Tana River Rafting Expeditions – 4 & 6 Days
per person
Tana River Rafting: Alaska's Premier Wilderness Whitewater Adventure
Experience Pure Wilderness Whitewater
Deep in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Tana River rafting presents Alaska’s most thrilling whitewater expedition. This legendary river combines massive waves, technical drops, and pristine wilderness in a journey that rivals the world’s great river adventures. For 4 or 6 unforgettable days, immerse yourself in a landscape where 16,000-foot peaks soar in the distance and no footsteps disturb the untouched landscape.
Where True Adventure Meets Expert Guidance
The Tana isn’t just another river – it’s Alaska whitewater in its purest form: big, fast, and powerful. As the outfitter with more Tana River expeditions than any other guide service, we bring unmatched experience to this challenging waterway. Our professional guides undergo specialized training specifically for the Tana’s demanding conditions, ensuring you can focus on the thrill while we handle the technical demands.
Professional Equipment for Serious Whitewater
In waters this challenging, professional-grade equipment isn’t optional – it’s essential. Every guest receives a full dry suit, professional-grade safety gear, and comprehensive training. Before launching on the Tana, you’ll complete additional river safety training on the Kennicott River, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.
Difficulty Level: Challenging
This expedition is designed for experienced rafters seeking the ultimate Alaskan whitewater adventure. Previous whitewater experience strongly recommended. All participants receive additional safety training before launch.
Ready to experience Alaska’s legendary rivers? Reserve your expedition dates now – call us at 907-302-0688 or click below to start planning your journey through America’s largest national park.
- Alaska’s most epic wilderness whitewater expedition
- Class IV rapids rivaling the Grand Canyon in scale
- Bush plane access to remote wilderness
- Views of multiple 16,000+ foot peaks
- Exclusive Tana River Sand Dunes exploration
- Professional guides with specialized Tana River training
- Gourmet meals featuring local Alaskan ingredients
- Small groups for personalized experience
Begin your expedition with a spectacular bush plane flight into pristine wilderness. The first day and a half offers mellower water and incredible hiking opportunities at the Tana River Sand Dunes. As the river gains momentum, prepare for Alaska’s premier whitewater – massive waves and technical drops through towering canyons. Choose between our 4-day “Whitewater Express” culminating in a bush plane pickup at Jake’s Bar, or extend to 6 days to experience the scenic Chitina River.
Our professional guides bring extensive experience specific to the Tana’s unique challenges:
- Specialized Tana River training
- Swiftwater rescue certification
- Wilderness First Responder certification
- Years of Alaska river experience
- Intimate knowledge of river features
Choose between two distinctive experiences:
- 4-Day “Whitewater Express” with bush plane exit
- 6-Day Extended Journey including the Chitina River
- Custom dates available for private groups
- Combine with our Copper River Expedition for a one of a kind 12 a Alaska rafting experience
Contact us at 907-302-0688 to discuss creating your perfect Tana River experience.
-
What We Provide:
- Professional guide service
- Professional-grade dry suits
- All rafting and safety equipment
- Comprehensive safety training
- Camping equipment including tents (double occupancy)
- All meals from lunch day one through take-out
- Bush plane flights as specified
- Group camping gear
What to Bring:
- Personal items from packing list
- Sturdy water bottle
- Pre/post trip accommodations
- Transportation to McCarthy
- Medications (plus 2-day backup supply)
- Adventurous spirit
- Guide gratuity (15-20% recommended)
4-Day Tana River Expedition: $3,695 per person
- Includes bush plane flights in and out
6-Day Tana River Expedition: $4,035 per person
- Includes bush plane flight in, ground transport out
2025 Launch Dates:
- June 22
- July 11 (Combine with Copper Expedition for 12-day Source to Sea)
- August 7
Custom dates available upon request. Price includes all necessary gear and meals – no hidden fees.
-
Departure Time
10am
From Our Gallery
Be our guest and see this tour for yourself
Class IV-V Big Water Remote Alaska River Trip! The Next Big Alaska Whitewater River!
4-Day Tana River Whitewater Express
Day 0: Welcome to McCarthy
Your wilderness whitewater adventure begins in historic McCarthy. Join us at 4pm for a mandatory pre-trip meeting & Safety Check Off at our main office. Meet your expert guides and fellow adventurers as we review gear, discuss river safety, and prepare for tomorrow's journey into one of Alaska's most remote river valleys.
Day 1: Flight Day & Upper Valley
Morning brings the excitement of a spectacular bush plane flight into the upper Tana Valley. Touch down in pristine wilderness where your river journey begins. Navigate the braided channels of the upper river, where your guides demonstrate their expertise in reading these dynamic waterways. Evening finds us at our first camp, where stunning mountain vistas invite exploration of the surrounding wilderness.
Day 2: Sand Dunes & First Rapids
Begin your day exploring the remarkable Tana River Sand Dunes, a surprising desert-like landscape amid the Alaskan wilderness. By afternoon, encounter your first taste of Tana whitewater as the river begins to show its legendary character. Make camp above tomorrow's major rapids, where your guides cook dinner and conduct detailed safety briefings and tell stories around the campfire.
Day 3: The Heart of Tana Whitewater
Today brings the expedition's most challenging and exciting whitewater. After a thorough safety discussion, tackle "the meat" of the Tana River - a sequence of powerful rapids that rival the Grand Canyon in scale. Participate in one of Alaska's most dramatic river scouts before running these impressive rapids. End your day camping on an expansive Dryas plain with magnificent views of 16,000-foot Mount Blackburn dominating the northern horizon.
Day 4: Final Journey
Rise early for breakfast and final preparations. Float from the Tana onto the broader Chitina River before your mid-day bush plane pickup returns you to McCarthy, carrying memories of one of Alaska's premier whitewater adventures.
6-Day Tana River Expedition
Day 0: Welcome to McCarthy
Arrive in McCarthy by 4pm for our mandatory pre-trip meeting at the main office. Meet your guides and fellow adventurers while reviewing gear, completing your pre trip safety check off and preparation for tomorrow's launch into the wilderness.
Day 1: Flight Day & Upper Valley
Your adventure begins with a breathtaking bush plane flight into the upper Tana Valley. After touchdown, navigate the braided channels of the upper river, where silty water winds through countless gravel bars. Your first wilderness camp offers stunning views and evening exploration opportunities.
Day 2: Sand Dunes & First Rapids
Spend your morning hiking the extraordinary Tana River Sand Dunes, a unique geological feature in this glacial landscape. Afternoon brings your first encounter with Tana whitewater as the river begins to show its powerful character. Camp is made above tomorrow's major rapids, where guides share detailed briefings about the challenges ahead.
Day 3: The Heart of Tana Whitewater
Today features the expedition's most dramatic whitewater. After thorough scouting and safety discussions, navigate "the meat" of the Tana - a series of powerful rapids that showcase Alaska whitewater at its finest. End your day on an expansive Dryas plain with Mount Blackburn's 16,000-foot peak commanding the northern skyline.
Day 4: Jake's Bar Exploration
Watch for bears fishing near the Chakina River confluence as you enter a more relaxed section of river. Explore the historic cabins and airstrip at Jake's Bar, a reminder of earlier pioneers in this vast wilderness. Replenish water supplies from pristine mountain streams before making camp.
Day 5: Rivers & History
Continue your journey past the Tebay River, another prime wildlife viewing area where bears frequently fish. Explore the impressive Kuskulana River Delta and discover riverside historical sites that tell tales of Alaska's copper rush era. Your final wilderness camp offers time to reflect on the journey.
Day 6: Journey's End
Join the mighty Copper River for your final day on the water. Float past traditional fish wheels and dipnetters practicing ancient salmon harvesting methods. Arrive at O'Brien Creek in Chitina around noon, completing your epic journey through some of Alaska's most challenging and beautiful wilderness.
Note: This itinerary may vary based on water levels, weather conditions, and group interests. Your expert guides will adapt the journey to maximize both safety and the quality of your experience.