The Ultimate Guide to Rafting in Denali National Park
- Tracey Smith
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- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Rafting in Denali National Park: Ride the Rapids, Embrace the Wild
When people dream of visiting Denali National Park, they often picture towering peaks, wandering wildlife, and endless trails. But there’s another thrilling way to experience Alaska’s wild side: rafting the Nenana River.
Flowing right along the park’s eastern boundary, the Nenana River offers everything from calm floats for wildlife viewing to heart-pounding whitewater runs. If you’re looking to add adventure to your Denali itinerary, rafting is one of the most unforgettable experiences. We hope you will enjoy this article: The Ultimate Guide to Rafting in Denali National Park
Below, we’ll highlight three popular options—New Wave Adventures, Denali Raft Adventures, and private custom rafting with Traverse Alaska—and share what guests are saying about each. Finally, we’ll explain why booking your rafting excursion through McKinley Creekside Cabins & Café makes trip planning easy and stress-free with our BOOK NOW/PAY LATER option.
The Ultimate Guide to Rafting in Denali National Park
Why Go Rafting in Denali?
The Nenana River is a glacier-fed waterway that provides both adventure and serenity.
Variety: Scenic floats for families, Class III–IV rapids for thrill seekers.
Views: Unique perspective of canyons, tundra, and mountains.
Wildlife: Eagles, moose, and sometimes bears along the banks.
Accessibility: Just minutes from Denali’s entrance and lodging.
New Wave Adventures: Big Rapids, Big Smiles
New Wave Adventures is one of the newer rafting companies in Denali, but it’s quickly won visitors over with a fun, modern vibe. Their guides are known for balancing professionalism with humor, which makes even nervous first-timers feel at ease.
Guest Feedback
Guests often praise their warmth and enthusiasm:
“Our family had the best time! The guides were hilarious, made us feel totally safe, and the kids can’t stop talking about it.”
“The dry suits worked great—I stayed warm the whole time. Rapids were thrilling but never scary.”
What They Offer
Scenic Floats: Family-friendly wildlife watching.
Whitewater Runs: Splash into Class III–IV rapids in the Nenana Gorge.
Gear Included: Dry suits keep you warm, even in glacier-fed water.
If you’re looking for high-energy guides, laughs, and thrills, New Wave is a top choice.
Denali Raft Adventures: Pioneers of the Nenana
Founded in 1974, Denali Raft Adventures is the original rafting company on the Nenana. With decades of experience, they’ve fine-tuned their trips and developed a reputation for professionalism and reliability.
Guest Feedback
Their longevity shows in their reviews:
“The most professional guides we’ve ever had. We felt safe from the moment we checked in.”
“We’ve rafted around the world, and this was one of the best organized operations we’ve experienced.”
“We loved the 2-hour scenic float—it was the perfect pace and we spotted a moose along the river.”
What They Offer
Short Floats: Ideal for those short on time.
Gorge Whitewater Trips: The famous Nenana Gorge with Class III–IV rapids.
Half- & Full-Day Trips: Maximum immersion in Denali’s river landscape.
Choose Denali Raft Adventures if you want a well-established operator with deep roots in the area.
Private Custom Rafting with Traverse Alaska
If you’re seeking a more personalized adventure, Traverse Alaska is known for private, small-group trips. Their focus blends rafting with naturalist guiding, creating an experience that’s as educational as it is adventurous.
Guest Feedback
Guests highlight the depth and intimacy of their outings:
“It felt like the river was ours alone. Our guide shared so much about the geology and wildlife—it wasn’t just rafting, it was learning.”
“Worth every penny for the private experience. We combined rafting with hiking and it was the highlight of our Alaska trip.”
“Our family loved that it was tailored to us. We could go at our own pace and focus on what we wanted.”
What They Offer
Private Rafting: One-on-one or small group adventures.
Multi-Day Expeditions: Rafting, hiking, and camping combinations.
Naturalist Focus: Guides weave in Denali’s ecology and cultural history.
Traverse Alaska is ideal for travelers wanting custom itineraries and deeper connections with the landscape.
Choosing the Right Rafting Experience
Not sure which rafting trip is right for you?
Families with kids → Scenic floats with New Wave or Denali Raft Adventures.
Thrill seekers → Whitewater trips in the Nenana Gorge.
Travelers wanting personalization → Private guided rafting with Traverse Alaska.
Booking Your Rafting Trip with McKinley Creekside Cabins
At McKinley Creekside Cabins & Café, we make planning easy. Our team can help you choose the right rafting operator, answer your questions, and even book your trip directly.
Benefits of Booking Through Creekside
Convenience: Add rafting to your cabin reservation in one step.
Best Rates: We work with local partners to secure competitive prices.
Flexibility: Book now, pay on arrival—secure your spot without upfront stress.
Local Knowledge: We’ll match you to the rafting trip that fits your adventure style.
By booking through us, you can focus less on logistics and more on making memories.
Why Stay at McKinley Creekside Cabins?
After a day on the river, unwind at your creekside cabin with the sound of Carlo Creek outside your door. Choose from:
Couples cabins by the creek
Family cabins with extra space
Three house rentals for groups
Pair your stay with meals from our award-winning café—famous for Alaska-sized cinnamon rolls, baked halibut, and carrot cake. Guests say Creekside is the perfect basecamp for exploring Denali.
Plan Early—Denali Fills Fast
Rafting in Denali offers everything from calm floats to wild whitewater, with operators like New Wave Adventures, Denali Raft Adventures, and Traverse Alaska ensuring there’s a trip for every type of traveler.
When you stay and book through McKinley Creekside Cabins & Café, you’ll enjoy the benefits of local knowledge, convenience, and the best of both worlds: adventure by day, comfort by night.
📅 Remember: We reopen May 15, 2026 and both lodging and rafting tours sell out quickly. Secure your Denali rafting adventure today!
