★★★★★ 5 OUT OF 446 REVIEWS
Wilderness Wave Rafting Tour
11 miles of calm Class II-III water on the Nenana River. Ages 5 and up.
Includes
- Dry Suit (keeps clothes completely dry)
- River Shoes (swap your shoes at the office)
- PFD / Life Jacket (US Coast Guard approved)
- Helmet
- Shuttle pickup from hotel/lodge
DURATION
3.5 Hours
Getting There
New Wave Adventures Office or free shuttle provided
Highlights
- 11 miles of mellow rafting: Class II–III, family-friendly
- Scenic glacially carved valleys along the natural boundary of Denali National Park
- Panoramic views of Mount Fellows and Flat Top Mountain
- Oar raft (guide rows) or paddle raft option available
- Suitable for young children (ages 5+ in oar raft with parent)
- Moose commonly spotted along the route
Details
Tour Dates
5/20/26–9/13/26
TOUR TIMES
- 8:00 am
- 12:00 pm
- 2:00 pm
- 6:00 pm
RATES
- $147 - Ages 12 & up
- $100 - Ages 5-11 ( minimum weight 50 lbs / 22.67 kg )
Additional Information
Paddle vs Oar Rafts
For all Denali white water rafting trips, you have your choice of oar rafts or paddle rafts (It takes 5 participants to paddle, when possible parties are combined to reach five or more). Both oar rafts and paddle rafts run the same rapids on the river. Perfect for 1st timers, an oar raft, is rowed by the guide while rafters sit, hold on and enjoy the view. In a paddle raft you will be expected to follow instructions and be an active participant by paddling the raft down river. You still have a guide but everyone has a paddle and the guide instructs you on how and when to paddle.
Recommended Clothing
- Warm outdoor clothes
- Dress in layers (avoid cotton if possible)
- A wool or fleece beanie style hat
- Two pair wool socks
- Eye glass retainers
A Gore-Tex drysuit, neoprene booties, and a life jacket are provided.
What's not included
- Photos available for purchase
- Tips for guide and staff
Itinerary
- Pick-up/Arrival at Office- Arrive at the office for check-in.
- Check-in & Waiver Signing- Sign required waivers and use the restroom before gearing up.
- Dressing into Dry Suits- Receive drysuit and dressing instruction
- Shuttle to River Put-In- Travel by shuttle to the river launch site.
- Safety Orientation- Listen to safety briefing to prepare for the trip.
- Rafting- Enjoy your rafting adventure on the river.
- Takeout & Gear Load- Reach the takeout point and load up your gear.
- Shuttle to Office- Return to the office by shuttle.
- De-suit- Take off your dry suit.
- Drop-off at Hotel- Return to your hotel for a relaxing end to the day.
Why Book With Us
Best Price Direct
Instant Confirmation
Local Experts
Tour Reviews
PERFECT FOR ALL AGES
We made a last-minute booking for the Wilderness Wave Raft Tour during our too-short stay in Denali and have no regrets. We chose the Wilderness Wave Raft Tour because our youngest is 7, and this ride was absolutely perfect for her and her 73-year-old grandpa.
Whitney Malzhan · Google
THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR DENALI STAY
Our family did the Wilderness Wave Raft tour down the Nenana River, with Bela as our guide. Bela was an awesome guide, providing info about sites along the 11 mile ride. It was a great adventure and the highlight of our Denali stay. Lots of fun!
Rick Benavides · Google
Policies
Disclaimers
This tour does not take place within the boundaries of Denali National Park. The Park Service doesn't allow us to guide off-trail there, so we do it just outside of the Park boundaries instead!
Restrictions
Rafting is inherently risky not recommended for those who are pregnant.
Dry Suit Size Reference
Minimum Fit
- XXS
- Weight
- 50lbs
- Neck
- 10"
- Wrist
- 4.5"
Maximum Fit
- XXL-Tall
- Chest
- 50-52"
- Waist
- 44-48"
- Hips
- 48-52"
- Weight
- 235-265 Ib
- Height
- 6'4"-6'6"
Extras
Please note that a minimum of 5 rafters must be booked in order for the tour to run. If this minimum is not met, the trip will be rescheduled for a different time slot. If you have any questions please call our office.
Disclaimers
Opt in for text notifications.
Stay up to date with texts about your rafting trip.
You can also get access to your specific waivers via text and sign them right on your phone.
Weather Policy
All trips depart rain or shine.
Cancellation Policy
No refunds will be issued for trips cancelled within seven days of departure. All trips depart rain or shine. Cancellations after time of payment with more than eight days notice will incur a 10% cancellation fee.
Child Policy
Suitable for ages 5 years and older.
Shuttle Availability
Our Shuttle Service provides pickup from local lodging, plus transportation to and from the river.
★★★★★ 5 OUT OF 446 REVIEWS
Tour Provided By: New Wave Adventures
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