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The
Nenana River flows northward through the heart of the
Alaska Range and forms the eastern border of Denali National Park.
 Denali
National Park is world famous for its abundant wildlife and for
Mt. McKinley, at 20,320 feet, the tallest mountain in North America.
Resulting from the massive collision occurring as the Pacific
Ocean plate grinds its way beneath the North American continent,
Mt. McKinley dwarfs the mountains surrounding it, reigning as
the crown jewel of the Alaska Range. With numerous active
glaciers pouring off its flanks, Mt. McKinley is still locked
in the last ice age. Containing
over six million acres, Denali National Park was set aside to
preserve not only the mountain itself, but the pristine alpine
terrain and abundant wildlife in the surrounding lands.
We have several
rafting options available for visitors to the Denali Park area.
With over 60 miles of river to choose from, the Nenana has peacefully
clam, non-whitewater sections as well as large volume Class IV
whitewater.
Trips can
vary in length from 11/2 hour whitewater thrillers through the
Nenana Gorge to multi-day helicopter supported trips which launch
within sight of the Nenana's source glaciers.
For visitors
on tight schedules, we have several half day and full day trips
to choose from, with several departure times daily.
For visitors
desiring small groups and wilderness settings, we suggest taking
an overnight trip, camping along the river as you go. On
our overnight trips you can choose from several options.
For visitors looking for the exotic, a 2-day/1-night helicopter
supported raft trip putting in on the Yanert Fork of the Nenana
is a must. For those on smaller budgets, we can still camp
on the river, but can hold down costs by accessing the main fork
of the Nenana by road.
Regardless
of the time you have available at Denali National Park, we'll
provide you with a raft trip that meets your schedule as well
as your budget.
Oar Rafts
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Paddle Rafts
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Choose
from 2 different raft configurations.
Paddle
Rafting
The guide
is located in the stern of the raft and calls out paddle commands
like "forward," "back-paddle," left-turn,"
"right-turn," etc.in order to maneuver the raft. Passengers
participate in a co-ordinated team effort as they travel downstream.
Oar
Rafting
The guide
is located in the center of the raft, seated within a rowing frame.
The rowing frame is secured to the raft and has oarlocks. The
raft is controlled solely by the guide who rows a set of oars
to maneuver the raft.
Denali
Rafting Trip Schedules and Itineraries
People come
to Denali National Park to see the mountain and its wildlife as
well as to go rafting on the Nenana River. Unfortunately,
visitors often arrive at the park only to find they must wait
48 hours before there is space available on the Park's shuttle
bus system to get into the heart of the Park. Since tickets
into Denali can only be reserved in person at the Denali
National Park visitor center, our ability to obtain these tickets
for you ahead of time can eliminate delays and help you maximize
your stay in Denali.
As such,
we've found it best to help you plan not only your raft trip,
but any additional activities you'd like to participate in at
Denali National Park. Since we live year round just 10
miles north of the main entrance to Denali National park, in Healy,
Alaska, we're part of an extensive network of locally owned businesses
that can provide you with lodging, tickets for the bus ride into
the park, groceries, gas, etc.
The network
of Alaskan owned Bed & Breakfasts in the Healy area is widely
known for excellent quality, warm hospitality and competitive
prices.
Denali
Rafting Trip Schedules and Options
We
offer the following raft trips:
For an extra
thrill try our paddle rafts, where you join the crew and help
"drive." Paddle rafts require reservations and a group
size of six to nine paddlers per raft. Overnight raft expeditions
are available by reservation and require a minimum group size
of four.
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An 11 mile scenic float
