Ride 11 miles of Nenana River rapids with paddle or oar options
3.5 Hours
Dry suit, river shoes, helmet
Raft 11 miles on the glacial-fed Nenana River on the Canyon Wave. Choose a paddle raft (you help power the boat) or an oar boat (your guide rows) as you run rapids like Razorback and Coffee Grinder.
Ages 12+ for oar boat; ages 15+ to paddle. Rafting is inherently risky and not recommended for those who are pregnant. Photos are available for purchase, and tips for guide and staff are not included.
Cancel 2 days in advance for a full refund. Cancel within 1 day of the trip for no refund. No refunds after participation. Trips depart rain or shine. If New Wave Adventures cancels and rescheduling is not possible, you get a full refund minus the booking fee.
Dress in warm layers and bring warm socks for a glacial river. Leave your own shoes at the office and wear the provided river shoes. Your clothes keep you warm, and the dry suit keeps your clothes dry.
You get a dry suit, river shoes, a personal flotation device (lifejacket), and a helmet. You also get a paddle if needed.
Yes. You wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (lifejacket), and your guide gives safety training before you launch.
New Wave Adventures Office or we can provide a free shuttle
The guides here really make the experience. Luke Johnson gets called out repeatedly for being knowledgeable, funny, and fantastic with kids of all ages. J Money, Corbin, Tommy Salami, and others consistently earn praise for their professionalism, local knowledge, and ability to balance fun banter with genuine safety expertise. The front desk staff, including Tracy, also get recognition for being organized and welcoming from the booking stage onward. The operation itself runs smoothly, with quality dry suits that actually keep you dry, well-maintained equipment, and seamless logistics from hotel pickup to drop-off. They offer different river sections based on water levels and experience, with the Canyon Run being popular for those wanting more action and the Wilderness Wave perfect for families with younger kids or those preferring a calmer float. One group noted their trip was more of a float than expected, but most reviewers found their experience matched what they'd hoped for. The scenery along the Nenana River consistently impresses, and the guides share interesting details about the landscape, wildlife, and glaciers throughout the journey.
Took the Canyon Wave Raft Tour with New Wave Adventure. We rafted through 11 miles of a glacial river with spectacular views of Denali National Park gems. The water was very cold (~40 degrees Celsius) and glad we had dry suits, warm clothing, & waterproof gloves. 🥶😎
Catherine Hunt
November 19, 2025
Took the Canyon Wave Raft Tour with New Wave Adventure. We rafted through 11 miles of a glacial river with spectacular views of Denali National Park gems. The water was very cold (~40 degrees Celsius) and glad we had dry suits, warm clothing, & waterproof gloves. 🥶😎
Catherine Hunt
November 19, 2025