Float Denali’s river boundary with mountain views and gentle whitewater
3.5 hrs
Dry suit, river shoes, lifejacket
Float along the natural boundary of Denali National Park through glacially carved valleys. Take in views of Mount Fellows, Sugarloaf, and Mount Healy on a scenic river ride with occasional rapids.
Cancel at least 2 days before your trip for a full refund. No refund for cancellations within 1 day of the trip or after participation. Trips run rain or shine. If the operator cancels and cannot reschedule your trip, you will receive a full refund minus the booking fee.
Product ID: YBWF7G
Leave your shoes at the office and dress warmly; a dry suit and river shoes are provided.
The guide rows in an oar boat while you relax; in a paddleboat you help power the raft.
Oar boat riders must be 5 + and paddle rafters 15 +.
New Wave Adventures, 38758 George Parks Hwy., Denali, AK 99755
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.
My husband and I were blessed by New Wave Adventures by giving us a wonderful rafting experience on the Nenana river. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. Our guide, J Money, was the best! He was a great help with our dry suits and embarking and disembarking on the raft. Thank you J Money and New Wave Adventures!
Ronald Schroeder
September 1, 2026
My husband and I were blessed by New Wave Adventures by giving us a wonderful rafting experience on the Nenana river. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. Our guide, J Money, was the best! He was a great help with our dry suits and embarking and disembarking on the raft. Thank you J Money and New Wave Adventures!
Ronald Schroeder
September 1, 2026
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