Healy Express Run: Paddle Raft

1. Shuttle pick-up or drive-in – Arrive at the starting point. 2. Check-in and waiver verification – Confirm your waivers are ready. 3. Suit up – We'll get you into your gear for comfort and safety. 4. Safety Speech - debrief on river safety steps 5. Raft the Wilderness Section - Class II - III 6. Mid-Way Break - great time to snack & bathroom 7. Raft the Canyon Section - class III-IV 8. Return to the office – We’ll help you out of your gear. 9. Gift shop & photo purchases – Grab a souvenir or your river memories. 10. Shuttle drop-off – We'll take you back to your starting point.

A drysuit is a waterproof suit designed to keep you completely dry—even when you're splashed or fully immersed in water. Unlike a wetsuit, which lets some water in and uses your body heat to warm it, a drysuit seals out water entirely with watertight latex gaskets at the neck, wrists, and latex socks to keep your feet dry. On our trips, we provide drysuits to help protect you from the cold glacial waters of the Nenana River—so you can focus on having fun, not freezing!

A quick heads up: the dry suit keeps you dry, but it's not insulated! Since Denali weather is as unpredictable as a moose on roller skates, layering is key. We suggest warm, non-cotton clothing like fleece, polyester, or wool to keep you cozy. Think pants or leggings, thermals, a long-sleeve shirt, fleece jacket, thick wool socks, and a knit hat that fits under your helmet. On chillier days, gloves are a great idea. Gloves, topped with dishwashing gloves for waterproofing, work wonders. Non-waterproof gloves? Not so much.

Latex Allergy? Latex-free suits are available upon request

It depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for! In a paddle raft, you’ll be actively involved—working as a team with your guide and fellow paddlers to navigate the rapids. It’s great for those seeking a hands-on, high-adrenaline adventure. In an oar raft, your guide does all the work using oars, so you can simply sit back, hold on, and enjoy the ride. It’s ideal for families, younger kids, or anyone who prefers a slightly less active (but still exciting) experience.

Nope! These trips are designed for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. Our expert guides will give you all the instruction you need before hitting the water.

The Wilderness Run features mostly Class I, II, and III rapids, which means the water is generally calm with a few gentle, splashy sections to keep things fun.

The Canyon Run features Class III and IV rapids, which means you can expect big waves, splashes, and lots of excitement. These rapids are thrilling but totally manageable for adventurous first-timers and families with older kids.

Yes! The Nenana River borders Denali National Park and is a hotspot for wildlife sightings. Keep an eye out for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bald eagles, and even the occasional bear along the riverbanks.

Driving from Healy (approx. 11 miles southbound on AK-3):

• Head south on the Parks Highway (AK-3) toward Anchorage.
• Drive across Windy Bridge—a tall bridge over the Nenana River.
• Continue 0.7 miles past the two stoplights and local Denali shops.
• Turn left onto Glacier Way, just before the next bridge, near Temsco Helicopters.
• We’re the first large red building on the right.

Driving from Cantwell (approx. 27 miles northbound on AK-3):

• Head north on the Parks Highway (AK-3) toward Fairbanks.
• Pass the Denali National Park entrance on your left.
• Cross the next bridge—look to your right and you’ll see our large red building.
• Take the first right onto Glacier Way, directly across from the KingFisher Creek pull-off.
• We’re the first large red building on the right.

Tips for your guide are not included—feel free to tip in cash or via Venmo at the end of your tour. They’ll definitely appreciate it!