Denali Canyon Wave Rafting

Excursion Overview

Thrilling rafting tour through Denali National Park

Discover spectacular views and electrifying rapids through Denali National Park on 11 miles of the Nenana River. This class III-IV rapids excursion will have you cruising through exciting glacial rapids all while taking in the impressive scenery. This must-do Denali activity takes on the Nenana River with rapids ranging from Razorback to New Wave, Train-wreck to Coffee Grinder, and more. Join this fun-filled excursion as a paddle rafter or oar boat ride...whatever floats your boat!

Spectacular views of the Nenana Canyon, Mount Healy, and Sugarloaf Mountain are just a few of the highlights throughout Denali National Park. Canyon Wave riders are outfitted with dry suits, river shoes, personal flotation devices, and helmets. High water and winds are always assessed and guest safety is of the upmost concern. If the Canyon Wave is deemed unsafe, you will have the chance to do the Denali Wilderness Wave instead.

This 11-mile section of the river is not only some of the best whitewater in the state of Alaska, but you will have ample opportunity in between rapids to take in the wild and scenic beauty of Denali.

Paddle Rider versus Oar Boat Rider?

In an oar boat, you hold on and enjoy the ride – your river guide does all the work. In a paddleboat, you will participate in propelling the boat downstream. Both rafts run the same stretch of river and the same rapids. The paddleboat tends to be more adventurous for the customer because you are actively leaning outside the raft and paddling through waves.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation available from the following local Denali lodging accommodations:
    Denali Bluffs Hotel
    Denali Cabins - Denali National Park
    Denali Crow's Nest Log Cabins
    Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
    Denali Park Village
    Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
    Denali Visitor's Center
    Grand Denali Lodge
    McKinley Chalet Resort
    Riley Creek Campground
  • Dry suit and helmet
  • River shoes (so you return to a dry pair of shoes)
  • Personal flotation device

Requirements:

  • Minimum age: 12 years and up in an oar boat, 15 years and up in a paddle boat.
  • Guests should wear warm layers and a pair of warm socks. A base layer (long sleeve shirt or thermal), mid-layer (long sleeve sweater, sweatshirt, fleece, or a vest), and an outer layer (light puffy jacket, jacket without a hood, rain jacket) are highly recommended.
  • A thin glove layered by a pair of dish gloves is a great way to keep your hands warm
  • Signed liability waiver

Duration: 3-3.5 hours (Roundtrip from local Denali accommodations.)

  • 30 minutes - Meet your guide, gear up and safety orientation
  • 2-2.5 hours - Canyon Wave rafting adventure

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour picks up from select local accommodations. If you have your own vehicle, guests are welcome to self-transport themselves. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to climb 4 steps in and out of the van. There is limited storage in the vehicle for foldable wheelchairs or walkers. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsable equipment will be required on the tour.

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bald eagles, waterfowl, and beaver are all common sights, and we also have the opportunity to see bears, moose, foxes, and wolves however this is not a designated wildlife tour and specific wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

Your shoes will be left at the office in a bin and you will be given a pair of cool river rafting shoes. Dress warm and bring socks. The water is really cold. Your cothes keep you warm and the dry suit keeps you dry. The only body part that should get wet is your hands and your head.

In an oar boat, you hold on and enjoy the ride – your river guide does all the work. In a paddleboat, you will participate in propelling the boat downstream. Both rafts run the same stretch of river and the same rapids. The paddleboat tends to be more adventurous for the customer because you are actively leaning outside the raft and paddling through waves.

Recommended 12 years and up in an oar boat, 15 years and up in a paddle boat.

Yes. Each participant will be wearing a coast guard approved personal floatation device (PFD) which will keep you afloat if you find yourself in the river. Before your departure, your raft guide will give you an in-depth safety speech and prepare you for what do to if you fall out of the raft. Safety is our top priority here at New Wave Adventures, and all of our raft guides have gone through an intensive training course in whitewater rescue.

Professional photos will be taken during your trip. Handheld cameras and phones are discouraged, as they are more likely to be lost than used during your trip.

Guests are provided with all of the proper equipment, including a dry suit, wetsuit booties, PFD (personal floatation device), helmet, and paddle if applicable.

Personal items are not allowed on trips, with the exception of special medications that can be carried by your raft guide.

Canton Wave is the most challenging rapids offered on the Nenana River, ranging from Class II-IV (ages 12+). This 11-mile section of the river is not only some of the best whitewater in the state of Alaska, but you will have ample opportunity in between rapids to take in the wild and scenic beauty of Denali.

Class I - Easy. Smooth water; light riffles; clear passages, occasional sandbanks, and gentle curves. The most difficult problems might arise when paddling around bridges and other obvious obstructions.

Class II - Moderate. Medium-quick water; rapids with regular waves; clear and open passages between rocks and ledges. Maneuvering required. Best handled by intermediates who can maneuver canoes and read water.

Class III - Moderately difficult. Numerous high and irregular waves; rocks and eddies with passages clear but narrow and requiring experience to run. Visual inspection required if rapids are unknown.

Class IV - Difficult. Long and powerful rapids with standing waves; big hydraulic waves and boiling eddies. Powerful and precise maneuvering required. Visual inspection mandatory.

Class V - Extremely difficult. Long and violent rapids that follow each other almost without interruption. River filled with obstructions. Big drops and violent currents. Extremely steep gradient. Even reconnoitering may be difficult. Rescue preparations mandatory. Can be run only by top experts.

Class VI - Extraordinarily difficult. Paddlers face a constant threat of death because of extreme danger. Navigable only when water levels and conditions are favorable. This violent whitewater should be left to paddlers of Olympic ability. Every safety precaution must be taken.

 

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$140.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$140.00

Duration: 3-3.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3-3.5 hours



Rafter (12+): $140.00