Alaska Awaits
Paddle the legendary rivers that run through Denali, Alaska on adventures built for your level of experience and desire for adventure. We Provide everything you need to follow an experienced guide and pilot an Inflatable Kayak, or float worry-free on a Guided Raft, through prominent summits, remote canyons, and untouched beaches on a highway of glacial waters.
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Trips for the Tenacious
Kayak
Daily: 8a, 12p, 4p
The Jack River Kayak Half Day
Beginner, Class I, 4 miles, 2-4 hours
The Jack River offers an exciting adventure through one of Alaska’s lesser-traveled waterways. This instructional trip’s shallow, fast-moving current provides the perfect setting for paddlers looking to build confidence and develop river skills. Whether you’re new to kayaking or already have experience on the water, this trip combines stunning scenery, and expert guidance for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.
$199/person
The Panorama Kayak Half Day
Beginner/Intermediate, Class I/II, 7 miles, 2-4 hours
This relaxed Nenana River trip weaves three miles of flat water with two short Class II rapids before settling into consistent Class I paddling beneath the Alaska Range. Suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers, the guided trip emphasizes learning river dynamics and paddling skills while searching for wildlife and enjoying mountain views. Guides provide safety instruction and interpretive commentary on local geology and natural history, and all river equipment is supplied.
$179/person
The Boreal Kayak Half Day
Advanced, Class III, 11.5 miles, 2-4 hours
This thrilling adventure requires previous paddling experience, and is an excellent choice for those who hope to expand their river portfolios. Paddle multiple Class II rapids and one Class III rapid as you wind through the legendary Northern forest among cascading waterfalls and rugged ridgelines.
$179/person
Raft
Daily: 8a, 10a, 12p, 4p
The Jack River Raft Express
Class I, 4 miles, 2.5 hours
The Jack River offers an calm adventure through one of Alaska’s lesser-traveled waterways. This casual trip through shallow, fast-moving current provides the perfect setting for those looking for a scenic, gentle river experience. Let our expert guides do the work while you take in the stunning scenery for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.
$149/person
The Panorama Raft Half Day
Class I/II, 7 miles, 2-4 hours
This section of the Nenana River offers a gentle cruise into the gorgeous Alaska Range. Beginning with three miles of flat water, the current picks up for two Class II rapids. The river then mellows to a consistent Class I for the remaining miles.
This trip allows guests the opportunity to learn more about river dynamics, search for wildlife, and enjoy a relaxing float while taking in views of the surrounding mountains — no paddling experience needed, as your guide handles the rowing.
$179/person
The Boreal Raft Half Day
Class III, 11.5 miles, 2-4 hours
Meet the unmatched scenery of cascading waterfalls and rugged ridgelines while paddling along Panorama and Carlo Mountains. This stretch of the Nenana features multiple Class II rapids and one Class III rapid. Get splashy and inspired by the expanse of boreal forest on this unique trip. Perfect for anyone looking for a fun play day in the waves.
$179/person
Specialty & Custom
Daily: 7p & Custom
The Caribou Hills Raft Full Day
Class I, 17 miles, 6-8 hours
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive along the Denali Highway, one of Alaska’s most spectacular backcountry roads, before launching onto a peaceful, lesser-traveled section of the Nenana River. This full-day paddling trip is perfect for those looking to slow down, enjoy a relaxing day on the water, and experience Alaska away from the crowds. Along the way, we’ll take time to enjoy a delicious riverside lunch from McKinley Creekside Café, with plenty of opportunities to soak in the scenery and the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness.
$399/person
Ask about our kayak option!
The Alpenglow Cruise
Beginner, Class I/II, 7.5 miles, 2-4 hours
Exclusively available with Alaska Paddle Expeditions, this evening trip takes you down the Jack River under the light of Alaska’s Midnight Sun. Enjoy quiet water, stunning scenery, and a unique boating experience before finishing the evening with a delicious riverside meal prepared from Mckinley Creekside Café (vegan and gluten-free options are available).
$249/person
Raft or Kayak!
Trip Times Daily, May 21-July 21, 7 pm
Custom & Private Trips
At Alaska Paddle Expeditions, our expert guides love to accommodate private and multi-day experiences for the explorer who truly seeks to be enveloped in the stunning and otherworldly Northern wilderness.
Due to the remote nature of overnight activities, booking depends upon our availability and your experience level. Please contact us for quotes and availability.
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Why Does Alaska Paddle Expeditions Use Inflatable Kayaks?
An IK can offer more stability and comfort than a classic hard-shell kayak or packraft. It’s also better suited to bringing and keeping accessible small dry bags. Lastly, it is notorious for being easier to recover into the craft, should a paddler have an “out-of-boat experience”.
Since our goal is to share particularly remote and unforgiving landscapes, APEx only uses the most durable, high quality IKs on the market.
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Participation Requirements:
Age:
*Minors under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Guided raft passengers (with parent or guardian): min 6 years
Tandem kayak passengers (with parent or guardian): minimum 10 years old
Solo kayak paddlers: minimum 14 years old
*Height:
4’6″-6’6″ (137cm-198cm)
*Weight:
50-275lbs (22-124kg)
Physicality:
- Kayaking guests must have the ability to grip and use a paddle with two points of contact.
- Guests must be able to sit upright unassisted.
- Kayakers and Raft passengers must be able to travel over variable (rocky, sandy, or otherwise uneven) terrain.
Guests who do not meet these requirements are highly encouraged to inquire about Custom or Special Needs Trips!
We recommend pre-trip motion sickness treatment for individuals that experience strong symptoms.
*For safety purposes, all guests must fit properly into Alaska Paddle Expeditions’ provided equipment in order to participate.
*Participation Requirements are based upon those recommended by the manufacturers of our Personal Floatation Devices (“life jackets”), dry suits, and Inflatable Kayaks.
For Your Safety & Comfort:
We Provide:
- Type V, US Coast Guard Approved Personal Floatation Device (commonly known as a “Life Jacket”)
- Professional Grade Paddle, Helmet, Inflatable Kayak (if kayaking)
- Premium Dry Suit* designed to keep you and your clothes dry during your river adventures
- Beyond “industry standard” Pre-Trip Safety Instructions to keep you informed and aware on the water
*Dry Suits are designed to keep the wearer dry when properly donned and used. They are made of waterproof material, and use neoprene or latex gaskets worn against the skin of the wrists and neck, in order to provide a watertight seal. APEx provides the highest quality suits and clearest instruction possible.
Please Wear or Bring:
- For your comfort, please wear long sleeves, long pants, and long winter socks. We also advise bringing extra insulating layers of clothing, as well as extra socks, in case of inclement weather. Since these rivers are glacially fed, their waters remain at just above freezing temperature all summer, regardless of air temperature.
- *Please bring any emergency medications you normally carry. Noting these in your reservation, or when you meet your guide, helps us give you the best experience possible.
*For your safety and so that your guide might better serve you, always let your guide know this information before embarking on any outdoor experience or adventure. APEx will always provide specific oppotrunities for this information to be disclosed as discreetly as you may wish.
Optional Items You May Bring:
- Re-useable water bottles with locking carabiners
- *Small (5-10 Liter) Dry Bags for the containment of any snacks (and subsequent garbage), binoculars, cameras, or other non-waterproof items.
*Guests are responsible for personal items brought on any of our river trips, and must understand that these items have the potential for loss or damage.
Raft Trips:
What
Required for children ages 6-13, passengers on a Guided Raft will be able to participate in a less active and consequential experience alongside the thrill-seekers of the group.
Why
We know your group may have one or more members who do not possess the necessary physicality or desire to paddle a kayak, and are passionate about sharing intimate Alaskan Wilderness experiences with guests of all abilitites.
How
Rafts must be specified during booking to ensure availability. All other trip details remain the same.
*Raft Support unavailable on The Jack River Run due to this section’s inaccessibility to rafts
At Alaska Paddle Expeditions, your safety is our top priority, and we strive to help you to create unforgettable moments of joy, exhilaration, and freedom.
For the full list of Alaska Paddle Expeditions’ policies, please visit our Policies page
