Montana Whitewater Half Day Raft Trip - Yellowstone River

Gardiner , United States

Montana Whitewater Half Day Raft Trip - Yellowstone River

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(375 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Our Half Day Classic Raft trip begins at the northern border of Yellowstone National Park, right where the Gardiner River converges with the mighty Yellowstone River. This trip is fun for the whole family as we run Class 1-3 (water level dependent, call our office to ask about current river conditions) and take children as young as 6!
Ride the waves at Bridge Waves, Man Eater, Loonie's and Boonie's Revenge, Queen of the Waters, and the KING! Take in the breathtaking view of Devil’s Slide. Float through some flat water stretches that are great for swimming and relaxing. This trip is great for first time rafters or family groups with wide age and ability ranges. This trip is 8 miles on the river, roughly 1-1.5 hours of on the water fun depending on water levels (CFS), and roughly 2.5-3 hours door-to-door. This includes gear up, gear down, and a short drive to and from the river, no more than 15 minutes total in the bus, round trip!

Available options

8 Mile Whitewater Rafting

What's included

Wetsuit, Booties, Helmet, Paddle, Splash Top

Yellowstone River Raft Trip

What's not included

Hotel pick-up and drop off

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

63 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

312 reviews

5★

307

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Please arrive at our Yellowstone River office at 603 Scott Street Gardiner, MT 59030 across from the Super 8 and right outside the North Entrance to YNP!

About Gardiner

Gardiner, Montana, is a charming gateway town to Yellowstone National Park. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich wildlife, and historic charm, Gardiner offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and small-town hospitality. It's the northern entrance to Yellowstone, providing easy access to some of the park's most iconic sights and activities.

Top Attractions

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first national park in the world. It is known for its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots, as well as its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Nature Multiple days recommended Entry fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Yellowstone River

The Yellowstone River flows through Gardiner and offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, rafting, and wildlife viewing. The river is home to a diverse range of fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers.

Nature Half day to full day Varies by activity and tour operator

Sacajawea Statue

The Sacajawea Statue is a tribute to the Shoshone woman who accompanied the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The statue is located in a small park in downtown Gardiner and offers a glimpse into the region's rich history.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Absaroka Mountain Range

The Absaroka Mountain Range is a stunning backdrop to Gardiner, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The range is known for its rugged peaks, dense forests, and diverse wildlife.

Nature Half day to full day Free (unless using a tour operator)

Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native wildlife. The sanctuary offers educational programs and guided tours, providing visitors with an up-close look at the region's diverse wildlife.

Nature 1-2 hours $10-$20 per person

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bison Burger

A classic American burger made with locally sourced bison meat, often topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and huckleberry sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, can be made gluten-free upon request

Huckleberry Pie

A sweet and tangy pie made with wild huckleberries, a local favorite in Montana.

Dessert Contains gluten, can be made with gluten-free crust upon request

Trout Almondine

A delicate dish featuring fresh trout fillets cooked in butter and topped with toasted almonds and lemon.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and dairy, can be made gluten-free upon request

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Whitewater rafting Horseback riding Wildlife viewing Fishing Picnicking Scenic drives

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Gardiner, offering the best weather for outdoor activities and easy access to Yellowstone National Park. The town is bustling with visitors, and all attractions and facilities are fully operational.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

Gardiner is a generally safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming community. However, visitors should exercise caution when exploring the great outdoors, as wildlife encounters and natural hazards can pose a risk. Additionally, visitors should be aware of potential scams and pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when exploring the great outdoors, and be aware of wildlife and natural hazards
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas
• Research and choose reputable tour operators and guides

Getting there

By air

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport • 90 km (56 miles)
Billings Logan International Airport • 320 km (200 miles)

By train

Gardiner Amtrak Station

By bus

Gardiner Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Shuttle services are available for visitors without private transportation, offering scheduled trips to popular attractions and nearby locations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Local taxi companies do not operate via apps; phone booking is required

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Gardiner Yellowstone Gateway Absaroka Foothills

Day trips

Livingston

50 km (31 miles) • Half day to full day

Livingston is a charming town located along the Yellowstone River, offering a variety of historical sites, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Bozeman

90 km (56 miles) • Full day

Bozeman is a vibrant college town located in the heart of Montana, offering a variety of cultural attractions, shopping, and dining options.

Big Sky

100 km (62 miles) • Full day

Big Sky is a popular resort destination located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, offering a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities and luxury accommodations.

Festivals

Gardiner Music Festival • July Yellowstone Wildlife Festival • May Montana Folk Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit Yellowstone National Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and see wildlife at its most active
Pack layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions, as temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day
Bring bear spray and know how to use it when hiking or exploring the great outdoors in bear country
Book accommodations and popular tours well in advance, especially during peak season, as they can sell out quickly
Explore the town's historic downtown and support local businesses by shopping and dining locally