Yellowstone River whitewater rafting: Class 1-3 rapids, kids 6+
Eight miles of rolling waves, named rapids, and a float through calm water
A half-day whitewater rafting trip on the Yellowstone River in Gardiner starts at the northern border of Yellowstone National Park where the Gardiner River meets the main river. You paddle Class 1-3 rapids (water level dependent) including Bridge Waves, Man Eater, Loonie's and Boonie's Revenge, Queen of the Waters, and the KING, then float through flat stretches for swimming and relaxing. The trip runs eight miles over roughly 1-1.5 hours on the water, with 2.5-3 hours total door-to-door including gear setup, a short bus ride to the put-in, and gear down. Children as young as 6 can join; call ahead to confirm current river conditions before booking.
The Experience
You start at the Gardiner office on Main Street, a riverfront property within walking distance of lodging and campgrounds in central Gardiner. The whole operation takes about 15 minutes by bus round-trip to and from the river, leaving most of your time on the water. Gear up in a wetsuit, booties, helmet and splash top—everything is provided—then paddle into rolling wave rapids that shift in size depending on water levels. The Yellowstone is a high-volume river that works for first-time rafters and families with mixed ages and abilities.
The named rapids—Bridge Waves, Man Eater, Loonie's and Boonie's Revenge, Queen of the Waters, and the KING—come in sequence, broken up by flat-water stretches where you can float, swim or just take in the view. Devil's Slide is visible from the river. Wildlife like river otters and bald eagles show up often enough that spotting them is part of the day. Water levels change the size of the rapids, so the trip stays fun whether the river is running high or low; call the office directly to ask about current conditions before you book.
The whole thing wraps in time for an afternoon in Mammoth Hot Springs or back in Gardiner. You're minutes from the North Entrance to Yellowstone, so this works as a standalone half-day or as part of a longer park visit. A live guide in English leads the trip and handles the boat; you bring the paddle and the willingness to get wet.
What’s included
- Wetsuit, booties, helmet, paddle and splash top.
- live guide in English.
- eight miles of paddling on the Yellowstone River with access to flat-water swimming stretches.
- views of Devil's Slide and chances to spot river otters and bald eagles.
Operated by Montana Whitewater Rafting and Yellowstone ZipLine
Is this one for you?You have a free afternoon and want to get on the water without spending hours driving or planning logistics. The short bus ride from the Gardiner office means you're paddling within minutes, and the mix of named rapids and calm floats keeps the day moving without exhausting you or your kids.
Traveler reviews
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Top questions
Can I bring my six-year-old on this Yellowstone rafting trip?
Yes, children as young as 6 are welcome on the half-day Yellowstone River trip. Call the Gardiner office to confirm current water levels and rapids conditions before booking, since the difficulty shifts with river flow.
What do I need to bring for the whitewater rafting in Gardiner?
Bring nothing—the trip provides wetsuit, booties, helmet, paddle and splash top. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and bring a towel and dry clothes for after. The office is on Main Street in Gardiner, walking distance from lodging, so you can change there or head back to your hotel.
How long is the actual rafting on the Yellowstone River?
You spend roughly 1-1.5 hours paddling on the water, depending on water levels. The full trip from office to river and back runs 2.5-3 hours door-to-door, with about 15 minutes of bus time round-trip and time for gear setup and down.
What are the rapids like on this half-day Yellowstone trip?
The Yellowstone River runs Class 1-3 rapids (difficulty depends on water levels), including named sections like Bridge Waves, Man Eater, Loonie's and Boonie's Revenge, Queen of the Waters, and the KING. Between the rapids are flat-water stretches where you can float and swim. The trip covers eight miles total.
Will I see wildlife on the Yellowstone River rafting trip?
River otters and bald eagles show up regularly on the Yellowstone. You'll also see Devil's Slide from the water. Sightings depend on the day and the season, but wildlife viewing is part of what makes the float sections worthwhile.
Is this rafting trip good for someone who's never rafted before?
Yes—the half-day Yellowstone trip is designed for first-time rafters and families with a wide range of ages and abilities. The Class 1-3 rapids are manageable for beginners, and the flat-water sections give you time to relax and enjoy the river.
Yellowstone River whitewater rafting: Class 1-3 rapids, kids 6+
3h · EN
from US$ 92 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.95463 reviews
