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Yellowstone River High Adventure Half-Day - Puma Raft Trip

Guided

Duration: 3 hours

This adventure isn't instantly bookable online, but may still be available

Features

Locally Owned
Wildlife
Shuttle Included
Free Cancellation
Instant Book
$150 Adult
(13+)

Description

High-Adventure Yellowstone River Whitewater Rafting – 8 Mile Paradise Puma Trip

Looking to turn up the excitement on your Yellowstone rafting adventure? Hop into one of Montana Whitewater's 11'6" Aire Puma rafts for a thrilling ride through the wildest stretch of the Yellowstone River! These smaller 2–3 person rafts are nimble, splashy, and full of fun—offering a more dynamic, high-adventure experience as they slice through rapids like Man-Eater Hole, Boonie’s Revenge, and Sleeping Giant. If you're looking for bigger hits and more action, the Puma is the boat for you.

This trip covers the same beautiful 8-mile stretch as our classic half-day trip, beginning just outside Yellowstone National Park where the Gardiner River meets the Yellowstone. You’ll paddle past the stunning Devil’s Slide and float through scenic flatwater sections ideal for swimming and relaxing—when you’re not laughing your way through the rapids! The smaller raft size makes this an especially great choice later in the summer when water levels drop, offering a more exciting ride for groups of two or three.

With epic mountain views, the chance to spot wildlife, and just minutes from both the put-in and take-out, this trip packs a punch. Whether you're craving a private rafting experience or just want to feel every splash, the Puma will have you hooked.

Duration

  1. 2-3 Hours door-to-door, water level dependent
  2. 1-1.5 hours of on-the-water time
  3. 8 miles on river
Season: July through September
Departure Times: 9AM, 10AM, 1PM, 2PM

Location / Where to Meet

Montana Whitewater - Gardiner Office
The Yellowstone River office is located in Gardiner at the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, just minutes from Mammoth Hot Springs. We are located on Main Street (Scott Street) on a riverfront property within walking distance from lodging and campgrounds in central Gardiner. You can even see some of the rapids from our backyard! 

Ages & Requirements

  • Ages 13+
  • 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.
Small boat sizes depend on weight (weight preference is roughly 500 lbs combined weight for guests, plus our guide).

What's Included

  1. Experienced raft guides
  2. All rafting & safety equipment
  3. Shuttle to/from the river from meeting location
We provide all necessary river gear free of charge, including:
  1. Farmer John-style wetsuits
  2. Neoprene booties
  3. Fleece layers
  4. Splash jackets
  5. River shoes (if needed)

Not Included

  1. Photos (available for purchase after your trip)
  2. Gratuity
  3. Lunch

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Bathing suit to wear under a wetsuit
  2. Quick-dry shorts and t-shirt (in warmer weather)
  3. Water sandals or secure shoes (no flip-flops)
  4. Towel and change of clothes for after your trip
  5. 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. It's very unusual that we don't 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 the rafting 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.

Cancellation Policy

Customers will receive a full refund with 48+ hours notice of cancellation from the trip time. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Any cancellations made within the 24-48 hours before your trip are subject to 50% penalty charges.
No-shows and cancellations made within 24 hours of the trip will be charged 100%.
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Availability

September 2025

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There is no instant booking availability for this adventure. Drop us a line using the contact form below and we'll do our best to help you book this adventure or suggest some alternative options

Reviews

Location

Address

603 Scott Street West

Gardiner, MT, 59030

US

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