Yellowstone National Park White Water Rafting, Whitewater Trips

From “mild to wild”, no trip to the Yellowstone region is complete without the fun and exhilaration of a whitewater rafting adventure.

• Rafting, kayaking or canoeing rivers is forbidden inside Park boundaries.
• There are a number of whitewater rafting outfitters and guides in all of the gateway communities surrounding the Park.
• The major certainty in whitewater rafting in the Yellowstone Park region is that you WILL get wet.

Overview
Waterways are often at the heart of some of Yellowstone's most dramatic landscapes, which is why the Park Service strictly regulates how these bodies of water can be used by the public.

Rafting, kayaking or canoeing rivers is forbidden inside park boundaries. However, commercial trips take place in the gateway communities outside each entrance.

Rentals and Fees
Trips in most gateway communities range from $30-55 per person for a 2-3 hour float. Many include transportation to and from a river location; some include meals and wet suit rentals. All trips promise a fun experience for everyone on board.

Depending on the size of your group, some rafting companies offer discounts for pre-season bookings, and often extend preferred pricing to some of their other related activities such as kayaking lessons, raft rentals, horseback rides, overnight packages and meal plans.

The minimum age for children, (generally six for most of the season) may be elevated during brief periods of cold, high water in early summer.

Best Places to go Whitewater Rafting
The main rivers coming out of the Park are

Yellowstone (leaving the North Entrance through Gardiner, MT)

Shoshone (leaving the East Entrance toward Cody, WY)

Stillwater (leaving the Northeast Entrance through Red Lodge and Absarokee, MT)

Snake (leaving the South Entrance on its way to Jackson Hole, first passing through Grand Teton National Park)

Gallatin River (leaving the West Entrance north of West Yellowstone through Big Sky on the way to Bozeman, MT)

All of the above rivers have excellent areas for whitewater rafting, as well as calmer water for those who would enjoy a “scenic float”.

Hire a Guide
Guides are an essential part of any Yellowstone whitewater rafting experience. You can pick from any number of outfitters and guides in all of the gateway communities surrounding the Park.

There is much more to know and much more to be able to do than simply jumping in a raft and riding it as it hurls itself through high rapids and between rocky ledges. An experienced guide makes it look easy as he/she gives you instructions on paddling and navigates the raft through wild water.

All guides are versed in first aid should anything unforeseen happen.

Experienced guides know how to give you the adventure of a lifetime, with all the water, thrills and fun that you can handle.

Safety Precautions
It’s important that you’re ready when you hit the water — and the biggest rule in whitewater rafting in the Yellowstone Park region is that you WILL get wet. Follow these three rules — along with any other rules of your outfitter — and you’ll have the time of your life.  

• Don’t wear something that’s not comfortable or that won’t hold up wet. Opt for a t-shirt and shorts and a pair of river sandals, or the best idea, a wet suit.
• Don’t bring expensive camera gear. If you’re looking to capture your adventurous side on film, pick up a waterproof disposable camera.
• The Yellowstone Park area is high country, which means you’re closer to the sun. Combine that with water reflections and wet skin and you’re talking about a nasty sunburn. Wear plenty of waterproof sunscreen — you’ll be glad you did.