Yellowstone Scenic River Rafting Trips

In case you didn't realize it, Yellowstone National Park - and the adjoining mountain ranges to its south - are the source for 3 of our nation's largest river systems.

They are the Snake/Columbia River (tributary to the Columbia in Washington State), the Missouri River (whose tributaries include the Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone and Wind/Bighorn Rivers) and the Colorado River (whose main tributary, the Green River, begins about 50 miles south of Yellowstone's border in the Wind River Wilderness).

With all this virgin water flowing through river valleys, there are ample opportunities for vacationers to enjoy a pleasure float, either self-guided with your own watercraft, or with a locally-permitted outfitter or guide. Unlike whitewater sections of rivers that capitalize on fast moving chutes, large boulder swells and swift currents, scenic floats take place on calm sections of waterways and offer guests a more leisurely and quiet experience.

Besides just sitting back and listening to the natural sounds of birds chirping and the grass swaying in the gentle breeze, participants in these floats enjoy access to prime riparian habitats ideal for spotting and photographing all kinds of wildlife. Depending on the river you select for such a trip, it isn't uncommon to view moose, elk, deer, antelope, eagles, osprey, beavers and the occasional river otter in a typical early morning or late evening float.

Companies typically have age minimums so be sure to check ahead of time if you are traveling with children. Pricing for trips fall into the $25-50 per person range, and depend on options you select that may include transportation, included meals, and a child's age. Like their whitewater counterparts, scenic trips can often be combined in a package with additional activities such as a short horseback trail ride or overnight campout.

If you have a love of wildlife, scenic vistas, photography, and the sound of running water, a scenic float trip in any of the Yellowstone gateways is just right for your next Yellowstone vacation.