Yellowstone: Whitewater Rafting 8-Mile Trip & Family Fun

Summary

Whitewater rapids, river swims and laughter near Gardiner

You’ll splash through Yellowstone’s rapids with a local guide, catch glimpses of wildlife along 8 miles of river, and even have time to swim if you’re brave enough for that mountain-cold water. Expect laughter, some nerves (at least at first), and views you’ll remember long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you’re suddenly right there — feet crunching gravel by the Yellowstone River, spray in the air, and someone (our guide, Jamie) is already cracking jokes about who’ll fall in first? That’s how our half-day whitewater rafting trip started, just outside Gardiner. The river looked wide and cold but not as wild as I’d pictured. My nephew was nervous; I pretended not to be. Jamie handed out wetsuits and helmets like we were about to join some secret club.

The first rapids hit sooner than I expected — Bridge Waves, I think Jamie called it — and water slapped me straight in the face. Not gonna lie, I yelped. It was loud out there: shouts from our raft, water smacking rocks, birds overhead. We floated through calmer stretches too, where the sun warmed my arms and Jamie pointed out Devil’s Slide on the hillside (it really does look like a giant playground slide). At one point he spotted a bald eagle gliding above us; everyone went quiet for a second except my niece who whispered “whoa.”

Somewhere between Loonie’s and Boonie’s Revenge (the names made us laugh), Jamie let us jump in for a swim. The water was colder than I thought — kind of shocking at first but then it felt good. My sister said she could smell sagebrush from the banks. By the time we reached Queen of the Waters and finally “the King,” we were soaked but grinning like fools. Back on shore, peeling off wetsuits felt clumsy but satisfying — like we’d earned it somehow. It wasn’t perfect; my nephew dropped his paddle once and Jamie just winked and fished it back.

I still think about that stretch of river sometimes — how fast everything moved but also how easy it was to just float for a minute and watch Montana roll by. If you’re looking for a day trip from Gardiner or want to try Yellowstone whitewater rafting with family (kids as young as six were there), this is probably your kind of thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yellowstone River Whitewater Rafting

• Arrive at Yellowstone River office in Gardiner
• Gear up for rafting trip
• Short bus drive to river launch
• Raft 8 miles on Yellowstone River
• Navigate Class 1-3 rapids and waves
• Enjoy views of Devil’s Slide and wildlife
• Float through flat water for swimming
• Return by bus to Yellowstone River office
• Gear down and end trip

Top questions

How long does the Yellowstone whitewater rafting trip take?

The trip covers about 8 miles on the river with 1–1.5 hours on water; total time including gear-up and transport is roughly 2.5–3 hours door-to-door.

What class are the rapids on this Yellowstone rafting tour?

The rapids range from Class 1 to Class 3 depending on current river levels; you can call ahead to check conditions.

Is this Yellowstone whitewater rafting trip suitable for kids?

Yes, children as young as six can join if they meet basic fitness requirements.

Where does the rafting trip start?

The trip starts in Gardiner at the north entrance to Yellowstone, right where Gardiner River meets Yellowstone River.

Are wetsuits and safety gear included?

Yes, wetsuit, booties, helmet, paddle, and splash top are all provided for every guest.

Can non-swimmers join this whitewater rafting tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended; non-swimmers should discuss their concerns with staff before booking.

Will we see wildlife during the raft trip?

You might spot animals like bald eagles or river otters along the way—though sightings aren’t guaranteed.

How far is Gardiner from Mammoth Hot Springs?

The office is just minutes away from Mammoth Hot Springs in central Gardiner.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary rafting equipment—wetsuit, booties, helmet, paddle, splash top—and an 8-mile guided raft trip down the Yellowstone River with pickup from central Gardiner before returning after your adventure.