Full Send: How to Experience Yellowstone White Water Rafting
There’s a reason Yellowstone white water rafting tops bucket lists all over the world. Between the jaw-dropping scenery and the heart-pounding adventure, it’s truly epic! In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about whitewater rafting in Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most unique places in the entire world.
With steaming geysers and other geothermal features, impressive waterfalls, incredible wildlife, and epic hiking and camping opportunities, it’s no wonder the park draws well over four million visitors each year.
Also unsurprisingly, one of the most popular Montana bucket list adventures is Yellowstone white water rafting. Being a HUGE park surrounded by spectacular scenery, rafting is one of the best things to do near Yellowstone to soak it all in (much like getting on the Snake River in Grand Teton!).
Fortunately, no special skills, experience, or permits are required for Yellowstone white water rafting. In fact, it’s a great activity for the whole family!
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Jump ahead to:
Can I go Rafting in Yellowstone National Park?
First things first: can you even technically go whitewater rafting in Yellowstone National Park?
Technically, no—but you can get really, really close.
ALL Yellowstone white water rafting trips happen on a section of the pristine Yellowstone River (the longest undammed river in the Lower 48!) bordering the northern part of the park.
The river here is ideal for both scenic floats or a whitewater trip, consistently offering class II and class III rapids.
So while there’s technically no rafting *in* Yellowstone National Park, you’ll get to experience part of its less-visited backcountry from an unforgettable perspective. The beauty of the Yellowstone River really is unmatched!
Yellowstone white water rafting trips depart from Gardiner, just outside the park’s North Entrance. From there, they head northwest, into Paradise Valley.
Depending on which specific excursion you choose (more on that later!), you’ll be on the water for anywhere from 2-5 hours.
Looking for whitewater trips closer to West Yellowstone? Some outfitters raft the Gallatin River and Madison River in outlying areas, closer to Big Sky. While we primarily cover the Yellowstone River, we’ll tell you how to take one of those bucket list experiences, too!
Yellowstone White Water Rafting at a Glance
- Location: Gardiner, Montana, just outside the north entrance to Yellowstone (other options available near West Yellowstone and Big Sky)
- Distance: 8-18 miles, depending on the exact white-water experience you choose
- Difficulty: Easy; no special skills or experience required
- Time required: 2-5 hours, with some companies offering overnight trips
- Approximate cost: Starting at approximately $60 for adults + $50 for children
Know Before You Go
White water rafting near Yellowstone is a bucket list experience. On your adventure, you’ll travel 8-18 miles on the legendary Yellowstone River through incredible scenery.
While you’ll do some paddling, your experienced guide will do most of the work, pointing out interesting natural features and (hopefully!) wildlife like bald eagles, deer, or bears along the way.
Here’s everything you need to know about white water rafting near Yellowstone.
Best Time of Year for Yellowstone White Water Rafting
Summer is the best time to go whitewater rafting in Yellowstone (and really, the only time you can go!). Most outfitters run rafting trips from around Memorial Day through September or October.
One thing to keep in mind is that the date of your trip dictates the type of rafting you experience.
The river is higher (and therefore, faster, with more thrilling rapids) earlier in the season, typically May and June. Later in the summer, much of the snowmelt is gone and water levels have come down, resulting in calm waters and gentler rolling wave rapids.
How Long Does Yellowstone White Water Rafting Take?
Depending on the specific raft trip you choose, you’ll be on the river from anywhere from 2-5 hours of non-stop fun. Most 8-mile trips spend 2-3 hours on the water, while 18-mile trips require 5-6 hours.
These trip times apply to all three rivers in the greater Yellowstone area: the Yellowstone, Gallatin, and Madison.
How Difficult is White Water Rafting Near Yellowstone?
This stretch of the Yellowstone River has gentle Class II and Class III rapids with calm stretches of water, making it a perfect introductory white water rafting trip for anyone. Most river outfitters require children to be at least six years old.
Yellowstone White Water Rafting Outfitters (Yellowstone River)
There are a variety of trips when it comes to Yellowstone whitewater rafting. As a bonus, all the outfitters are longtime locals and many of them are family-owned!
We personally went rafting with the expert guides at Flying Pig Adventures (thanks again, y’all!), but you’ll be in good hands with any one of the outfitters on this list.
- Flying Pig Adventures: 8-mile, 18-mile, overnight, and scenic float trip options. Fly fishing and options for a trail ride also offered. May — end of August
- Wild West Whitewater Rafting: Half-day trips, (8 miles), full day (18 miles), and overnight trips, plus private charters. In May and June, hardcore paddlers can book the 6-hour ‘Small Boat Big Water’ tour for when the river is running high and fast. May — October 1
- Montana Whitewater: 6-, 8-, and 18-mile trips, plus a one-of-a-kind 2-hour ‘Express Whitewater’ trip and inflatable kayak tours. Full day trips include lunch and go through the renowned Jim Yankee Canyon. May — September 15
- Paradise Adventure Company: 8-mile, 18-mile, and scenic float trips. Paradise also offers horseback riding and Montana-style glamping in Gardiner. May — October 1
West Yellowstone White water Rafting Trips
If you’re staying closer to West Yellowstone (or want your own Legends of the Fall moment!), you may prefer to go rafting on the Madison or Gallatin River.
Keep in mind, these options are a bit further outside the park, about an hour drive from West Yellowstone. Both rivers are also smaller than the Yellowstone, but you’ll still have an unforgettable trip through breathtaking scenery.
- Montana Whitewater Rafting (Gallatin River): Half day and full day trips ranging from ‘least challenging’ to ‘MORE challenging’ as well as small group inflatable kayak tours. You can also book a private tour or combo trips with a zip line tour at a discounted rate.
- Montana Whitewater Rafting (Madison River): One of just two outfitters allowed to run trips on the Madison! This 10-mile trip is by special permit only, and offers a little of everything, including Class III and IV rapids. A riverside picnic lunch is included.
The Madison is actually best known as a tubing destination! For a fun experience in the Bozeman area, book a summer tubing trip!
Tips for Rafting the Yellowstone
- Dress in layers. Regardless of what the weather looks and feels like, Montana is notorious for wild, rapid weather swings. We recommend lightweight pants or shorts and long sleeves, and a light jacket you can put on or take off as needed (yes, even in peak summer heat!).
- The people in the front of the raft get the wettest!
- Don’t count on getting photos. Because you’re actively paddling, it’s extremely difficult to take photos or video while on the river. If that’s important to you, consider using a GoPro with a wearable mount.
- Wear water shoes. Whether it’s a sneaker-style or sandals like Chacos, having grippy water-friendly shoes will help you get in and out of the boat (and generally just be more comfy!)
- Bring cash to tip your guide. They work HARD! 15-20% of your tour total is appropriate.
INTERESTED IN MORE YELLOWSTONE CONTENT? OR MONTANA AND WYOMING AS A WHOLE?
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- Complete guide to the national parks annual pass
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