Yellowstone River Full Day Paradise Raft Trip - Private Raft
GuidedDuration: 6 hours
Features
Description
Yellowstone River Whitewater Rafting – Full Day Paradise Trip - Private Raft
Looking for a full-day adventure that showcases the best of Yellowstone’s stunning landscapes? This family-friendly rafting trip is the perfect way to experience the beauty and excitement of the Yellowstone River. Beginning right at the northern border of Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana, your rafting trip starts where the Gardiner River meets the Yellowstone and flows into the iconic Paradise Valley.
Spend the morning paddling the fun and splashy “Gardiner Town Stretch,” a wide, high-volume section with a mix of Class I–III rapids and calmer stretches ideal for swimming. Surrounded by views of the Absaroka and Gallatin Ranges, this stretch offers unforgettable scenery, from rugged cliffs to rolling hills—and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like elk, bald eagles, osprey, and even river otters.
Around midday, we’ll stop on a scenic riverbank for a delicious catered lunch from a favorite local café, where you can relax, take in the views, and refuel for the afternoon ahead. After lunch, your adventure continues into the legendary Yankee Jim Canyon. This breathtaking section of river features some of the best scenery in the region—towering canyon walls, crystal-clear pools, and splashy rapids that keep the excitement going until the very end.
With a full day of paddling, swimming, relaxing, and soaking in the dramatic landscapes of Yellowstone Country, this trip is perfect for families, first-time rafters, and anyone looking to connect with the wild beauty of Montana’s great outdoors.
Duration
- 5-6 hours door-to-door, water level dependent
- 18 miles or river
Location / Where to Meet
Ages & Requirements
- Ages 8+
- All rafters must fit into a 56-inch chest-size personal flotation device.
- All rafters must be in reasonably good physical condition. People with health concerns should consult a physician prior to booking a trip.
- All participants must demonstrate the ability to follow directions from the guides before being allowed on the trip.
What's Included
- Experienced raft guides
- All rafting & safety equipment
- Riverside lunch
- Private raft for 1-6 guests
- Farmer John-style wetsuits
- Neoprene booties
- Fleece layers
- Splash jackets
- River shoes (if needed)
Not Included
- Photos (available for purchase after your trip)
- Gratuity
What to Bring / Wear
- Bathing suit to wear under a wetsuit
- Quick-dry shorts and t-shirt (in warmer weather)
- Water sandals or secure shoes (no flip-flops)
- Towel and change of clothes for after your trip
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (with a strap)
See our FAQs for more seasonal tips and gear recommendations!
Whitewater Rafting Yellowstone River
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Montana Whitewater - Yellowstone
FAQs
Is there a minimum number of guests?
Our trips require a minimum of 4 guests. Booking a private raft ensures that we meet the minimum.
Are your guides certified?
Every guide is certified in CPR & Swift Water Rescue (industry standard) as well as at minimum Wilderness First Aid certified (ABOVE industry standard!). Our staff often upgrade to Wilderness First Responders or EMT certifications as well!
Does this trip enter Yellowstone National Park?
This trip does not enter the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park. It is the closest rafting to Yellowstone National Park.
What is your season like?
May can be beautiful but it can also be snowy or cold. It has varying water levels, as the water is coming up at this time of year. June brings full on high water and warm sunny days, with chilly nights. July is usually always sunny and warm, and water levels begin to drop. August starts getting a little chilly at night, with lower water. The weather in September can be spectacular but with low water.
What is the difference between the Gallatin and the Yellowstone Rivers?
The Gallatin River is a rocky, mountain whitewater river which make it a technical raft ride. It runs north through a canyon surrounded by lodge pole pine forest and rock outcroppings along Highway 191 between Big Sky and Gallatin Gateway. The Gallatin runs class IV+ at high water and class III during July and August.
The Yellowstone River is a high volume river that runs through a wide valley with rolling wave rapids. Our Yellowstone River trip starts in Gardiner where the river flows north along Highway 89. We recommend the Yellowstone for anyone who is a first time rafter or a little nervous about rafting. It’s fun but not scary!
What should I wear whitewater rafting?
No matter the time of year, we provide you with farmer John wetsuits, neoprene booties, fleece, and splash jackets, all free of charge.
If you are rafting with us in May or June, you most likely will be wearing all the gear that we provide. In the early season, the river temperatures are chilly, even if the air temperatures are warm. The rivers warm up in July and August, but you are still welcome to use our gear if you get cold easily. Bring a bathing suit to wear under a wetsuit.
As the summer progresses, you will find that shorts, t-shirts, and water sandals are suitable for your raft trip. If you don’t have your own river shoes or sandals, feel free to borrow ours (washed after every use!).
We provide changing rooms and all the gear you need before you head out on your trip. Our guides will help you pick out what is needed and make sure you get the correct sizes.
Our gear is top of the line and washed after each use. We don’t charge for gear rental because we want you to have the best experience possible and not worry about hidden fees. Show up with a bathing suit, shorts, t-shirt, and sandals or shoes and we’ll take care of the rest!
There are times when we offer the gear but it is not mandatory. People who are cold by nature will appreciate it while the hardy folk will go without and be quite comfortable. If you are from somewhere warm, we are happy to bundle you up.
What kind of lunch is served on the full day?
We partner with a local business that provides a choice of sandwich boxes. Fill up on ham, turkey, PB&J, or veggie sandwiches. Chow down on chips, cookies and lemonade! We won’t stop you! We are sensitive and accommodating to dietary restrictions- just let us know.
Cancellation Policy
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
603 Scott Street West
Gardiner, MT, 59030
US
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