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Nenana Rafting Company

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jj2
jj2
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
3
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3
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Nenana River Float Trip

  • February 23, 2005
  • Rated 3 of 5 by MikeInTown from Norristown, Pennsylvania
Nenana River Float Trip

My wife and I did the float trip down the Nenana River. This trip was a guided rafting trip. There were rapids, but the guide avoided most of them. We got splashed a little near the end, though. The tour company supplied us with dry suits to keep us from getting wet. Even though the supplied footwear kept my feet dry, the cold water that sometimes splashed into the raft made my toes numb by the end of the trip. The river is glacier-fed, and thus, very cold! All in all, this was a nice relaxing excursion.

From journal Princess Heart Of Alaska Cruise Tour

Nenana Rafting Company

  • March 19, 2004
  • Rated 5 of 5 by ThereSheGoes from Seattle, Washington
I went paddling down the Nenana River five or six times while I was working. It was my first time ever, and it was scary but fun. For a first trip, I'd recommend riding near the middle of the boat, on a guided trip, no paddling. If you are into a little (a lot) more adventure, sit in the front position on the boat, and grab a paddle. Going later in the summer gets you a better and more exciting ride, but early summer you get to see all of the wildflowers blooming.

I recommend the above company - they give you complete drysuits (meaning you wear your street clothes and don't get wet) and a heated bus ride back to the starting point (the river is cold).

If you go with a different company, make sure you get the drysuit. I think helmets are required now. If you are unsure where to go, ask the local workers. We know all.

From journal Summer in Denali National Park

Editor Pick

Nenana River Rafting

  • December 23, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by jj2 from Madison, Alabama
Nenana River Rafting

River rafting this close to the artic is not your average float trip. The glacially-fed Nenana River water is extremely cold and is so silt laden that you cannot see through it. Two options are available, so you can tailor your experience to your physical condition and confidence level. Fully guided rafts offer a trip without having to paddle. Slightly more adventurous trips allow you to participate in navigating the rapids and collect face-fulls of cold water.
We elected to paddle. The trip was not taxing, and the rapids (on that day) did not appear to be severely challenging, but a guide is definitely required. There were enough holes and standing waves to be exciting.
Upon arrival at the rafting company, we completed the requisite paper work and safety briefing. Pay attention here because the water is deadly cold. To protect you, just in case you fall or dive in, you are outfitted in heavy rubber dry suits. These go over your street clothing and seal you tight, so there is no need to bring a change of clothing. We felt like the Michelin man in a space suit by the time we zippered, snapped, velcroed and sealed ourselves in. Despite feeling and looking a little silly waiting for all the fellow passengers to don their suits, we quickly forgot the garb once we launched the raft.
While we took a pause for the other boats to catch up, our most daring shipmates were invited to take a dive into the river. The suits made this safe from the cold, and they provide considerable buoyancy due to the air trapped inside.
Several visitors had some trouble getting the dry suits off before boarding the bus for the return ride to the main station, and we pitched in to help a few. Be sure to protect any optical surfaces from the water…if you rub your glasses or camera lens dry the glacial silt may turn your soft cloth into fine sandpaper. This is a great occasion for a water-proof disposable camera.
Like all guided rafting trips, you can select a photo taken by their professional photographer while you were zooming over a rapid. These are expensive (approximately $10-$15), but how else can you get a bird’s eye proof of your daring exploit to show your friends in the lower 48?

From journal Denali. It stands apart.

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