★★★★★ 4.8 OUT OF 723 REVIEWS

Canyon Wave Rafting Tour: Nenana River Whitewater

Nenana River whitewater through a glacier-carved canyon: no experience needed to love it
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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

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DURATION

3.5 Hours

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Getting There

New Wave Adventures Office or we can provide a free shuttle

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Highlights

  • 11 miles of Class III-IV whitewater on the Nenana River
  • Named rapids including Razorback, New Wave, Trainwreck, and Coffee Grinder
  • Canyon walls, Mt. Healy and Sugarloaf Mountain from the water
  • Gore-Tex dry suit, neoprene booties and life jacket provided
  • Choose an oar raft your guide rows, or a paddle raft you help power


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Details

The Canyon Wave runs 11 miles of Class III-IV whitewater through the Nenana Canyon, the glacier-carved stretch of river just outside Denali National Park. Rapids come named: Razorback, New Wave, Trainwreck, Coffee Grinder. Between them the canyon opens onto Mt. Healy and Sugarloaf Mountain. This is the bigger of the two Nenana runs. If you want calmer water, take the Wilderness Wave scenic float instead.


Tour Dates

5/20/26–9/13/26

TOUR TIMES

  • 8:00 am
  • 10:15 am
  • 2:00 pm
  • 6:00 pm (May 24–Aug 24)
  • Changing to 5:30 pm (Aug 25–31)

RATES

  • $147  - Ages 12 & up

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Additional Information

Paddle vs Oar Rafts

For all raft 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 first-timers, an oar raft is rowed by the guide while rafters sit, hold on, and enjoy the view. In a paddle raft, you'll be expected to follow instructions and be an active participant, paddling the raft downriver. Paddlers must be 15 or older; guests aged 12 to 14 ride in an oar raft the guide rows. 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

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Best Price Direct

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Instant Confirmation

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Local Experts

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Tour Reviews

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THE DRY SUITS REALLY WORKED

It was cold and raining but the drysuits really worked to keep you comfortable. Our raft guide was Danila, who knew what he was doing, and made sure we got the full experience of the Nenana rapids.

justmecpb · TripAdvisor

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I LOOK GREAT IN A HELMET

We did the Canyon Wave trip even though I told my husband I wanted the easy one. I was already in the dry suit when it became clear that he had signed us up for the more invigorating trip. It worked out though, because I had a blast and found out that I look great in a helmet. I was surprised at how stable the rafts were even in the choppy water.

Catherine H.

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Policies

  • 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

    Minimum age 12. Guests must be 15 or older to ride in a paddle raft.

  • Shuttle Availability

    Our Shuttle Service provides pickup from local lodging, plus transportation to and from the river.

★★★★★  4.8 OUT OF 723 REVIEWS

Tour Provided By: New Wave Adventures

  $147 / Person

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Dry Suits Included

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Class III-IV Whitewater

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No Experience Required

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  $147 / Person

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