Alaska rafting please call 800-208-0200 or submit an online reservation request. We also invite you to try our site’s advance search feature, or browse Amazon.com for Alaska rafting travel guides or videos.

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