Nenana

Season: May to September. Expect peak flows in late June with a second peak in mid September.

Description

With easy access off the George Park Highway (Hwy. 3) along the eastern boundary of Denali National Park, and located on the main highway between Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Nenana River is perhaps Alaska's most popular whitewater trip. The headwaters orginate from the Nenana and Yanert glaciers to the east, and then the river turns north where it joins the Tanana which is a major tributary of the Yukon. Several outfitters offer commercial trips on this stretch which is the most convenient river trip for visitors to the Park; they offer options from a couple hours to a couple days .

The character of this river is bigwater with numerous playboating opportunities. The river has also been the site of an annual gathering of Alaska paddlers in July that includes wildwater and slalom races

Trips on the Nenana can be extended by starting your run further upstream.

• 1. Carlo Creek to McKinley Village
• 2. McKinley Village to Riley Creek
• 3. Riley Creek to Twin Rocks

Multi-day float trips beginning further upstream or continuing on downstream are possible, but the sections above include the majority of the best whitewater.

Logistics

From Anchorage, drive approximately 250 miles north on the George Park Highway (Hwy. 3) towards the entrance of Denali National Park. If you're coming from Fairbanks it's just over 100 miles to the southwest. Access is available at Twin Rocks along a pull-out just before the river plunges into the canyon section. This pullout is along the George Park Highway and loc

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