Denali Raft Adventures
Denali Raft Adventures
5
River Rafting & TubingNature & Wildlife Tours
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Raft trips at at the entrance of Denali National Park, Alaska from two hour to all day whitewater & mild water raft trips. Denali Raft Adventures, Inc. is the original raft company on the Nenana River, locally family owned & operated since 1974. At Mile 238 Parks Highway, 1/2 mile north from the entrance of Denali National Park. We provide transportation to and from the river and local lodging, knowledgeable guides, 18 ft rafts, Gore-Tex dry suits for the utmost in comfort, neoprene boots, and a Coast Guard approved life jacket. For trips both WILD and SCENIC raft with us on the Nenana River and make a memory that will last for a lifetime.
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Denali Raft Adventures
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,404 reviews
Excellent
1,272
Very good
97
Average
24
Poor
6
Terrible
5
Peter From Chicago
29 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
This was the best rafting experience ever. The 4 hour tour that included the class 3&4 rapids was worth every penny. The adrenaline rush on those rapids was exactly what I was looking for. We had a pleasure of having Karen as our guide and she is hands down the best. She is knowledgeable, experienced, professional, and the ultimate fun!!! She truly listened to our group and allowed us to have input into our experience. She delivered everything we hoped for from lots of paddling to nice water splashes. Not to mention that she is straight up hilarious. Her jokes and people friendly approach made this trip that much better. She definitively deserves a pay increase. The second part of our trip we had a training guide with us and it was great to see that Karen was really teaching him the best practices while she still was having fun with our group. That made us feel really safe even in the most intense moments. The overall experience was great from the beginning to the end. The service this company provides from the moment you checki-in, gearing up, bus ride, and the rafting itself definitively was worth the money. Lastly, our nice bus driver lady that picked us up at the end, went out of her way to catch us along the run and get some great photos that she shared with us pretty much free, without selling us some obnoxiously priced photo package that other companies would. That was such a nice surprise and just great ending to an already awesome day. Thank you Denali Raft Adventure.
Peter from chicago.
Peter from chicago.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashwin Devaraj
2 contributions
Jul 2021
We had an amazing experience! We were picked up from our hotel on time, given a thorough overview of safety protocol (how to wear the waterproof suits, etc.), and a well-guided rafting tour for 11 miles on the Nenana River. Our rafting guide Alley Cat did a great job steering the boat and conversing about the local geography and rafting in general. I would strongly recommend this experience to anyone interested in rafting Alaskan waters!
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula A
Claremont, CA18 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Overall wonderful experience. River guides combined safety rules with lighthearted banter. Our guide, Kevin, gave us great info about local wildlife and shared his love of the outdoors and Alaska. He was able to read the comfort level of the people on the raft and when we felt up to it, steered us towards some fun rapids safely so we could enjoy a bit of spray from the river. The company was able to accommodate my last minute booking, and even picked me up from a nearby resort (The Crow’s Nest) and dropped me off at the end of the river tour.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
becki907
Anchorage17 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We have taken multiple trips with Denali Raft Adventures, and have never been disappointed. This trip was no different. The guides are knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly. The equipment is well maintained, the reservation and check in process was easy, and the trip was well worth the money. We will definitely go again. Chris was super entertaining, and our guide, John, did a great job soaking everyone on the raft!
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimberlee M
55 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Terrific last adventure for our group of 9 in Denali! We really enjoyed our 2 hour McKinley paddling raft adventure. We were picked up in a bus at our hotel-Denali Bluffs -but it is short walk. The sign in and dressing was well organized but long. In the end it was worth it but putting on a full body wet suit made to keep the frigid water out was a necessity but very uncomfortable especially at the neck (challenging if you are claustrophobic) then on top of that a helmet and life vest and a packed bus ride to the rafting launch site were part of the process. On arrival a great safety overview and assignment ti the raft and guide. We were very fortunate to have Demetrius who was entertaining, knowledgeable and a great guide. We chatted the whole time and learned so much about the area and rafting. He was especially great with the 10,12 and 13 year old boys in our group! The 10 year old named his new wolf stuffed animal after him that night! It was also a beautiful sunny day and such a fun experience to help row (although seemingly more for effect) as the river and Demetrius did 95% of the work.
We would definitely recommend and might have considered an earlier or later raft time for the increased possibility of seeing wildlife. We decided to walk back to our hotel and stopped for an ice cream and the shops on the way back.
We would definitely recommend and might have considered an earlier or later raft time for the increased possibility of seeing wildlife. We decided to walk back to our hotel and stopped for an ice cream and the shops on the way back.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann Z
Carrboro, NC61 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
I don’t know what else to say that hasn’t already been said. This is a thoroughly professional organization that makes sure guests are safe and having fun. We have done a fair number of whitewater trips, but this one had the best equipment and best guides. The wet suits were outstanding. Several people voluntarily went into the water for a swim, to demonstrate how insulating the suits were. Unlike other trips where you are wet and cold, we were comfortable the entire time. The guides were great - highly skilled and entertaining. They managed guests of a wide age range very well, from slightly out of control kids to grandparents. Chris’s safety orientation was the best. He did not mince words. He offered a money-back guarantee to anyone wanting to back out. And no one did. Needless to say, there were no mishaps. I doubt you could find a better rafting trip.
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kari E
Colleyville, TX16 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Tremendous experience! You know it will be a great adventure when your guide tours are energetic, funny, and ready for a good time while also fundamentally sound with safety and making a precarious adventure as much fun as it can be. The guides were fabulous at getting a large group of people outfitted, equipped and ready in a short period of time. Once we got on the river, they were all instrumental in keeping all boats safe and inside the boats during class 3-4 rapids! The water was literally glacial melt so was 34-38 degrees in temp but we had an absolute blast. Special thanks to our tour guide Owen who provided narration as well as keeping us together to avoid panic in the waters! He was informative and funny and great at leading 8 people to work together to keep us upright and inside the boat! We got wet and it was cold, but it was still the best time! Would highly recommend!
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DoHaPi
Atlanta, GA6 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Denali is experiencing a huge surge in visitors right now (July 2021), so we had very little option but to sign up for a 6:30 p.m. rafting trip. This turned out to be for the best. The golden hour(s) of Alaska set the backdrop for some great paddling, and Chris was an entertaining and competent guide.
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie T
12 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Had such a fun time! We were so lucky to have a beautiful sunny day and such a fun group. We opted for the canyon run and had an unforgettable experience. Matteo was our guide and he was the best! His corny jokes made the ride even better than expected and our collective competitiveness made our ride a blast! Definitely ask for Matteo!
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cannafamily89
Boiling Springs, PA23 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Our raft had 3 groups, from elementary-aged kids to almost retired adults. We chose the float so we could enjoy the views while an expert rafter did all the work, Luc Lafayette was our guide and kept us safe and dry! He knew enough to point out geological interests, such as visible tectonic plates and melting permafrost, and made sure we all got to know each other and himself.
The only information that we wish we had known ahead of time was how to dress. We wore layers, as suggested, and had extra wool socks to change into just incase. We didn’t realize that we do not wear our own shoes on the raft, a full body river suit and river shoes are provided. They worked perfectly; we were not too cold, any splashes stayed on the outside and nothing got wet. So we overpacked, as we each wore boots, then had to drag them around in Denali as our luggage had been packed on the train that we were leaving on after the float. So my advice is not to be concerned about wearing special waterproof shoes.
The trip and company is highly recommended by us!
The only information that we wish we had known ahead of time was how to dress. We wore layers, as suggested, and had extra wool socks to change into just incase. We didn’t realize that we do not wear our own shoes on the raft, a full body river suit and river shoes are provided. They worked perfectly; we were not too cold, any splashes stayed on the outside and nothing got wet. So we overpacked, as we each wore boots, then had to drag them around in Denali as our luggage had been packed on the train that we were leaving on after the float. So my advice is not to be concerned about wearing special waterproof shoes.
The trip and company is highly recommended by us!
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What hotels do they provide shuttles from? We'd like to be sure to book a hotel where they'd pick us up. Thanks
Written July 7, 2019
DenaliRaftAdventures
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Denali Cabins
Grizzly Bear Resort
Denali Park Village
Railroad Depot/Denali Park Visitors Center
Riley Creek Mercantile
Grande Denali
Denali Bluffs
Denali Princess Lodge
Crow's Nest/Salmon Bake
McKinley Chalets
Written July 11, 2019
Is there any weight limit for rafters?
Written August 5, 2018
DenaliRaftAdventures
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
There is not a weight limit. It really depends on how the weight is distributed. Our largest suit is a "King" size just above a XXXL.
chest waist inseam sleeve height
58" 58" 33" 35" 6'-6'6"
I hope this helps!
Written August 7, 2018
Is this the rafting company that offers BOGO through Alaska Toursaver app.
Written August 4, 2018
DenaliRaftAdventures
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
No Denali Raft Adventures does not have a offer in the Alaska Toursaver app or book
Written July 11, 2019
Exactly what should you wear under the wet suit? Will be there at end of July for rafting
Written June 25, 2018
Wear thermals upper and just hiking pants lower. If u tend to get cold wear lower thermals
Written July 5, 2018
It’s just several hours, so one day.
Written June 6, 2018
Do people wear their hearing aids on the raft? If not, how do they get the instructions?
Written August 27, 2017
DenaliRaftAdventures
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Denali Raft does not recommend wearing your hearing aids while rafting. You can wear them up to the time you get in the raft then give them to the driver before you go rafting. This way you can listen to the safety lecture. Tell your guide about your hearing problem and work out hand signals to use while rafting if necessary. If paddling watch your co-paddler if your in the oar raft use the buddy system. You buddy can let you know what to do if needed.
Written August 28, 2017
Do you wear shoes in the raft or just socks that go inside the dry suit?
Written August 13, 2017
DenaliRaftAdventures
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
You need only wear socks. The drysuits have latex socks and Denali Raft Adventures provides neoprene booties that you wear over the latex socks. You will leave your shoes at the office while rafting
Written August 14, 2017
we have one in our group who doesn't swim and doesn't like rough water. What trip, if any, would you recommend?
Written May 31, 2017
DenaliRaftAdventures
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
The McKinley Run or the 4 Hour Scenic would be the best options! These two trips are our mildwater trips with class I, II and one class III rapid. These are both great options for familes with less adventurous members.
Written June 5, 2017
If staying at Denali Backcountry Lodge, how do I get transport to the raft adventure start point?
Written April 2, 2017
DenaliRaftAdventures
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
If you are staying at the park entrance area before or after your trip to the Backcountry Lodge that is the time you should go rafting. We do pick up from local lodges near the entrance to Denali National Park.
We can not pick you up from the Backcountry Lodge it is 90 miles into Denali National Park, the only way in or out is by a six plus hour ride on either the Backcountry Lodge shuttle or the National Park Service shuttle. The Backcountry Lodge has a sister property near the entrance to Denali National Park called Denali Cabins and we do pick up from that lodge. Enjoy your time at the Backcountry Lodge it is one of three exclusive hotels in the remote interior of the Denali National Park.
Written April 3, 2017
Trying to decide which Canyon Run we are taking.
My partner will be a first time rafter. I have rafted all the majors in the East U.S.
Should we take the Ride Along or the Paddle? I have never done a ride along tour.
We are in our late 50's and average late 50's body types.
We are joining you in late June.
Your thoughts based on the circumstances?
Do we bring our own Gloves?
Written March 23, 2017
DenaliRaftAdventures
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Hi
I see no reason why you and your partner can not paddle, it is more fun being able to participate. No experience is required. I do not recommend paddling for people who are afraid of the water.
We do recommend you bring your own gloves, it can be as simple as a pair of latex dish-washing gloves from your local grocery store, for warmer hands bring a pair of cheap thin one size fits all gloves to fit underneath. These are available for sale at our office as well.
Written March 23, 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 18