Hello! I'm sorting through the many trip reports here but I thought I'd throw out a specific request for a recommendation for:

-a kayaking trip out of Seward; half-day/a few hours-- guided or not

-rafting in Denali

We took the 2 hr Scenic Wilderness Oar Raft trip with Denali Outdoor Center last July. Class II & III ride. Very scenic, excellent guide, helpful staff, beautiful ride. I recommend the company. We loaded a bus at the Parks Hywy location and were shuttled to the starting point, bussed back.

Next time, probably go for for their Nenana Half Day ride that would entend that same ride with 2 more hours and class II & IV rapids.

Another gorgeous way to see the area!!!

-rafting in Denali

Katie, technically there's no rafting *inside* Denali but there are trips on the river bordering the park at the main entrance. Some are oar-powered, some use jet-boats.

Bill

There are some great 1/2 kayak trips out of Seward - Sunny Cove does a good one around Fox Island and Adventure Sixty North has some on the East side of the bay around Kayakers Cove, Humpy Cove and Eldorado Narrows. These ones offer something different from the more common ones on the west side of the bay.

Kristinesonja:

Did you book your raft trip before arriving at Denali or did you bookwhile you were there?

I took the II, III, IV class paddle tour (not the oar trip) with the company that Kristinesonja recommended (Denali Outdoor Center). We booked before (about two weeks prior) but then ended up changing the booking on our arrival so that we would go later in the day (we were originally scheduled for the 8:00 run).

This was the end of May though... so I don't know how important it would be to book in advance for peak season. There are at least two or three companies though---I'd be surprised if every slot was taken. How many are in your group?

I really enjoyed the paddle; one caveat... since it was May the water was really low---so the rapids were not as scary or thrilling as I had prepared for. Still a great time though...

Meant to thank you Kristinesonja for the recommendation---sorry about that. Glad this was topped!

We went on the Nenana trip in 2005, also at the end of May. There was a choice of paddling or riding and we rode. It was a great trip, went through class IV rapids at least once, maybe twice. They dress you up so not a drop of water can get in. It was a blast. Sorry I don't remember the name of the company, but it was right there by the hotel. After the ride, they bused us back. Have a great time!

We went 2nd week in August 2005 -- and chose to have the guide steer us through rather than paddle. You are provided "dry" suits to wear -- cause if you fall in -- you can only last a few minutes in the glacier fed ice cold water. After the dangerous rapids -- they have a man on shore ready to through you a life line to haul you in should you go overboard. It's pretty scenary but not the same thrill as rafting the New River in West Va. As with any rafting trip -- the excitement could depend on the volume of water (glacial melt) in the river at the time you go.