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Guidebook for Alaska Adventure Travel |
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Most rafting around Denali occurs on the Nenana River.
This river flows north through the heart of the beautiful Alaska
Range, and is the most popular whitewater destination in the state.
It's the perfect way to enjoy Alaska's spectacular interior, while
experiencing the thrills of whitewater! The Nenana River offers all
types of rafting, from calm float sections that the whole family can
enjoy, to class III and IV whitewater rapids.
Different rafting tours are available in the summer from a number of
companies operating near Denali National Park. And because not
everyone is ready for a multi-day adventure on wild rapids, the
Denali area is a perfect choice to consider for first-time
whitewater paddlers.
South of the Park entrance is where scenic float trips of the Nenana
River can be booked. It's an excellent introduction to rafting, and
can be full of adventure!
Floating downstream, you're sure to see lots of wildlife such as
bears, eagles, and cariboo - making this a favorite option for a
family adventure.
If you're looking for something more than just a scenic run on the
Nenana, then try the 11 plus miles of class III and IV rapids, as
you snake your way through the Nenana Gorge to the town of Healy.
These more challenging trips start near the Denali Park entrance.
Kenai Peninsula
When planning for an Alaska whitewater rafting excursion, don't
forget to consider what the Kenai Peninsula has to offer.
An adventure on the Kenai river can be anything from a scenic two-hour float
trip, up to a seven-hour class II rafting experience. River rafting on the
Upper Kenai River affords you the opportunity to float, while searching for
wildlife and learning about the history of the region.
Whitewater excursions are offered here from May through September, and can
be enjoyed by all ages. Trips begin near Kenai Lake, starting out at Jim's
Landing and can continue downstream to Skilak Lake.
For more of an adventure, try traversing the whitewater rapids through the
Kenai River Canyon. Tours can be arranged for all kinds of rafting,
including trips into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Another popular rafting destination is on the Copper River in
Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Here you can experience hanging riverside
glaciers, with outstanding views of snow capped mountains and a wide variety
of wildlife.
Single-day and multi-day rafting trips are available from a number of
different companies and outfitters. Some offer a combination of rafting and
flightseeing tours, allowing you to see-it-all and do-it-all in a relatively
short amount of time.
As well, there are large sections of river, between the Gulkana River to the
Chitina River, where it's not too hard to paddle. At 77 miles long, it's a
recommended section good for beginners, with easy class II rapids.
The Tana River really packs a punch with raging Class IV rapids and is
located in the heart of Wrangell St. Elias National Park. The trip begins
just downstream from the Tana Glacier.
The Kennicott River also offers Classs III and IV water, as it spills into
the Nizina River. Much of the rafting around here is only for those who are
experienced, and is not suitable for beginners or younger children.
It's always good to check with the tour operators in every area for
suggestions on selecting whitewater rapid runs.
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With a number of diverse whitewater trip options available, it's a
great way to experience the unspoiled wilderness of Alaska's
national parks and river canyons. Here's a look at our top picks for
an Alaska Whitewater Rafting Adventure: 
