Tana River Rafting Expeditions – 4 & 6 Days
per person
Epic Tana River Whitewater in the heart of Alaska's Wilderness
Embark on an unforgettable whitewater journey down the pristine Tana River in Alaska’s stunningly remote Wrangell-St Elias National Park. Feel your adrenaline rush as you raft through iconic gorges and rapid drops, discovering a wild and breathtaking landscape full of towering mountains and rugged, whitewater filled canyons. Join the experienced team at McCarthy River Tours as we take you on an unforgettable adventure through some of the most spectacular scenery on our planet.
Wild & Untamed Alaska Rafting
Experience the breathtaking beauty of this remote landscape as you paddle and drift through untamed rapids and glacial run-off. With more Tana trips than any other guide service, you can trust that you’re in good hands with the most experienced company to explore this wild stretch of river. Take in majestic views of the Chugach Mountains, gaze up at massive snow capped peaks, and venture into parts of the state rarely seen by modern travelers. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime chance to raft world-class whitewater in one of North America’s last wild places!
Known for its large volume and even bigger rapids, the Tana River is often compared to the Grand Canyon in style and size, the rapids provide excitement that any adventure seeker can sate themselves with. Being remote and untamed, the Tana offers rafters the embodiment of Alaska whitewater… big, fast, and cold!
Difficulty Level: Challenging
This adventure is for those familiar with challenging whitewater and want the ultimate remote, Alaskan wilderness whitewater river experience. Great for travelers that have experienced the Grand Canyon or other high adventure river expeditions. These trips require additional river safety training conducted on the Kennicott River the day before the launch.
2025 Group Launch Dates – 4 & 6 Day Tana Expeditions
- June 22
- July 11 – Combine with our July Copper Expedition to make it a 12 day Source to Sea!
- August 7
2025 Trip Price – Our Fully Outfitted prices contain no hidden fees, the price here is what you will pay at booking
- 4 Day Expedition: $3695 Per Person Fly in/Fly out
- 6 Day Expedition: $4035 Per Person Fly In with pick up in Chitina
Custom Dates & Pricing Available
- Bush plane flight to put in with some of Alaska’s premier pilots – 4 days also include bush plane pick-up.
- Alaska’s best undiscovered glacial whitewater – Class IV Grand Canyonesque waves and drops
- Towering views of multiple 16,000+ foot mountains
- Multiple fantastic hiking and exploring opportunities
- Hearty, filling meals featuring locally sourced meats and veggies
- Immerse yourself in some of North America’s wildest mountains
We begin our trip by exploring the surroundings of this beautiful and unique area. The first day and a half on the river is fairly mellow and braided with excellent hiking opportunities on the Tana River Sand Dunes. On day two and three the sheer power of the river meets us, enjoy the ride as your guide expertly rows you through the big waves or if you like, we’ll bring a paddle boat along and you can enjoy the ride while digging your paddle into some of Alaska’s premier whitewater.
4 Day “Whitewater Express” Tours – Take out via air taxi at Jakes Bar, just after the confluence with the Chitina River
6 Day Tours – Continue another 50 miles down the scenic Chitina River to our next road access at O’Brien Creek on the Copper River.
- Dry-suit
- Rafts
- Expert guides
- Personal floatation device (PFD)
- Helmet
- River shoes
- Food from lunch day one until take-out day
- Group gear (kitchen, group shelter, river toilet, etc.)
- All bush plane flights
- Tents assigned on double occupancy. You may request a private tent for an additional cost.
- Lodging pre/post river
- Transport to/from McCarthy
- All Items Listed on our Packing List
- STURDY WATER BOTTLE!
- Adventurous Spirit
- Any Medications you may require plus 2 days extra in case of delays
- Gratuity for your Guide (10-20% of trip cost is recommended)
Custom launch dates are also available. Call us @ 907-302-0688 to inquire.
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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
- Day 0 - Travel Day
- Arrive in McCarthy no later than 6pm
- Mandatory 6pm pre-trip meeting conducted at our main office.
- Day 1 - Fly out & Launch day
- 25 minute Morning flight to the upper Tana Valley.
- Float the numerous & shallow braids of the upper river.
- Soaring views and great evening wandering at camp 1.
- Day 2 - River Day
- Hike the extraordinary Tana River Sand Dunes.
- Run the first rapids of the trip.
- Camp just above the biggest rapids on the river.
- Day 3 - Rapid Day
- Run "the meat" of the Tana river.
- Embark on one of the most epic river scouts in Alaska.
- Camp on an expansive Dryas plain, with views to the north of 16,000ft Mount Blackburn.
- Day 4 - Take Out Day
- Early rise and breakfast.
- Leave the Tana River & float onto the Chitina River.
- Midday Bush Plane shuttle back to McCarthy.
6 Day Tana
- Day 0 - Travel Day
- Arrive in McCarthy no later than 6pm
- Mandatory 6pm pre-trip meeting conducted at our main office.
- Day 1 - Fly out & Launch day
- 25 minute Morning flight to the upper Tana Valley.
- Float the numerous & shallow braids of the upper river.
- Soaring views and great evening wandering at camp 1.
- Day 2 - River Day
- Hike the extraordinary Tana River Sand Dunes.
- Run the first rapids of the trip.
- Camp just above the biggest rapids on the river.
- Day 3 - Rapid Day
- Run "the meat" of the Tana river.
- Embark on one of the most epic river scouts in Alaska.
- Camp on an expansive Dryas plain, with views to the north of 16,000ft Mount Blackburn.
- Day 4 - River Day
- Spot for bears at the mouth of the Chakina River.
- Explore the cabins & airstrip at Jake's Bar.
- Refill Water Jugs with crystal clear mountain water.
- Day 5 - River Day
- Spot for bears at the Tebay River
- Explore the Kuskulana River Delta
- Check out riverside historical sites.
- Day 6 - Take Out Day
- Float onto the Copper River.
- Float past dipnetters and fish wheels.
- Take out at O'Brien Creek in Chitina at noon.