Glacially fed river known for whitewater rafting, scenic views, and wildlife habitat flowing through rugged mountain landscapes and boreal forest.
General Information
Guided rafting trips and outfitters charge separate fees
Healy (12 mi)
How to Get There
From Healy (12 mi): Follow Parks Hwy (AK-3) south toward the park entrance, with multiple access points and viewpoints along the river corridor.
Overview
The Nenana River is a 140-mile glacial river in central Alaska that starts at the Nenana Glacier and flows north along the Parks Highway and the Alaska Railroad past the entrance of Denali National Park. It was named the Cantwell River by Lt. Henry Allen in 1887. It is one of the most popular whitewater rafting rivers in Alaska, with commercial trips near Denali (Class III and IV rapids in the canyon) that leave from Healy and Denali Park. It hosts chum and king salmon, and Arctic grayling.
Things to Do
Experience One of Alaska's Most Famous Glacial Rivers
The Nenana River is a glacier-fed waterway that flows along the eastern boundary of Denali National Park & Preserve. Surrounded by rugged mountains, forests, canyons, and wilderness landscapes, the river is best known for its world-class rafting, wildlife viewing, hiking opportunities, and spectacular scenery.
Go Whitewater Rafting
The Nenana River is one of Alaska's premier rafting destinations and offers trips ranging from scenic floats to exciting whitewater adventures. Several sections of the river feature Class III and Class IV rapids, making it a favorite destination for both first-time rafters and experienced paddlers.
Explore the Nenana River Canyon
The river flows through dramatic canyons and mountain valleys beneath the Alaska Range. Visitors can experience steep canyon walls, rushing rapids, scenic overlooks, and opportunities to view wildlife while traveling through this remarkable landscape.
Visit the Tsenesdghaas Na' Trailhead
Located south of the Denali National Park entrance, this trailhead provides access to several trails overlooking the Nenana River. The area features scenic viewpoints, interpretive opportunities, and access to some of Denali's newest hiking trails.
Enjoy Wildlife Viewing
The Nenana River corridor supports a variety of wildlife including moose, bears, small mammals, birds, and numerous migratory species. The surrounding forests and river habitats provide excellent opportunities for observing animals in their natural environment.
Discover Denali's Frontcountry Trails
The Nenana River corridor serves as an increasingly important recreation area within Denali National Park. New trail systems provide opportunities for hiking, biking, nature observation, and experiencing the park's landscape without entering the more remote backcountry.
Top Trails
Nenana River Trail
Length: More than 6 miles one way and expanding
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This scenic trail follows the Nenana River through spruce and aspen forest while providing access to multiple overlooks of the river canyon. The route features mountain views, river scenery, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Oxbow Loop Trail
Length: Approximately 1.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Starting from the Tsenesdghaas Na' Trailhead, this short loop follows high bluffs above the Nenana River before descending toward the river's edge. It is ideal for visitors seeking an easy hike with impressive river views.
Triple Lakes Trail
Length: Approximately 9.5 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
The longest established trail in Denali National Park, Triple Lakes Trail connects the Tsenesdghaas Na' Trailhead with the Denali Visitor Center area. Highlights include lakes, forests, suspension bridges, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Nenana River valley.
Nenana River Overlook Trail
Length: Approximately 0.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
A short walk from the trailhead leads to a scenic overlook of the Nenana River canyon, making it one of the easiest ways for visitors to experience the river's dramatic setting.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for National Park Service - Tsenesdghaas Na' Trailhead, Alaska.org - Nenana River Float Trip Guide, Nenana River, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
