Nenana River Rafting Denali: Class II–III Whitewater Tour

Paddle through Class III rapids and drift past Alaska's wild river canyon in one afternoon.

Healy Express Run is a 5-hour whitewater rafting activity on the Nenana River in Denali National Park, combining a calm scenic float with Class II and III rapids, Cable Car and Coffee Grinder drops, and a mid-trip break. The trip includes a knowledgeable guide, all essential gear (dry suit, lifejacket, neoprene boots), round-trip transportation from select local lodging, and a choice between guide-rowed oar raft or paddle raft. Minimum age is 12. All children must weigh at least 50 pounds. Participants should bring warm layers to wear under the dry suit.

The experience

The Nenana River run splits into two distinct stretches. You start with a scenic float through calm, wildlife-rich water where the river winds through Alaska's rugged canyon, then transition into the heart-pounding Class III whitewater section featuring named rapids like Cable Car and Coffee Grinder. A brief break midway gives you time to catch your breath and take in the wilderness before the final push downstream.

You choose how active you want to be: guide-rowed oar raft lets you sit back and experience the rapids without paddling, while a paddle raft puts you in the action, working the oars through each drop. Either way, the guide handles navigation and safety. All gear is provided (dry suits, latex-free alternatives available, neoprene boots, lifejacket), so you show up ready to go. Round-trip transportation picks you up from select local lodging and returns you there after the run.

The full trip runs about 5.5 hours from start to finish. Rain or shine, all departures go as scheduled. You'll need to bring warm layers (thermal underwear, socks, a beanie) to wear underneath the dry suit. The river is cold even in summer. Children of any age can join if they weigh at least 50 pounds. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health. You should have at least moderate fitness to handle the rapids and the physical demands of the day.

What’s included

• Knowledgeable guide leading the trip.
• dry suit, neoprene boots, latex socks and lifejacket for each participant.
• choice of guide-rowed oar raft or paddle raft.
• round-trip transportation from select local lodging.
• mid-trip snack break.
• latex-free suits available upon request.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 9 Sep 2027

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 70

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Denali Raft Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose the paddle raft if you want to actively work the rapids yourself. Choose the oar raft if you'd rather sit back and let the guide handle the navigation while you take in the canyon and the whitewater. Both run the same river and Class III drops. The difference is how much you paddle.

Traveler reviews

4.77★★★★★★★★★★

13 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the oar raft and the paddle raft on the Nenana River?

The guide-rowed oar raft is a laid-back experience where you sit and let the guide navigate the rapids. The paddle raft puts you in control, working the paddles through the whitewater yourself. Both run the same river and hit the same rapids. The choice is whether you want to paddle actively or ride along.

Does the Nenana River rafting trip include transportation to the river?

Yes, round-trip transportation is included from select local lodging in the area. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you're staying elsewhere.

What should I wear under the dry suit for the Nenana River?

Bring warm layers (thermal underwear, socks and a beanie), because the river is cold. The dry suit keeps water out, but the layers underneath keep you warm. Avoid cotton. Wool or synthetic materials work better.

Can children go on the Nenana River rafting trip?

Children aged 12 and up can join, but all children must weigh at least 50 pounds to wear the lifejacket and gear safely. The trip includes Class III rapids, so kids need to be comfortable with whitewater and have at least moderate physical fitness.

What gear is provided for the Nenana River rafting adventure?

The outfitter provides dry suits, neoprene boots, latex socks, lifejackets, and paddles or oars depending on which raft you choose. Latex-free suits are available upon request if you have a sensitivity.

How long is the Nenana River rafting trip from start to finish?

The full adventure takes about 5.5 hours, including the scenic float, the whitewater section, and a mid-trip break to rest and take in the wilderness.